Many returned to old habits and obsessions in 2020, myself included. Some may have started watching old shows or biting their nails, I found myself creeping back into my craze for One Direction. Though Harry, Liam, Zayn, Louis, and Niall had stayed in my heart all these years I did not listen to them as religiously when their hiatus began but 2020’s quarantine had changed that. Song lyrics came flooding back the second I hit play on my spotify playlist. To pay my gratitude to the boys and the crazy past year I found it fitting to rank the top ten songs in my favorite album FOUR. The album has a range from songs to scream in the car to and to cry at night to.
10. Act My Age
In tenth place is the fun and festive “Act My Age”. The song tells the story of a married couple continuing their story by not acting their age. The lyric “I’ll still feel the same about you.” shows the couples consistent connection. The song has a distinct Irish sound which connects back to band member Niall’s culture and ethnicity. The song delivers a feeling of comfort and connection to the streamers.
9. Steal My Girl
“Steal My Girl”, not quite as upbeat as “Act my Age”, tells the story of having the perfect significant other to the point where everyone else chases after her. Many think the “girl” is not an actual girl but the entire One Direction fandom.
8. Clouds
In 8th place comes “Clouds”. The song embodies becoming a better version of oneself after a breakup. The lyrics can be interpreted as being so happy that you’re looking down at clouds. This song is perfect for those on a mission of self discovery after a loss.
7. Girl Almighty
“Girl Almighty” is arguably one of the hardest One Direction songs to understand. It is the perfect song to dance alone in your room on a Friday night to. The lyric “I’d get down on my knees for you” can be seen as someone bowing down to another person or proposing. The lyrics at times are incredibly confusing. “Her light is as loud as many ambulances as it takes to save a savior”. The lyrics here are very open to interpretation but nevertheless it is still a great song.
6. Stockholm Syndrome
“Stockholm Syndrome” is the type of song you could have on repeat for hours and still not get tired of. It tells the story of an attachment to someone comparing it to the actual Stockholm syndrome, the bond or feeling of trust found in hostages towards their captors. The song inarguably has one of the best build up and climaxes in the album.
5. No Control
In fifth place comes “No Control”. The song is upbeat and is a perfect song to scream in the car. The meaning behind this song is to have no control of who and when you love. “No Control” is a great song to let loose to.
4. 18
In fourth place comes the very admirable song “18” . 18 tells the story of a type of love everyone would want,childhood friendship turning into love. The confession of feelings takes place during the song leaving streamers wanting more.
3. Fireproof
In third places comes the beautifully crafted song “Fireproof”. The song establishes love completely consuming a person. It also illustrates no one knowing the two people in love more than they do. The people in it have an undeniable connection that most yearn to have.
2. Night Changes
In second place comes the masterpiece “Night Changes”. The song demonstrates through meticulous lyrics living in the moment because it is unknown how fast everything can change. It establishes an understanding of truly living and cherishing being young but accepting that change will come. The song embodies how time will change certain factors but not change relationships.
1. Fools Gold
Finally in first place comes “Fool’s Gold”. The song is calm and melodious. The song demonstrates falling over and over again for someone or something that will at the end of the day hurt you. The song relays a type of pain that most will feel at some point, leaving it superior over the rest.
After all is said and done the album is close to flawless. Honorable mentions include the song “Spaces” and the song “Illusion” both with a beautiful craft.