; one direction "made in the a.m." album review

                  Listen. I don't want to waste your time on an introduction here, because I feel like at this point you guys all know how I feel about this band (if anything, I'll get weepy and sappy at the end). I mean...I hate them. I don't get any sleep anymore, I'm literally always stressed out, they make me cry, they have no regard for my mental health.

                  Totally kidding. I mean, all of those things are true, but for some reason I can't get enough of them. So here I am with the review of arguably their best album to date EVEN THOUGH I HAVEN'T ACTUALLY HEARD IT UNTIL NOW (wink wink, just go with it), and if you think you know the final, overall rating I'm going to give it at the end, you're probably right. But, if you're here to find out if Made in the A.M. is for you, read on, because hopefully I'll do the tracks justice.

                  And this is a super special album review because you'll not only get to read my thoughts, but Wattpad HQ's very own @samantha and @alessandra will be chiming in with their thoughts as well. Unlike me, they'll be hearing some of these songs in high quality for the first time. But we've all been waiting for this album for what feels like an entire One Direction hiatus (too soon?), so let's get to it.



01: HEY ANGEL - 10/10

Harry originally described this song as sounding similar to "Clouds," but I'm not sure if I agree. Sure, it has that space-y, stadium-echo-y sound like "Clouds" had, but it can definitely stand on its own without that comparison. I don't even know if I'd have made it myself had Harry not said it first. Regardless, I think I speak for the entire fandom when I say that this was not what I was expecting "Hey Angel" to sound like. After Harry teased the lyrics for WEEKS, I felt like we were going to get a ballad out of it. But I'm pleasantly surprised with this, and it's still sort of sad in its own right. I know I heard a rumor somewhere that Harry wrote a song for his grandma who had passed, and if this is it, I get it. You could interpret the lyrics in a more love song kind of way, or you could interpret them the way I do (the sad way), but no matter how you look at it, you can't deny that we've got a piece of art here. Depending on the types of music you get into, if you're not a die-hard 1D fan, this might be a harder track to get into right away; give it time. It's incredible. And for your listening pleasure, do yourself a favor and pay special attention at 1:47 when Harry sings "side." You're welcome. Favorite lyrics: Hey angel / do you ever try / to come to the other side?

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: I expected this song to be far more depressing than it actually is. It is surprisingly upbeat, pleasant, and musically interesting. Hey Angel is a beautiful, epic darling. It makes me feel like I'm soaring above the earth.


02: DRAG ME DOWN - 10/10

The song that started it all. When they dropped this one, I was at work dying of boredom (I worked 3rd shift at a tiny single-floor hotel at the time, so as you can imagine, there wasn't much to do) and trying to stay awake. I got a notification that Harry tweeted something, and it was just a freaking link, but I saw something about iTunes in the URL and I just knew. For the rest of the night I was an actual mess. Even still, when I hear this song, I'm blown away at how much their sound has matured since FOUR. It's endlessly catchy, and everyone was tweeting about it, which was so exciting. The stage had been set for the rest of Made in the A.M. and while no other track really sounds anything like "Drag Me Down," it didn't fail even a little. I also still flail in agony during Niall's verse. How can someone's vocal ability be so versatile? Favorite lyrics: I got a river for a soul / and baby you're a boat

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: Harry belting it at the end slayed me.


03: PERFECT - 9.5/10

Listen, I know that compared to the rest of the album this song is basically trash, but...I love it. It's a bop, you know? While a little over-produced, it's still a hit. You'd be lying if you said it didn't get stuck in your head after the first time you heard it. My roommate and I still have ridiculous jam sessions to it whenever it comes on Spotify or in my car. I'd say it'll become the next "What Makes You Beautiful" in the sense that you'll hate it as soon as you hear the intro but once Louis starts singing you're a gonner. Favorite lyrics: I might never be the one to bring you flowers / but I can be the one / be the one tonight

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: There's a somber, reflective, nostalgic sound to Harry's "and if you like cameras flashing every time we go out / and if you're looking for someone to write your break up songs about / then baby I'm perfect / baby we're perfect." Kills me.


04: INFINITY - 9.5/10

I just want you all to know that this song goes hard. Like, not at first, but when the beat drops toward the end and then it's just hype the rest of the time. The harmonies, the lyrics, everything about this song is so pretty. Sure, compared to the rest of the album - like "Perfect" - it's looked down on a lot, and I get that. You've all most likely heard it already, so I won't say more, but...just know that if you diss this song, we can't be friends. Sorry not sorry. Favorite lyrics: How many nights does it take to count the stars? / That's the time it would take to fix my heart

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: Coldplay-esque. I love when it breaks down at the end.


05: END OF THE DAY - 10/10

If Harry's first verse was a painting, it would be in the Louvre. Regardless, it's literally a piece of art. When the boys said that this song sounds like two different songs combined, they weren't kidding. The verses are artistically and masterfully put together, and then the chorus literally comes in with a bang (or several). It's like they just flipped a switch and then a drum beat warns you that you're about to burn alive because of what they're about to throw at you, and it's such a banger. I read a theory on Tumblr that this track is about lesbian lovers, and apparently the two girls are Olivia - a dark-skinned, freckly free spirit - and Diana - a super pale and seemingly frail strawberry blonde. I think it's fantastic. But even without that headcanon, it is undeniable that this is a seriously impressive tune. Harry has taken over Zayn's usual place as The Echo, and Louis hits a high note that literally destroys me every single time I hear it. This song doesn't get old, and I don't know why. Try and figure it out. Favorite lyrics: If there's something I've learned / from a million mistakes / you're the one that I want / at the end of the day

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: This song is super cute and makes me feel like a teenager in love again.


06: IF I COULD FLY - 10/10

I'm going to put aside certain fan feelings that I have about this song for a moment to give you a completely objective, honest review of this song. But be prepared because once I'm finished convincing you that "If I Could Fly" will cure cancer, I have a lot to say. So, first of all, I don't know that One Direction has ever put out anything so raw and beautiful as this track. When it opens, all we hear is a piano and Harry, and that's exactly how it closes. In between, we get to hear a genuine declaration of love and longing and if you think you won't cry...you're wrong. Louis' voice has never been softer and smoother, Niall has never sounded more caring, Liam has never sounded more determined, and Harry has never written a more incredible piece of art. You can literally hear the emotion, especially when Harry sings "I hope that you don't run from me," and his voice hitches just before he pauses after 'me.' Share this with anyone you love, romantic or otherwise - everyone needs to hear this song. Right, now...I just want everyone to also know that this is Harry's love song to Louis and no one can convince me otherwise, bye. Favorite lyrics: For your eyes only

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: Physically, I'm fine. Emotionally, I'm bruised. I love the entire chorus, but especially "now you know me / for your eyes only"; the harmonies. If this isn't a Larry song, I don't know what is. This song will make me want to crumble into a million pieces. Everything hurts and I'm dying.


07: LONG WAY DOWN - 9.5/10

This song is so heartbreaking, but you almost don't even know just how heartbreaking it really is until you listen to it a couple times. Like, you hear the lyrics, but you don't necessarily comprehend them until the third or fourth listen unless you go at it with the specific intent to pay close attention to every word. And it's so sad. Anyone could relate to this song as it isn't really romantic - it could be, but it doesn't have to be. It's about struggling to forgive someone you were once close with, and I feel like everyone has had to deal with that (and if not, you will). Apart from the fact that it sounds so mature compared to many of the other tracks on this album, I could see it easily fitting in on Midnight Memories as well. Favorite lyrics: We had a mountain / but took it for granted / We had a spaceship / but we couldn't land it

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: Harmless. Not one of my faves.


08: NEVER ENOUGH - 10/10

I just want you all to know that I've listened to this song at least 50 times already and I still don't actually know how to describe it properly. But I hope Niall is really proud of it, because it's a genuine jam. It's so unique and so well put together with so many odd bits and pieces to it, I just...wow. There's some grunting going on (sounds more like "AH-oOHA" to me than a grunt though), some do-wop noises, echoing, repetition, a killer catchy chorus. I think my favorite part is around 3:03 where, in the background, you can hear Liam start screaming "It's never, it's never, it's never" over and over again until it becomes unintelligible and he's just straight up freaking out. This goes on until about 3:07, and it's glorious. I'd call this song "Girl Almighty"'s older, more attractive cousin in terms of winning the award for most interesting track on the album. At least the lyrics make more sense this time around. Speaking of, favorite lyrics: Wanna drive in the night to the end of the earth / and go over the edge

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: This song is next level weird in all the best ways. Never Enough is exciting and sexy and fun. Also badass? Also please take me to bed so we can jump on it and make out - my brain during the whole thing. Also HORNS.


09: OLIVIA - 10/10

As of right now, this is my second favorite song on the album, but it's easily one of the catchiest whether it's a favorite of yours or not. Honest to God, I never imagined a track like this in One Direction's discography anywhere, but I'm so glad it exists now. Harry teased lyrics to this song earlier too like he did for "Hey Angel," and it's hilarious thinking about it now because I never would have imagined they belonged to a song that sounds like this one does. When I first heard it, it was in a low quality leak from the early listening parties, so for the rest of my life after Niall sings "I love you, I love you, I love, I love, I love Olivia" for the first time, I'm going to hear that one girl going "oOoh," in surprise during the silence before the chorus picks up. Because that was also my exact reaction. Almost similar to "Never Enough," there's a lot going on here as well, but it seems a tiny bit less random. In the bridge we get to hear an ode to that one song from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (yes, the old one, not the Tim Burton re-make) as well as the lyrics Harry teased, and I'm telling you that I never ever needed to hear Harry sing, "I love you, it's all I do, I love youuuu." It's painful. Keep in mind that Harry reminded us all that the song doesn't have to be about a girl or even a person - it could be about a place; it could be about anyone or anything. 'Olivia' is a play on 'I love you.' Favorite lyrics: I've been idolizing the light in your eyes, Olivia

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: I want Olivia as a musical stage number with full choreography and all the boys dressed as Disney Princes.


10: WHAT A FEELING - 10/10

All I want to know before they bury me in the ground is how One Direction time-traveled back to the 1980's to record this song. And for someone who loves 80's music as much as I do, this song is such a hit to me. The chorus has some of the best lyrics this album has seen so far, and I'm honestly even more thoroughly impressed by it every single time I hear it. I consider this a song your parents will end up liking. God, can you imagine? Your parents liking a One Direction song? What a year it's been if we've come to that. I know I keep pointing out Louis' vocals, but I can't help it (he's come so far and he owns this album straight up) because if you listen to his verse in this track, you'll understand. His voice sounds stronger than ever. Favorite lyrics: What a feeling to be a king beside you somehow / I wish I could be there now

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: This song gives me such good vibes. The harmonies soothe my soul.


11: LOVE YOU GOODBYE - 10/10

Today my roommate asked me how these boys were able to make a song that really isn't all that romantic sound so romantic, and thus, my friends, is the basis of the enigma that is One Direction. They genuinely just took lyrics about break-up sex and turned them into a track that makes me want to cry into my pillow over feelings and lost relationships that I've never even had yet. If you were a fan of Midnight Memories, you'll love this; I can see it easily fitting in on that album somewhere. Louis has another incredible high note that - again - makes me want to die, and hearing Harry sing, "Won't you give it to me one last time?" gets everyone all hot and bothered. Niall and Liam deliver powerful verses with strong (and occasionally questionable) lyrics, and honestly just the entire thing is put together so so well. I would say that in general this is one of the most solid tracks on the whole album. Easy to love. Favorite lyrics: I know there's nothing I can do to change it / but is there something that can be negotiated?

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: Louis' high note stopped my heart and then restarted it. There is a moment near the end where Harry sounds like Zayn and it tripped me the fuck out.


12: I WANT TO WRITE YOU A SONG - 10/10

I'm so impressed with this song. When they released the tracklist, I remember pointing to this one and thinking that it was such a promising title and there was no way they could go wrong with it, no matter what it ended up sounding like. I was right (duh). They could have probably released this as just an instrumental track with the "Ooh"'s from the chorus and the scribbling in the background and I would have been equally impressed (in fact, can they do this anyway because I want a lullaby for my future children). The grit in Louis' voice during the chorus is so calming, and the lyrics are so pretty. We've got more nautical references, more solid vocals in general, and a simple guitar going on. The scribbling noises is my favorite touch, though. I don't know what I love about it, but I swear to God it lulls me. Favorite lyrics: Everything I need I get from you / and giving back is all I wanna do

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: This song makes me want to write adorable, fluffy slash fic. The raspy-ness of Louis' voice almost killed me. I Want to Write you a Song is like Blackbird for the 1D romantic. It's a love song to the fans and it is pure love. A fandom song.


13: HISTORY - 10/10

I won't lie, as soon as Liam introduced this song by claiming that it sounded like it belonged on the Toy Story soundtrack, I wanted to die. I hate that movie (sorry, I don't know why). But the good news is that, while yes I can see where he was coming from, it's so much more than that. It's very simple tune-wise; until the bridge, there you'll mostly hear an acoustic guitar or two, clapping, and a gentle drum beat. It's the kind of song you'd sit around a campfire and sing along to with your friends. Louis' part (the bridge) is casually the best part of the entire song (I may be biased), but they all sound great. It's a super easy listen, and of all the early-released tracks this was the one my friend who didn't like One Direction enjoyed the most - not just because he had to choose; he genuinely enjoyed it. Favorite lyrics: This is not the end / This is not the end / We can make it, you know it / You know

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: Acoustic songs for the win. A song you listen to over beer with your friends.


14: TEMPORARY FIX - 10/10

I don't know what Harry put in Niall's coffee these last few months, but can I have some of that? Because Mr. Horan has delivered unto us another banger. This is hands down "No Control" part two and even more PG-13 than its counterpart. While "No Control" was about morning sex, "Temporary Fix" gives the story of what could be considered a one-night-stand - all she has to do is call. If you completely missed the two waves of the Made in the A.M. leak, then you might have missed the fandom's reactions to this song; let me assure you, they were both amusing and intense. My favorite things to read about were the variations of the lyrics during the bridge when Louis sings. The actual lyrics are "We can roll in the darkness / let me touch you where your heart is." But I've read this gem, "We can moan in a tongue kiss / let me touch you where you're hottest." And maybe even more alarming, "We can roll in the darkness / let me touch you where you're hardest." Either way, we all know that your heart is where your boob is, so way to be sly, boys. It's going to be hard to dislike this song. I hope you're all prepared to die. Favorite lyrics: Feel you on my neck while I'm calling a taxi / Climbing over me while I climb in the backseat

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: This song should be called No Control, Part Two: The Return of the Boner. I really like the lyrics.


15: WALKING IN THE WIND - 10/10

Okay, no one is allowed to make fun of me for this, but this song kind of makes me want to cry. I get all emotional whenever I listen to it, but in such a nostalgic, happy way. I don't know. It's upbeat and conversational during the verses, and then the pre-chorus is super flowy and so nice to hear. It's calming. And then the lyrics in the chorus will give you chills, especially the longer you listen to them. I get such a high school graduation vibe from this song, which is why I'm using it in the video I'm making for my younger sister's graduation party. It's going to be the only song on the album I won't let her hear so that when she hears it for the first time - accompanied by a bunch of old family photos - she's overcome with the same kind of emotion that always hits me. Harry loves this song a lot; he said it's influenced by Paul Simon circa Graceland, and although I'd never heard of Paul Simon's music before, my roommate agreed with Harry and showed me clips of songs that definitely could have influenced "Walking in the Wind." Regardless, it's one of my favorites on the album. Favorite lyrics: You will find me / in places that we've never been / for reasons we don't understand / walking in the wind

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: Walking in the Wind is Diamonds on the Souls of My Shoes: gleeful and adorable as fuck.


16: WOLVES - 10/10

When I only had the low quality version of this song, I truly believed there was nothing special about it. I think of all of the songs on the album, this is the one that I'd underestimated the most. As soon as I heard the high quality version I was genuinely blown away. It's swingy and makes you want to do awkward dances, and it's impossible not to sing along to it. Liam described it as being about taking your girl out and then seeing all these guys - the wolves in question - zero in on her, wanting to steal her from you, so naturally you become protective and ready to take anyone down who tries. I particularly enjoy the runs Harry does during the chorus and all of the "Ooh"'s in the background, hinting a bit at wolf howls. Overall, it's just a really well put together track and I've never been more happy to be proven wrong. Favorite lyrics: In the middle of the night when the wolves come out / headed straight for your heart / like a bullet in the dark

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: This song is lovely. Wolves is upbeat and cute as hell. The "howling" in the background gives me the same kind of glee I get from seeing amazing wildlife photography.


17: A.M. - 10/10

Ah, at last. My favorite track on the entire album. I'd say that the one song that is most relatable to is this one; if you've never had a night where you stay up until the wee hours of the morning with your friends or siblings talking about absolutely nothing important or memorable but you just know that you had the best time doing it, you're lying. And it never matters that you don't remember what you talk about because it's going to be a night you never forget. This is an incredible album closer, ending on a nostalgic note (though one much less emotional than "Walking in the Wind" was) and making you smile one last time before you hear the last of One Direction for a while. The music is simple, the lyrics are simple, and they name-drop the album title but this is honestly everything I ever wanted out of a One Direction song and I couldn't be happier. I've sent this song to so many people already to remind them of the times we've had, and everyone - 1D fans or not - loves it. Well done, boys. Favorite lyrics: You and me were raised in the same part of town / got these scars on the same ground

Sam and Alessandra's thoughts: Made in the AM is the campfire song of the album. The perfect closer to end the night with your lads (or ladies), the one that brings it all back into perspective.



                  Now that the entire review is over, I want to take this moment to say that I've never been more proud to call myself a fan of these guys than I am after hearing this album. They worked so hard on it under the worst conditions ever, and it's still incredible. Over the last five years they've managed to improve with each album's release - there was never a slump, not once. That's unheard of for five albums in five years.

                  I'm hoping that this is the album that changes the way people look at One Direction, but unfortunately I'm sort of afraid to get my hopes too high. Whether that happens or not, I'll continue to listen to every single album during their break and relish in the fact that when Harry, Louis, Niall, and Liam return, they're going to bring something to the table we won't be expecting, and they'll be well-rested and excited to continue their music career. All jokes aside, I know I complain about being a fan of this band a lot, but if I didn't have something to love this much then I don't know what I'd do or where I'd be.

                  What's your favorite song on the album? If you went out and bought the physical copy, which boy's personalized album cover did you get? Share your thoughts with me! My favorite pastime is talking about One Direction (obviously). Also, special thanks to Sam and Alessandra for collaborating with me on this!

                  Thanks for reading!




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