One Direction on the road to maturity

The boys of One Direction remain young at heart with their lyrics, but introduce an edgier sound in their new album “Midnight Memories” Photo courtesy of the One Direction official website

The boys of One Direction introduce an edgier sound to their new album “Midnight Memories” Photo courtesy of the One Direction official website

One Direction’s third album “Midnight Memories” mixes their signature sweet and sugary pop sound with a slight rock edge. The title track showcases 1D’s new, rockier direction as the lads rock out in the chorus behind a riff similar to Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me”.

“Story of my life” is to “Midnight Memories” as what “Little things” was to “Take me Home”: it’s acoustic-y, it’s about love, it’s the song you hear once and that will stick in your head for the rest of day. Ed Sheeran didn’t have a hand in writing this one, but it sure sounds like it.

“Right Now” sounds like it could have been a Maroon 5 track; it was actually composed with help from One Republic’s Ryan Tedder. “Something Great” enlisted the help of Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody. While One Direction are still courting a teenage crowd, both of these tracks very well could be a hit with a much older audience.

Guitars feature more prominently in the album, whether they’re loud and electric like in “Little Black Dress” or a fast-strumming, Mumford & Sons sound in “Happily”.

Given the lads’ increasing role in the writing process, the band contributed lyrics to 12 of the 14 songs and perhaps the rock band vibe will be an even greater theme as the band matures.

Lyrically, the boys remain in the tween friendly category singing about young love, heartbreak and staying out late. Is it just me or is it time Niall, Liam, Harry, Zayn and Louis broke away from the goody two shoes image? Maybe this new, mature rock vibe is just what they need.

Love them or hate them, One Direction’s new album is bound to be a chart topper in the 2013 holiday season. Their millions of trusty fans will make sure of it.