One Direction - Made In The A.M. (2LP)

Since the release of their last album, 2014's Four, One Direction went from five members to four with the departure of Zayn Malik, but not much else has changed. Working with their longtime production team of Julian Bunetta and John Ryan, Made in the A.M. is another slice of high-quality modern pop brought to life by the band's charm. They mostly stick to the formula that got them to the top of the charts, but throw in a couple of surprises that keep things interesting. The album's mix of upbeat dance-pop songs, emotional midtempo songs, and big, gut-wrenching ballads is a familiar one, with songs like "Drag Me Down" and "Infinity" sounding genetically engineered for radio play. "Perfect" is the album's best radio song, with a nice moody verse and some real emotional punch provided by Harry Styles' vocal on the super-hooky chorus. Like on Four, they cop some serious Fleetwood Mac moves, right down to borrowing a bassline from "Dreams" on "What a Feeling." Their ongoing love of the '80s comes through on "Never Enough," a ridiculously fun song that sounds like it's half Def Leppard and half Amy Grant circa "Every Heartbeat." It really sounds like the band is having a blast all the way through the song, especially the guys doing the doo wop backing vocals. Like on that song, where the album works best are the times when they loosen up a little and don't seem too worried about making music for the charts. The opening "Hey Angel" borrows a lot from the Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony" and features one of the album's best, most relaxed melodies; the Harry Styles co-write "Olivia" is a sweet Beatlesque sunshine pop song with the nice bounce and light feeling that much modern pop lacks; and the album-ending "History" is a cute little singalong that both sums up the band's past and promises fans there will be a future. As for the present, Made in the A.M. is a fine way to end this chapter of the band's run. While they could have used some of Zayn's vocal prowess, especially on the ballads, the other bandmembers pick up the slack impressively. Their songwriting shows growth, their vocals remain flawless, the production team continues to throw the occasional curveball to go along with the softballs, and there are plenty of songs that sound like the best pop music has to offer in 2015

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"Made in the A.M." is the fifth studio album by the British-Irish boy band One Direction, released on November 13, 2015. This album holds a special place in the hearts of fans as it was the first release after the departure of Zayn Malik, marking a new era for the band as a quartet. Despite the lineup change, the album was met with commercial success and critical acclaim, showcasing the band's ability to evolve and mature their sound.

The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and number two on the US Billboard 200, selling over 402,000 copies in its first week in the United States alone. It was a testament to the band's enduring popularity and the loyalty of their fanbase. "Made in the A.M." was also nominated for several awards, including the Brit Award for British Album of the Year, further cementing its impact in the music industry.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Drag Me Down," which was released as the lead single. The song was a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries and receiving praise for its catchy chorus and energetic production. The music video, filmed at NASA's Johnson Space Center, added an exciting visual element that captivated fans worldwide.

Another notable track is "History," which serves as a heartfelt tribute to the band's journey and their relationship with their fans. The song's nostalgic lyrics and sing-along chorus make it a fan favorite, often performed during live shows to evoke a sense of unity and shared memories.

Critics generally praised "Made in the A.M." for its polished production and the band's vocal performances. The album was seen as a step forward in terms of musical maturity, with influences ranging from classic rock to contemporary pop. Publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard highlighted the album's cohesive sound and the band's ability to craft memorable pop songs.

The production of "Made in the A.M." involved a team of talented songwriters and producers, including Julian Bunetta, Jamie Scott, and John Ryan, who had previously worked with the band on their earlier albums. This collaboration resulted in a well-rounded album that balanced upbeat anthems with introspective ballads.

In interviews, the band members expressed their excitement about the album and their desire to experiment with new sounds. They also acknowledged the challenges of continuing as a four-piece but emphasized their commitment to delivering quality music to their fans. This dedication is evident throughout the album, which showcases their growth as artists and their ability to adapt to change.

Overall, "Made in the A.M." is a significant entry in One Direction's discography, representing both a culmination of their previous work and a new beginning. It captures the essence of the band's appeal while hinting at the potential for future musical exploration. For fans and newcomers alike, the album offers a mix of infectious pop tunes and heartfelt ballads, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of modern pop music.