Rating: 3.5
The five boys of One Direction are at it again!
Since the “unexpected” leakage of the music video of the “YOLO” song Live While We’re Young came out last September, fans of all ages have been waiting for the sophomore album of the English-Irish boy band.
Together with artists such as Edward Sheeran, and Mcfly’s Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones and Dougie Poynter, the group’s new album, Take Me Home, has become the perfect Christmas present for all Directioners. Fans of Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan, whose voices were scarcely heard in their first album are in for an extra treat has both finally get a share of the limelight.
Take Me Home is reminiscent of 90’s boy bands (minus the dancing), but is in no way old. It is a fresh and unique take that only One Direction could pull off.
Technique and vocals considered, most of the songs in Take Me Home are promising singles and chart-toppers. The lyrics though, have remained lovey-dovey and relationship-centered, which have become plain and close to cliché, similar to Up All Night.
One Direction did not, however, abscond from the poppy and lively side of the group we are all familiar with. Songs with addictive and repetitive tones and lyrics (which are quite annoying at times) such as Kiss You, C’Mon, C’Mon, I Would, and Back For You stayed faithful to their debut album and reputation. Kiss You is the catchiest and the most upbeat of the list, a the possible successor of Live While We’re Young. Severe head-bopping, hip-swaying, lip-syncing and last-song syndromes may be experienced, which makes the song a good follow-up to Up All Night.
As much as we know One Direction as an electro-pop and pop-rock group, the five teens have introduced themselves differently in this album. 1D emphasized the beauty of acoustic music and ballads, with simple and few rhythm instruments to accompany the guitar. Little Things, Change My Mind, Over Again, and Summer Love are sure standouts.
Take Me Home is another One Direction album that will once again engrave itself on mainstream music charts, party playlists, and radio stations for a long time
