One Direction’s third studio album "Midnight Memories" marked a noticeable shift in their sound, image, and ambition. Released in 2013, the album featured massive singles like “Best Song Ever,” “Story of My Life,” “Midnight Memories,” and “You & I,” and signaled a move away from polished teen pop toward a more guitar-driven, rock-influenced sound.
In this episode, Chris and Chantel Nicole go track by track through "Midnight Memories", sharing their honest thoughts on the production, songwriting, vocals, and whether this era truly represented growth for Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik.
Was this the moment One Direction matured as artists? Or just a stylistic experiment in the middle of peak boyband mania?
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- 0:00 - Intro
- 0:46 - "Midnight Memories" Album Info
- 2:31 - Album Cover
- 3:00 - "Best Song Ever"
- 12:00 - "Story Of My Life"
- 18:11 - "Diana"
- 22:28 - "Midnight Memories"
- 27:28 - "You & I"
- 36:18 - "Don't Forget Where You Belong"
- 40:00 - "Strong"
- 44:15 - "Happily"
- 48:49 - "Right Now"
- 51:50 - "Little Black Dress"
- 55:56 - "Through The Dark"
- 59:33 - "Something Great"
- 1:04:07 - "Little White Lies"
- 1:07:56 - "Better Than Words"
- 1:11:14 - Cut or Keep
- 1:12:36 - Overall Thoughts & Final Rating
References:
- “Best Song Ever” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_v9MY_FMcw&pp=ygUcb25lIGRpcmVjdGlvbiBiZXN0IHNvbmcgZXZlcg%3D%3D
- “Best Song Ever” Live from Where We Are Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7rvnjVgbzc&pp=ygUcb25lIGRpcmVjdGlvbiBiZXN0IHNvbmcgZXZlcg%3D%3D
- “Story Of My Life” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-TE_Ys4iwM&pp=ygUeb25lIGRpcmVjdGlvbiBzdG9yeSBvZiBteSBsaWZl
- “Story Of My Life” Live on the 1D TV Special https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2h6KIpBums&pp=ygUeb25lIGRpcmVjdGlvbiBzdG9yeSBvZiBteSBsaWZl
- “Diana” Live from Where We Are Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEtHLWGi4jY&pp=ygUTb25lIGRpcmVjdGlvbiBkaWFuYQ%3D%3D
- “Midnight Memories” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkx9kCdaaMg&pp=ygUfb25lIGRpcmVjdGlvbiBtaWRuaWdodCBtZW1vcmllcw%3D%3D
- “Midnight Memories” Live from Where We Are Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_D8ug72MoI&pp=ygUfb25lIGRpcmVjdGlvbiBtaWRuaWdodCBtZW1vcmllc9IHCQmHCgGHKiGM7w%3D%3D
- “You & I” MV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kqQDCxRCzM&pp=ygUYb25lIGRpcmVjdGlvbiB5aW91IGFuZCBp
- “You & I” Live on BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend 2014 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDzS9SQ6Xac&pp=ygUYb25lIGRpcmVjdGlvbiB5aW91IGFuZCBp
- “Strong” Live from Where We Are Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azxckhLfTYA&pp=ygUUb25lIGRpcmVjdGlvbiBzdHJvbmfSBwkJhwoBhyohjO8%3D
- “Happily” Live from Where We Are Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuT1K7Hhua0&pp=ygUVb25lIGRpcmVjdGlvbiBoYXBwaWx5
- “Right Now” Live from Where We Are Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQG_SMaVHNU&pp=ygUXb25lIGRpcmVjdGlvbiByaWdodCBub3c%3D
- “Little Black Dress” Live from Where We Are Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKDpIKNr840&pp=ygUgb25lIGRpcmVjdGlvbiBsaXR0bGUgYmFsY2sgZHJlc3M%3D
- “Through the Dark” Live from Where We Are Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5eBVMqO-Vw&pp=ygUeb25lIGRpcmVjdGlvbiB0aHJvdWdoIHRoZSBkYXJr
- “Better Than Words” Live from Where We Are Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybUFx8xvZfM&pp=ygUfb25lIGRpcmVjdGlvbiBiZXR0ZXIgdGhhbiB3b3Jkcw%3D%3D
00:00:00 --> 00:00:28 And we danced all night to the best song ever. We knew every lie. Now I can't remember. This is CCTV, the nonstop pop show where we provide our unfiltered, honest opinions on global pop music. And we are continuing our journey through the One Direction discography. We have done the first two albums and also Niall's debut album. But it's time. Let's go back to the group.
00:00:29 --> 00:00:36 Let's do the third album. Let's do Midnight Memories. That's about a group. It's about the group. We love a group.
00:00:36 --> 00:01:05 We do. Ain't nobody here to see you, Otis. We're here to see the Temptations. You ever seen that? I have. Okay. They're here to see the Temptations. All right, guys. So, like we mentioned before, we are going to discuss their album and we're going to talk about Midnight Memories. Yay! And it is One Direction's third studio album released in November 2013 via Psycho Music and Columbia Records. And it marked a clear shift toward a more mature rock-influenced sound compared to their first two albums.
00:01:05 --> 00:01:30 Our patron, Hillary, told us that the group did a seven-hour livestream for fans to hear the album, but the album had already leaked the week before. So, whoops! Jeez. So the album debuted at number one in both the UK and the US, I'm sure, and many more countries around the world as well. And with this release, One Direction became the first group in history to have their first three albums debut at number one on the Billboard 200 album.
00:01:30 --> 00:01:47 And according to the IFPI Global Album Chart, Midnight Memories was actually the best-selling album of 2013 worldwide. Oh, nice. Shoot, I wouldn't have known. I was into K-pop at the time, which I'm really excited to talk about this. But luckily for them, and everybody else apparently in America, enough.
00:01:49 --> 00:02:05 This era saw significantly increased songwriting involvement from all five members who received writing credits across most of the track list. And this era was supported by the 2014 Where We Are tour, which grossed over $290 million and became the highest grossing tour of 2014.
00:02:05 --> 00:02:27 So we will now dive into the production, vocals, visuals, and performances of each song and then drop our individual ratings. We would love to see your ratings too. So join us. Give us all your thoughts on all the songs. Let us know what we get wrong. Let us know what we didn't know about, you know. Yes. But just be warned. Your discretion is advised. Your fave will be criticized.
00:02:27 --> 00:02:55 Dun, dun, dun. All right. So before we get started, we're going to talk about this album cover. Yeah. As we do here on the show. All right. So I got to say I hate the album cover. I'm not going to lie to you. You hate the album cover. Wow. It's not giving. Like the first two albums, it was like fun. Take Me Home had like this like nice, useful thing. This one, the guys, yeah, they look a little bit older. They do. But nothing about this is giving. Like Midnight Memories, it sounds like a good time. Like Harry looks like he's the only one thinking about a Midnight Memory. Yes. That is my...
00:02:55 --> 00:03:17 issue as well. I actually don't mind the photo itself, but I kind of like the, it kind of looks like you've zoomed in on like a scrapbook or something, like with the kind of edges and stuff. So I kind of like the idea of it. Yes, I like the actual photo itself. I agree. They should all be like Harry where they're like remembering something fun, or it should actually just be a snapshot from like a fun night out.
00:03:17 --> 00:03:32 You know, the Medica Bob store, you know, like the stuff from the Midnight Memories music video. Yeah. Something like that. Just something a little bit more like the curtain matches the dreams. Like the cover should match the title. Yeah. I like the idea of a candid photo.
00:03:32 --> 00:03:48 Yes, but they all like they're trying to do different kinds of things with their faces. Yeah, they look good, but just different kinds of good and not the consistent good. So, yeah, no. OK, all right. Let's get to the first song on the album, which is best song ever. And it was done by Matt.
00:03:48 --> 00:04:15 Rad, Julian Bonetta, John the Blind, Ed Druitt, and Wayne Hector. And this was released in July 2013 as the lead single from the album. It debuted at number two on both the UK single chart and the US Billboard Hot 100. And the music video broke the Vivo 24-hour view record at the time of release with over 10 million views in its first 24 hours. And the song did spark some discussions because its intro resembles The Who's Beatty O'Reilly.
00:04:15 --> 00:04:44 and the track did win Best Song of the Summer at the 2013 MTV VMAs. That is so funny. When I tell you, I had no clue what was happening here in America. The only thing I knew about was the female pop stars and K-pop. That was it. I was literally... I kind of knew what was going on with them because I did work at Sony at the time. But I will say, I think...
00:04:44 --> 00:04:55 I just felt too old for them at that point. Like, it just didn't feel like they were for me, you know? So I remember hearing, like, singles and stuff, but I just never really paid it much mind other than that.
00:04:56 --> 00:05:24 No, that's valid. I think for me, I didn't even know the song existed until this K-pop, like, I'm almost like, they're not a gossip site, but like they were a site that gathered information about K-pop and K-culture. And they said this group BAP was featured, quote unquote, featured in the music video. And it was like, you know, that photo, we'll talk about the music video. So that's what I found out. K-pop brought me back to this song. And I think the overall energy with this one is fun. It's flirty. It's chaotic rock stars. Um.
00:05:24 --> 00:05:43 I like the concept of the song for sure. And I don't think I'll ever forget this track because it's just ridiculous, honestly. But they're singing with proper vocals here. I think at this point it's like you can't really say that they can't sing. You know, like everyone is singing and everyone sounds good where they are. And I think people forget.
00:05:43 --> 00:06:00 that it's sorry and i think people forget that these guys could sing just because legions of women were fainting over them it's like the fandom doesn't take away from the talent but go off but you know how it is with boy groups people are like oh they're not really making real music um
00:06:00 --> 00:06:17 But yeah, I think it's a fun song. This is the opener that sounds like One Direction cosplaying as Queen meets The Who meets a Nickelodeon sketch show. You know, it's like all of these different amalgamations to make it like palatable for a younger listener. But also familiar to people who listen to The Who. Or even like The Queen, like the...
00:06:17 --> 00:06:44 the oh a a a and say oh oh that whole part that reminds me of freddie mercury's iconic live aid in 85 sure you know so it's not purposeful but it's something that is almost like what is this best song um i like the lyrics in it like georgia shout out to you if your name was georgia or is georgia and this song came out you must have felt like you know a queen um and i do like that even though there is a party vibe to the song they ask the girl to come home and she says no but the
00:06:44 --> 00:06:59 So again, it keeps like this whole concept of like, hey, we're a little bit older. Hooking up is OK. But if you're not, you're not going to do it. That's OK, too. And I love the bridge. It tongue ties me. I know, you know, you know, I know. I hope you've been there for me.
00:06:59 --> 00:07:15 You know, that part, I always kind of, like, get a little tongue-tied. But I do like listening to Louis here and Zayn as well. And I think, is this the best song ever? No, but it's clever and catchy. And, like, honestly, it's amazing because it's the first thing that pops up whenever you type. Best song ever. True.
00:07:15 --> 00:07:39 True. I do appreciate like lyrically, they are not saying that this is the best song ever. They're singing about, you know, a best song ever. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So I kind of like that, that it was like, yeah, not too self-referential there. But yeah, this as a song totally makes sense musically as a direction that the band was going in. It does still feel quite young.
00:07:39 --> 00:08:06 But it does sound more mature from the last two albums, I think, both in vocal execution, obviously because they're getting older, but also just production-wise as well. Because now they've really embraced the kind of big, chanty, pop-rock, stadium anthem situation. And I will say this a lot, this whole album, a lot of it just sounds like it already has live arrangements. It was purely made, or clearly made, to be performed in a big...
00:08:06 --> 00:08:32 on a big stage you know like that chant you were just doing like clearly made to be done with fans yeah yeah yeah um yeah i do hear that who inspiration there um but you know what it's a guitar riff and and yeah the whole thing super full super energetic um lyrically i do think the the line about the dirty mouth is probably so funny the best one yeah yeah
00:08:32 --> 00:08:55 And yes, I did shout out Zayn here. His ad lives at the end do elevate their sound a lot because I think the other four, like this is, I feel like for Zayn, this is the most, the biggest departure, I guess, from his like influences, I would say. Yeah, totally. You know, he has such an R&B style.
00:08:55 --> 00:09:10 Yeah. But then when he comes in, then it really does bring something different and it does elevate the song. Exactly. So, yeah, his albums at the end here are great. I agree. I agree. And I think him as a woman in the video was amazing as well. Oh, my gosh. Because...
00:09:11 --> 00:09:32 But yeah, I think this whole video was really fun. I love the whole costume. Yes. Exec. Hollywood exec moment. Zane being called Zach cracks me up every time. Leroy with his 5, 6, 7, 8. And of course, our fave Zane as a woman. I didn't realize that was Zane. I was trying to figure out where he was. Well, because they changed his skin color. Yeah.
00:09:32 --> 00:09:51 I did? Yeah. I thought it was just a different person. Yeah. I was like, wow. But yeah, again, like I said, I mentioned that K-pop group situation. Like, right in the beginning when the song starts vamping, two minutes, ten seconds in, there are a bunch of boy groups being presented, right? Yes. You see me.
00:09:51 --> 00:10:12 You see Take That, you know, in their face superimposed. You see the village people superimposed. And then you see B.A.P. I was listening to B.A.P. at the time. So, like, I remember being in the library watching their videos. So again, I was completely removed. But I was like, hang on, who's using my boys' photo? It was the jumpsuit. That was like, same color jumpsuit, blonde hair.
00:10:12 --> 00:10:42 Yeah. So I remember seeing that, too. And I was like, it's interesting how it always got brought up in conversations about like, where do you sit in like the best boy group conversation? So at the end of the video with all of this, like, you're not like this group, you're not like that group, you're not even like that group for them to be like, oh, this is us at the end. I was like, yes, mama like. So I think the video is effective in terms of it being silly, but also making a statement that isn't like, how do you say like, like uptight? It's just more like, OK, enough of the conversation. Like we are who we are.
00:10:42 --> 00:10:52 Yeah, it was a great way to make a statement. Yeah, the whole concept was so fun. It did remind me a bit of Spice World, actually. Just the kind of caricature aspect of it. Yes, I love that.
00:10:53 --> 00:11:19 Liam is my favorite probably as the choreographer here. It's crazy. Great moment there. And I also appreciated them including some of the behind the scenes stuff. In addition to them trashing the office and just like jumping around to the song. Like it just added like another layer to it. And I was very entertained the whole time for sure. We get more horrible choreography at the end as well. Oh. Yeah. Mm-hmm. You know what? At least they were having fun.
00:11:19 --> 00:11:41 Yeah, this is true. I appreciate that. Yeah. Also, this has now been kind of the ending song for the tours. Yeah. Totally makes sense. It's so anthemic, so much energy. Yeah. Especially the Where We Are tour with all the fireworks and stuff. Yes. I mean, leaving a stadium with a pass on.
00:11:43 --> 00:12:00 thank you guys for coming best song ever get home safe it was the best song ever it was the best night ever you know it's like yeah live so yeah i think that's pretty solid yeah yeah yeah all right so what do you rate this one i will give this one an 8.5 i also have it as an 8.5
00:12:00 --> 00:12:14 Up next is Story of My Life, and this was done by Jamie Scott, Jillian Bonetta, John the Blind, and the five members of One Direction, Liam, Harry, Niall, Louis, and Zayn. And this was released in October 2013 as the second single from Midnight Memories.
00:12:18 --> 00:12:40 And this single peaked at number six on both the UK singles chart and US Billboard Hot 100. And our Patreon member, Hillary, mentioned that this is a bit hard to listen to now, given the circumstances with Liam. So, yes, of course, rest in peace, Liam. You did an amazing job, which is a lot of my notes in this whole episode. I have a lot of moments. I'm going to try to.
00:12:41 --> 00:12:56 I'm going to try to, you know, calm down. I don't know if I ever, like, disliked him. I just didn't realize how talented he was in the group. Oh, yeah. You know, it's one of those things where he's like... He's the Gary Barlow. He, like, has a really distinctive tone. He kind of just... He's their leader, right?
00:12:56 --> 00:13:18 Yeah, solid verse carrier. Yeah. For two albums straight, by the way. He's a harmony carrier as well. Yes, as well. Watching the concerts, he does a lot of harmonies, both highs and lows. He was holding it down, literally. Yeah. So, yeah, obviously, this is like one of their most iconic songs, I would say. One of their signature songs. And they really do excel with this kind of like...
00:13:18 --> 00:13:34 folksy guitar driven situation um and then there's this like stomping quality as well which is very prevalent on this album lots of stomping type songs yeah i wonder is there another word for that stomp clap
00:13:36 --> 00:13:56 A stomp clap? Stomp clap? Okay, stomp clap works. I love the background vocals in this song. They're so ethereal. And I always, yeah, every time I listen to one, I end up actually like trying to listen to those almost more than the lead sometimes. But Harry sounds great leading the chorus. He has such a full tone. Like he has matured a lot.
00:13:56 --> 00:14:19 from the from the first album you know already right here um he has his power is just so natural he's such a natural belter here um and he's good at the stadium rock thing yeah it makes sense given his influences i would say and where he ends up going of course this is solo career but um yeah he's good at just like emoting with these anthems you know uh but yeah i think um
00:14:20 --> 00:14:47 The bridge is probably my favorite part. Like Zayn sounds so good. I love the subtlety of it. And then you do have Niall doing the lower octave chorus. They love that. They love that too. In the songwriting structure. I like it too. But I'm just saying it was very clear structure. Yeah, that they have in writing songs. Nice catch. But Niall sounds great there. It's a great climax to the song. I get why this is such a signature hit for sure.
00:14:48 --> 00:15:15 Oh yeah, I mean, I'm trying to think about when I heard this song. I heard it, I didn't realize what the song was about. I only knew about it because of the music video and what it represented and things like that. I think this is a vulnerable kind of track. It's a folk ballad about the pain of a fading or unrequited or maybe a doomed relationship or reflecting on romantic heartbreak and longing. And I don't think I realized that until I listened to the lyrics for this review.
00:15:15 --> 00:15:36 And I think it's interesting because, again, the music video for the track is deceptively reminiscent and sweet, but the lyrics are very pensive and there's clear reflection. And I think the story of my life is well like it's less like that whole, well, this is my life story of my life. You know, I suck. It's not that it's more just like the story of their life was that they love this person so much. Maybe it's like she was the story.
00:15:36 --> 00:15:57 of my life. That's like the biggest story. I'm saying the love of my life is like the story of my life or at least that's what I got from it because, you know, it's like, oh, so sweet. But I think it's really interesting and very mature to say that you've made a mistake and you tried really hard to make things work and things like that. So I think having a song like this in terms of like lyrical content is very mature and the way the...
00:15:57 --> 00:16:21 chorus kind of overlaps in the words and the story of my life i take her home drive all night keep her warm in time it's frozen like the whole melody of it is it's very interesting and i'm like wait what does it mean but what does it mean and it's very simple what they're saying but because of the cadence of the melody i was i found myself being like wait is there a hidden there's no hidden message it's just you have to listen to understand the content um
00:16:21 --> 00:16:45 The production does lean toward the Mumford and Son, early Ed Sheeran folk pop situation. For sure. Yeah. Although it's not bad. You know, you get the real guitars, the airy mixing, the warm vocal layering. So, I mean, I think with all those elements in terms of what was really trendy at the time, what their counterparts who were older than them were doing. Yeah. And then the way the music was mixed, they sound grown up.
00:16:45 --> 00:17:08 Not grown, like, you know, we're grown men, you know, we have, you know, mortgages and stuff like that, and child and children. But it's more just like we're older, we're not singing, that's what makes you beautiful. It's like, I lost something beautiful. And that was the story of my life was her. So I think there's like a first nice major step toward adult pop credibility. You know, it's that kind of vibe. Totally, totally. And the music video...
00:17:08 --> 00:17:28 Such a good music video. Yeah. First off, great lighting in that photo studio when they're developing. Yeah. I was like, wow, you guys all look good right there. Then, you know, you get into the where you zoom in on a photo of each of the guys and they have their own families come in and help recreate their photos. Really, really cute.
00:17:28 --> 00:17:48 It was super cute. It was nice to see the passage of time, which is also why I did not know what the song was actually about. I thought it was just them like, you know. True. Yeah. I do like how they set it up, though. Hillary also told us that they got fans to kind of be there. You know, 100 fans. Yeah, for like a concert later on. Yeah. Yeah.
00:17:48 --> 00:18:04 in that same location. So I think it's one of those spots where it's very memorable for fans for One Direction as a group. And I think it ties all into that story of a life, you know, concept. So I appreciate it. Yeah. So what do you give it? I give this one a nine. Wow.
00:18:04 --> 00:18:29 I would not. I give this one a 10. Okay. Nice. Okay. Next up is Diana. Done by John the Blind, Julian Bunetta, Jamie Scott, and Liam and Louie of One Direction. And this song was released as a promotional single a week before the album released, which resulted in it charting in several territories. Diana, let me be the one to.
00:18:31 --> 00:18:52 And Hillary mentioned the song was originally called Joanna, but this is Louis' mom's name, so they changed it. And it is believed by some fans that Diana is actually the name of a fan that wrote a letter to Niall when she was, like, going through a hard time, I think. Aww, that's so sweet. And it's not Princess Diana. I saw a lot of notes about that, too, that they very vehemently denied that.
00:18:53 --> 00:19:13 Just tell them, when you're in the UK, it's a song called Diana. It's like ubiquitous. Exactly. Yeah, yeah, yeah. She's an icon, honey. She's an icon. That's why the little black dressing, I was like, Diana? No. When I saw the track listing, I was like, oh my goodness. Yeah, yeah. There's a thread here. There's no thread. Absolutely no thread. It's floss at that. Like, it's not even a thread. Yeah. Um...
00:19:14 --> 00:19:39 Hearing that Liam and Louis had a hand in the writing makes so much sense. I mean, you listen to Louis' music now and then discovering Liam's often overlooked emotional depth. Looking back, boys are—young boys are young boys. They kind of say little goofy things, but like watching some interviews, the way some interviews were talked to them, these guys definitely handled it with a lot of grace and intellectual decorum.
00:19:39 --> 00:19:57 for lack of a better word. But yeah, I think it's really, I think it's a sweet song. This is for the lonely fans and almost a thank you of sorts. Like you said I saved you, but you also saved me. Yes. I appreciate that concept. And I love the line, how could someone not miss you at all?
00:19:57 --> 00:20:21 I think that line is powerful because in the second verse, it kind of eludes to someone breaking up with you. And it's like, eh, okay. Yeah. Don't get me wrong. Breakups are not great, but that whole, how could someone not miss you? I mean, there's so many people who think that they wouldn't be noticed if they weren't around, or if they go through some type of separation, they feel forgotten. It's a strong line. It kind of just sets the tone for the song. And I think this is like the peak of,
00:20:21 --> 00:20:37 like, ethos of One Direction. A good band does a lot of things for young fans, and we support the artists, and they continue to perform, but it takes a lot of energy from the fans as well. So it's, like, a very symbiotic relationship. And this sounds like that. It doesn't sound like it's too parasocial, where it's, like...
00:20:37 --> 00:21:03 you know thanks for your money it's like no you also saved us because without you supporting us we wouldn't be able to do this right yes hate that and i mean it takes it takes a lot for them to be able to articulate this properly considering that they were literally manufactured yeah like a huge pop platform but i respect that it's like they know how to portray real emotions in this mid-tempo 80s new wave pop rock moment i appreciate that yes yes
00:21:03 --> 00:21:24 Yeah, I really like this one. I love a pop rock song, you know. And I think this definitely had single potential. I mean, they had some good singles off of this, and I kind of get why they chose each one. So I get why this was the one that was like the pre-release track when that became a thing, you know. So at least it had a moment, for sure. Yeah.
00:21:24 --> 00:21:36 But yeah, you know, it feels anthemic again, again, made for the stadium. It's got a great drive to it. And yeah, going into the lyrics, I agree with you. It's very warm and very comforting, I think, the way that it was written. Mm-hmm.
00:21:36 --> 00:22:04 And yeah, I think I appreciate the subtlety of it. Like it wasn't too obviously for the fans. Yeah. You know? Yeah. But you know, you have certain lines like, oh, even though I don't speak the same language, you know, or they're just saying like, even though I don't know you personally, like I'm still here for you and we're here for each other. Yeah. You know, so I'm not mad at that at all. And yeah, great melodies throughout. Fun to sing along to. The bridge, again, is my favorite part here. You get these great layered parts.
00:22:04 --> 00:22:28 bgv is there again uh and the whole build is really really good this one i looked forward to every time i listened to the album yeah and then on tour too like when i was watching the where we are tour i was like it's not i was like are they going to sing diana because you're in the end right i was like oh my god where's diana but yeah it's in there also yeah so i do give this one a 10 actually i really like this one okay and this one's my nine okay
00:22:28 --> 00:22:35 Up next is Midnight Memories, and this was done by John the Blind, Julian Bonetta, Jamie Scott, and Liam and Louie of 1D.
00:22:40 --> 00:23:08 And this was released in January 2014 as the album's third single peaking at number 39 in the UK and number 12 in the US and top 10 in several countries. And there is a fun recording from the studio sessions of this song when they were singing I Love KFC to the melody. I love KFC. It's great. Interesting because I sing pour some sugar on me. That's what I sing. That's too many syllables though.
00:23:08 --> 00:23:34 I know, but the chorus sounds like Def Leppard to me. It does. I get it. I hear it. I hear it. I mean, there's clear influences, you know, throughout this whole album. I'm not mad at the whole kind of 80s rock situation. And again, this is one of the ones that has such a clear, like, live band arrangement, which just has a ton of energy in it. So I do like that. I love the pre-chorus in this.
00:23:34 --> 00:24:03 it's like these big oh's like in the background there's like a dramatic drum build Louis sounds so good here I think this is probably my favorite vocal moment from Louis across the whole album and Niall also sounds so good here like he sings in that second verse and in the bridge so good with his execution because there's like kind of sass kind of a cheekiness to it and then in the bridge there's like the rasp there that he kind of brings in so yeah I really liked the vocal execution here
00:24:03 --> 00:24:06 Again, it's very obvious with the whole...
00:24:06 --> 00:24:34 you know, crowd participation thing, the boom, boom, clap, we will rock you situation, which comes up in multiple songs, I would say, which then they even used it to like see get into different songs on the tour. So I was like, okay, like I get it. Okay. But I will say, I think the chorus is actually my least favorite part of this song. Oh, shoot. Like it's anthemic, but for some reason, melodically, it just doesn't really do much for me.
00:24:34 --> 00:24:37 It doesn't hit me as hard as some of the other ones.
00:24:37 --> 00:25:05 Yeah, no, I get it. Because I think Midnight Memories, it just doesn't do much for me. And because my mind-ness just naturally goes to, pour some sugar on me in the name of love. They weren't saying anything about those two sentences. And it was effective. Because pour some sugar on me, what the heck does that even mean? Midnight Memories? Okay. So I can understand where it's like, oh, wow, you're setting up this kind of like, we're doing crazy things. Pause. We're the same old, but a different day. Yeah. And then, la, la, la, la, la.
00:25:06 --> 00:25:29 uh-oh-oh. It's like, okay, I guess. It's okay. It's not bad. It's not bad. I do enjoy it, but I really feel like maybe something else could have been added just to kind of take it to another level. But yes, I'm not mad at the Def Leppard, maybe ACDC without the Brian Johnson rip-all because, I mean, his voice is amazing.
00:25:29 --> 00:25:54 But, you know, they don't really have too much of that crazy head voice moments. But I think this song is like they're we're men now. I'm at the age where I know what I need, as Louis says. And it's not it's about a good time, not a lifetime. And I also agree with you where the second verse, Liam into Niall and then Louis, like that whole second verse. Yes. Love to hear them all kind of just like.
00:25:54 --> 00:26:23 do a little tag team with the verses and the chorus. I mean, the pre-hook, excuse me. Yeah. And then the bridge has a different melody, Hallelujah. Oh my God. It makes everything feel super wild, especially with Harry shouting. And the whole production, like you said, sounds like natural instruments, which is great because even with the concept of the song and like the filter on their voices, it's intentionally like messy and live. And it sounds like a live bar band recording at like 2 a.m. So that's perfect. Yeah. You know, I do appreciate it. And then the video.
00:26:24 --> 00:26:41 I love this video. Yes, it would have been perfect for like a dumb, like, Kitsuki movie. Yeah. It would have been perfect. So entertaining. I mean, again, it was giving Spice World vibes a little bit at the end. You know, when they're on the police boat at the Tower Bridge. You know, they just needed the bus there to open the bridge.
00:26:41 --> 00:27:09 It would have been perfect because literally a boy band getting into antics, that's a perfect movie for the 90s. I don't think it would work now, but it's cute. It's very cute. But yeah, I think the whole setup of it with the sad college house party, I guess, to start. And then you got the kebab shop, which I mentioned earlier. I love a kebab shop. It's my favorite thing about late nights in the UK. It's kebab. Yeah, just the messing around was fun. I love the grandma's.
00:27:10 --> 00:27:26 yes it was very cute very like fun grown up not just singing about love which I appreciate because after a while it's like we get it you're in love but yes so I give this one an 8.5 I do like it maybe because it reminds me of like 80s rock I love 80s rock sure
00:27:26 --> 00:27:56 I will go an eight. Next is You and I, done by Julian Bonetta, John the Blind, and Jamie Scott. And this was released as the fourth single from the album in April 2014, peaking at number 28 in the UK and number 68 in the US. And the music video won Best British Video at the 2015 Brit Awards. You and I We don't wanna be You and I We don't need to be like them
00:27:57 --> 00:28:22 that breath at the end it sounds like something that michael bolton should be singing oh actually he would sound amazing singing that he would michael bolton or who else you know i think michael bolton tell me how am i supposed to live without you anyway um great song yeah it is really good that man i mean it cries i love my record um
00:28:22 --> 00:28:45 Okay, so You and I is super clean, it's spacious, and there's not too much fluff, which I appreciate. Not too many effects. The vocal is carrying the emotional weight. There are some mild production changes in the second verse. And listening to the song, I am glad, so glad that the other members outside of Harry, Liam, and Zayn got to sing. Like, I mean, longer than like two seconds, y'all, before you say, take off.
00:28:45 --> 00:29:03 Not as much as they were singing on this one, y'all. But that's like a gripe I think we both may have. I don't know. It depends on the group. But I just feel like. Yeah, it depends on the group. But I think for them, it did take them a minute to just figure out how to use all their voices. And they did a really good job with the vocal distribution overall here.
00:29:03 --> 00:29:30 Yes, which I appreciate because like finally and also having reviewed Niall's debut album, enjoy his voice. And I can pinpoint it now as well. And I think, again, just thinking about Liam, just because he didn't lean heavily into iconography in terms of his artistry doesn't mean he couldn't sing. Like he's a solid boy band member. I was listening to some of his parts and then listening to it live and other songs later on we're talking about. I was like, oh, man, he's good placement.
00:29:30 --> 00:29:53 Mm-hmm.
00:29:53 --> 00:30:16 uh the settings and whatnot but yeah i do appreciate that um and i think this where the song does suffer a little bit with just sticking to a rock concept is like when you stick to this specific sound you're not maybe you're not really considering other ways to approach a chorus because it's still very throw to you and i we're shouting to the you know we're shouting to the stars we're shouting to the gods sure
00:30:16 --> 00:30:29 as opposed to maybe having some other harmonies in there. Like, yeah, Zane gave us that big moment. But what if there was different harmonies or, like, I don't know, something else just less throaty, big, and trying to be stadium rock?
00:30:30 --> 00:30:56 I don't need it, but yeah. Yeah, I have the same note as you about the final chorus, because it is hairy, you know, just kind of singing the chorus alone for most of the song. And then the final chorus, you get the full group moment. Yeah. But it doesn't feel as... Yeah, it needed some harmony or something just to keep it really full, I think, along with Zayn's ad libs. I think that would have really properly climaxed it. Yeah, I'm going to be honest with you. This is not my favorite song of theirs.
00:30:56 --> 00:31:21 Again, melodically, for some reason, it just doesn't really do anything for me. Production-wise, I do enjoy the strings that come in. Yeah. And there's like the build of it all with the way the band comes in and the guitar kind of comes in. I do think that is actually very well done. The verses, I do prefer the verses to the chorus. I love the three-part harmony going on in the second verse. Yeah.
00:31:21 --> 00:31:31 It's so beautiful, especially when they do it live as well, when they're more kind of even leveled. I love that. And then, yeah, lyrically, this whole kind of...
00:31:31 --> 00:31:52 Us against the world kind of framing. Yeah. You know, it's romantic for sure. It's definitely giving cinema, you know, very cinematic there. Yeah. And I feel like it goes along with that whole fantasy of like for the fans, right? Like it's like people would be so mad if I got with one of them, but like we'd be.
00:31:52 --> 00:32:20 It'd be us against the world kind of thing. There's a movie, right? There's a movie that was like based off of a Harry Styles. Yes, it's called After. After we collided. After, then after, after, and after again. And after ever after. There's like six different movies. Oh, there are? Oh, I'm just thinking of the one. No, it's a one movie called After, but it has spinoffs. Because it was like a series. It was a universe. Oh. Yeah, it was not good. I will tell you that now. I feel like I'm thinking of a different movie. Oh. Yeah. Yeah.
00:32:20 --> 00:32:28 Y'all hang on, leave me in the comments below if you've watched after. I watched after and I couldn't get to the end. The only thing I realized. I'm thinking of the one with like Nicholas Gallat scene.
00:32:28 --> 00:32:51 Oh, that one was going in half a way. Yeah. Wasn't that based off of Harry Styles? It was. Yeah. Anyway, what were you... Sorry, continue. Sorry, he's delicious. What were you saying, though? Excuse me. Okay, tell me about After. Okay, so After is also based off a Wattpad story about Harry Styles, right? So there's a guy named Harden. His name is Harden, and he likes, you know... Harden? Yeah. Oh. Oh.
00:32:51 --> 00:33:08 Not a great name. Sorry if your name's Hardin. Sorry, Hardin. But yeah, Hardin, he meets a girl. She's mousy. She's also a V-word, of course. And then, you know, they meet, and it's like, I like to read Bronte, or Bronte, you know, Weathering Heights. And they kind of bond over that, and then they're like...
00:33:08 --> 00:33:37 Come to find out, it was a bet because she was like, oh, no, I'm not going to play you guys. This is kissing games. And then she leaves. This is the beginning of the movie. She leaves, right? And then they're like, oh, she's approved. She turned you down. He's like, I bet I can get her to sleep with me. Fast forward. She found out that she was a bet. And then they break up. Second movie, they get back together. Now you're ruining the movie for everyone. I'm kidding. If you haven't seen it. Spoiler alert. Sorry, too late. Also, another spoiler alert. They changed the parents.
00:33:37 --> 00:34:03 several times throughout the series oh they couldn't bring get the actors to come back okay i'm so sorry oh my okay yeah let us know if you've seen after or whatever the anne hathaway movie was called oh yeah it was delicious i've never seen that one okay oh well let's talk about the music video the one that won best british video um
00:34:04 --> 00:34:26 Great video. I love the whole one-shot situation. Obviously, it wasn't actually one-shot, but, you know, the way that they did it. The transitions between each member was just so well done. I will say, I think the worst one was, I think Louis, like, very awkwardly turns his head and turns into Zayn, I think. That seemed the most deliberate of all of them. But, yeah, super impressive that they were able to, like...
00:34:26 --> 00:34:52 I'm just thinking about post, like the clouds not move at all. Like the sun never peek out. I guess it's the UK, so the sun like never peeks out. How do you mean it matters? You're right. But yeah, I was just like fascinated by it. I was like staring at like the sky and the ocean, like, you know. Yeah, and the stop frames at the end are fun, you know, with all the random stuff going on. I did see some plagiarism accusations. I guess another band or someone had done just kind of a stop.
00:34:52 --> 00:35:01 motion. I don't know what you call that, where there's like, you see the future and then like, I know what you mean. Yeah. Yeah. But you know, despite that, yeah, great video.
00:35:02 --> 00:35:25 Yeah. Yeah. I mean, Ariana Grande did it and the light's coming. The light is coming to let. Yeah. Take back the darkness. I think it's like a shadow effect where you move and you kind of come back into yourself. I thought the video was great up until the end when they started acting like goofballs. And I was like, I couldn't just walk together. Like, give me that one moment. You're just in a you and I just walking. We pan across everyone's face. Now they act like some fools, but it's OK. I'm not mad at them. I'm not mad at that.
00:35:25 --> 00:35:51 I thought it was funny because, you know, random things would happen. Like, what's that balloon that just showed up? Yeah. Like I said, I got over it, but I was like, dang, how awesome would it have been if you actually just kept just holding it. More serious. Yeah. For a second. But yeah, I think it's a fun video. I appreciate the video. I didn't even know it existed. Again, I was knee deep. Not even. I was neck deep. Eyebrow deep. In K-pop. So yeah, I like the video. Simple. Effective. Mm-hmm.
00:35:52 --> 00:36:17 Um, I will give the song just a 7.5 though. Not my fave. Oh, wow. Sorry. You know, I understand that. I feel it as in terms of balance on this album. I think it might be okay for me. So I'll give it a. So, okay. I say you 7.5. I'll give it a 7.5. I'll match you. You know, I don't have to. Anyway, I have to think about you. So right. Yeah. Sorry, guys. This.
00:36:18 --> 00:36:42 Up next is Don't Forget Where You Belong, and this was done by Tom Fletcher, Dougie Pointer, and Danny Jones of McFly with Niall from One Direction. Hey. Don't forget where you belong. Love that McFly has made an appearance again. McFly? I do enjoy a McFly song every once in a while. This one...
00:36:43 --> 00:37:07 I feel like celebrities just really love these types of messages where they're like, you know, they're just like, I'm down to earth. Like, I'm humble. Like, I remember where I came from. I'll never forget it. Despite them, like... Different tax bracket completely. Not just that, but like the whole lifestyle, you know, is just like something that, you know, as a pleb, like, I could never even imagine that, you know? So I just find it very...
00:37:07 --> 00:37:35 these can be quite self-indulgent, I feel like, when they have a song like this. Like, yes, everyone can relate to this in a way, but, like, for them, it's just, like, on a whole other level that it's kind of just, like, okay. Yeah, they're a little removed now. Like, several years, three albums removed from, like, oh, I wake up every morning and brush my teeth like you, mate. Like, you know. Yeah. I get it, yeah. But more so than that, this chorus is just not my favorite chorus.
00:37:35 --> 00:38:02 Don't forget where you belong I don't know It's just like melodically Doesn't do too much for me I think again the bridge The bridge is awesome I love Louis, Zane Kind of doing this big belt With each other And then Harry comes in This big harmony note Which I appreciate This is the first song on the album
00:38:02 --> 00:38:21 up to this point where I'm kind of like, this is a little fillery. Oh my God. That's in my notes too. Yeah. But I do think the production is good. Like the build is good. You get that boom, boom clap here. Here as well. I will say the live version in the Where We Are tour, they add a guitar solo, which I enjoy.
00:38:21 --> 00:38:50 I did hear that. Saw the man at the top. This song is not that, but it's not anything we haven't already heard. Diana does a better job of the you are not alone shtick. Not to reduce it to a shtick. But, you know, I think this song is more of like a group hug in audio form. You know, like a brotherhood kind of thing. It's like, hey, man, I know we just secured this brand deal. Sorry.
00:38:52 --> 00:39:10 But it's like, I know we just went through this whole crazy thing and we had to deal with a lot of craziness. But like, man, don't forget, you're from Rivertown. Don't forget, you're an Irish boy from, you know, we all like a good roast once in a while. We like to go to the pub, mate. You know what I'm saying? Like, we all, we all know my accents are terrible. But the point is...
00:39:10 --> 00:39:40 The point is, it's almost like a conversation between the group, which I appreciate. Like, hey, lads, we've got each other. We've been together this long since day one. You know, I sound like Leo. I tried to channel Leo. Oh, my. That's terrible. I'm so sorry, Leo. I'm so sorry. But yeah, I think Harry and Liam harmonize in the second verse. And moments like that make the song feel more united. And brotherly, Liam also harmonizes with Zayn in the bridge. And I also agree, the bridge saves the song. Louis and Zayn, oh, we haven't gotten that pairing.
00:39:40 --> 00:39:58 Sounds great. And it's a great pairing. Yes, the thinness, the thickness, the tones. Singing about sticking together through thick and thin. It's just so satisfying. I love it. Yeah. I will give this a seven. I also don't love it that much. A seven for me.
00:39:59 --> 00:40:24 Okay, moving on to Strong, done by John the Blind, Julian Bunetta, Jamie Scott, and Louis of One Direction. And though this song was not released as an official single, it did reach number one in New Zealand. Go in, New Zealand. Which is awesome. And our patron, Hilary, did note that this one does seem a bit queer-coded in the lyrics. Oh. Oh, I mean... That's funny. Oh, my God.
00:40:27 --> 00:40:51 You make me strong. Okay. Hear me out, y'all. Hmm. I feel like I may have miscored. Don't forget where you belong compared to strong. I can honestly say with my heart that I don't think I actually like this song. Strong is okay for me. Okay. Yeah. I think I like the way the boys sound. Yeah.
00:40:51 --> 00:41:17 vocally, then I do like the song. Like Zayn and Liam are singing the lower parts of their voices. It sounds great. The chorus about not being song without their love being around is relatable to a certain extent. And they aren't afraid of love, whatever that love looks like or is. I appreciate that. And a lot of people, men in particular, need to adopt this philosophy. You need love to survive in this world.
00:41:17 --> 00:41:35 Okay. And I appreciate that. I love that. I do want to know if like the script or maybe snow patrol was like an influence. Like if either band was, I'd have to say that the song kind of missed the mark for me. And I don't know why, but I just, it doesn't, I don't know. It just doesn't click for me. And I think by the time I've gotten to this point on the album where it's like,
00:41:35 --> 00:42:01 you are equating your worth to someone else again. Or like, you know, it's like, don't forget where you belong. And then Diana, I'm kind of over it by now. Like I've kind of gotten to that little point where I'm just like, it's a little too sappy for me. We're not even halfway. I know. And I'm so sorry to you, Hillary, but do you know this is why you like ghosts? But no, it's one of those things where I don't dislike them. They sound good, but I think by this time on the album, I'm like, okay, give me something else thematically.
00:42:01 --> 00:42:12 Where I'm at least like, okay, yeah, this is a palate cleanser. But for now, it's a little bit, it's a little stale. Okay. But I can't, yeah, I can't say I would revisit this song.
00:42:13 --> 00:42:38 If he plays, I don't know. But, like, right now, I can't even think much about, like, the melody right now. That's just me, though. I'm the opposite of you, actually. I think the last two, I was kind of like, eh. This song did bring me back a bit, I would say, actually. The structure is actually giving Kelly Clarkson a little bit. Because you have that, you know, that, like, repeated guitar riff. You get these kind of soft, low, kind of quiet verses leading into this big kind of anthemic song.
00:42:39 --> 00:42:59 proclamation of a chorus, you know? So I actually like that. I like the melody of it. Zane's Bridge, again, so good with the R&B riffs. Just takes song to another level. I like the drums and how kind of powerful they are here. So this one actually was like a...
00:42:59 --> 00:43:27 a high note for me, I would say. Especially with the last two, I was kind of like, this one kind of rejuvenated me a little bit, I would say. And I enjoyed it live. Yeah, I thought it was really good live. Oh, so it's yours for... I'll give it an 8.5. Okay. Okay. I don't know. I guess... If I had to choose between don't...
00:43:28 --> 00:43:35 you belong in this one i think that strong is a little bit better in terms of delivering so i'll give it a 7.5
00:43:35 --> 00:43:59 All right, so we are halfway through the standard album. There are, of course, a bunch of bonus tracks. So if you'd like to hear us talk about those, you'll just have to join us over at patreon.com slash CCTV Pops. You can also just follow us everywhere on socials at CCTV Pops as well. Yeah. Yeah. And you can also help us pick out episode topics on Patreon. Oh, yeah. Dot com.
00:43:59 --> 00:44:28 Because, guys, listen, you can be really upset with me, and we can talk about it in a live session, or you can, like, agree with me, and we can talk about it during the live session. Either way, just join us, okay? It's free. All right. Up next is Happily. And this was done by Carl Falk, Savan Koteca, and Harry of One Direction. I know you want to leave, so come on, baby, be with me so happily.
00:44:28 --> 00:44:50 oh these old names okay yes carl and savant are back but now harry has joined them in the studio right he says hang on i got this yeah i can i can help you out now right um the stomping is back for this one yes there's a but for this one i actually do think it works because there's like an urgency to this song which i think is fun um
00:44:51 --> 00:45:15 Yeah, I'm glad they still kind of went back to the two of them because, you know, we've said this about other groups or other albums we've talked about in the past. You do have to make sure you're still doing stuff that is accessible to the fans that bought your first two albums. And this does, it does harken back a bit to the earlier stuff. It still feels mature, more mature, but there is kind of a naivete to it.
00:45:15 --> 00:45:38 like lyrically yeah there's a positivity and like a naivete to it that i think just kind of makes sense for like their age you know yes but yeah in terms of the lyrics it's you know it's like this plea to this person who's with someone else yeah you know and that's kind of funny though yeah and this one is kind of queer coded too you know i don't care what people say when we're together okay
00:45:40 --> 00:45:51 Or it goes back to the other thing with like, you know, a fan's fantasy. Oh. You know. Oh. See now. That's crazy. I mean, it's not a crazy theory, but that's crazy. Yeah.
00:45:53 --> 00:46:23 You know, the storm claps in the haze. Lumineer is light. Hell yeah. I don't hate it. I'm just saying. When you think about what was out at the time, this fits right in. Second verse, honey. Talk about lyrics. Second verse with Louie and Liam is a messy boots. Messy. Messy. It's 4 a.m. I know you're with him. I wonder if he knows I touched your skin. If he feels traces of me in your hair. I'm sorry, love. I don't care. What do you mean?
00:46:23 --> 00:46:40 What do you mean? Traces of mania. Is there something about Mary going on? I've never seen that movie. I've yet to see the movie. But I do know the reference with Cameron Diaz in the hair gel. I was thinking more just like his smell. Less so than a substance. No.
00:46:43 --> 00:47:12 Hang on. Hang on. This is a hill that I'm willing to see a new perspective on. I'm not going to die on this hill. My question was, what do you mean traces? What do you mean traces? Because my thing is, like, listen, as a black woman, not much is going to get in my hair in terms of scent, right? Like, it's my hair product, so it might smell like a little bit like an argan oil, like a mixed berry, whatever the heck I'm using. It's not going to smell like it's a man. You know what I'm saying? Like, unless I spray something directly. So I'm not sure if it's, like, a softer hair texture thing so you absorb a little bit easier. But...
00:47:12 --> 00:47:41 I mean, maybe you're right, and I was just too clean in my thinking. You know what, Chris? Stay like that. Yes, because one of us... In the hair, though? Who wants it in the hair? Listen. It could have been an accident. It could have been a slip of the tip. I don't know. Sure. I didn't say the word, y'all. What do you mean? But even still, it's 4 a.m., and I know you're with my Wanda Peanuts on Tetris. Can you hear me you're with him?
00:47:42 --> 00:48:05 Them, before, you went to go see your man? Girl, take a shower. Take a shower. So yeah, I think this song is really funny. I think this song is really funny because of the toxicness of it. But it's not like this mean, like, you know, I could do better than him. Like some previous tracks on Take Me Home, right? This one's a little bit more like...
00:48:05 --> 00:48:15 you know, I'm okay to be boyfriend number two, even though I was boyfriend number one, but a twist of fate separated us. Like, it's just, I get it. It's like, listen,
00:48:16 --> 00:48:44 I think we should be back together. I think you and I would be good together. He's not saying, you know, much. But this is rough. I think they have good intentions. I don't know. Because the girl's not actually having a hard time with her boyfriend. They are just having a harder time without her. You know? It's like, eh, eh. Yeah. But yeah, I like this one. I think this is actually one of the better songs on the album. I will give it an 8.5.
00:48:44 --> 00:48:55 Yeah, same, 8.5, even with all its messy bootsness. Next is Right Now, done by Ryan Tedder with Harry, Liam, and Louis of One Direction. Whoa!
00:49:01 --> 00:49:31 All right. This song has whispers of Coldplay influence, especially in the atmosphere. I mean, One Republic, basically. I mean, totally. It's basically a One Republic song. You know, yeah. He said, y'all got time. Can you get these notes? You're going to. You're welcome. I'm Ryan Tedder. I wrote Halo. I'm Ryan Tedder. I wrote Greedy. And already gone. Right. Yes. I have seen this man once, and I already know his whole MO. I'm going to sing some song that y'all already know and then mention that I wrote this one. Woo, woo, woo.
00:49:31 --> 00:49:59 You know, I do enjoy it, though. It's great. That's a great moment in his show. Because then it's like, oh, my God, this guy wrote Greedy. Yes, he did. He's very good. You know, but yeah, so I just think it's really funny. You know, the atmospheric synths and the soaring chorus, like you said, One Republic. Yeah. The chorus is high, though, honey, it is high. And Ryan said, oh, you can hit that. No problem. You got it. The song does make me feel like the stakes are high.
00:49:59 --> 00:50:19 after being away from someone a long time, like, I want you here right now. There's a gospel song where the guy says, I need you right now. I thought it was a love song when I was a kid. Cause I was like, he needs, he said, not another second, not another minute. I need you right now. So I'm talking about God. This one was like, I need you right now. Right now, come here.
00:50:19 --> 00:50:39 You know, and I appreciate that because it's like, you know, you see that scene in the movie where people are like, oh, my God, I have to go back and go get him or I have to go back and get her. They're running. Someone's running through a crowd. Someone's, you know, and they collide and they kiss. We get a 360 shot of them kissing and embracing at the terminal. You know, it's cinematic. It's huge. It is meant for six thousand freaking fans waving their phone lights. Yeah.
00:50:40 --> 00:51:01 Not even just phone lights. This is the song that had that big fan event in that Milan concert. Yeah. Which was awesome. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That was such a cool moment for sure. I like One Republic a lot, actually. Yeah. I mean, Ryan does have a very distinctive sound. Like that chorus is so him.
00:51:01 --> 00:51:23 Yeah. And like melodically, you know, get the head voice moment. He just does a dramatic mid-tempo very well. He does. And the production-wise too, you know, now we get some more electronic elements here. It's a bit more atmospheric than some of the other songs we've heard so far as well. I think out of the slower songs on this, I like this one.
00:51:23 --> 00:51:49 i like this one like i like this one more than you and i probably oh okay but it does sound just like one republic so you know like it doesn't sound like 1d like so in that way i'm kind of like okay i get i get it but i actually think i do think it's a good song yes it is yeah solid track yeah so what do you give it eight i will match you with the eight
00:51:49 --> 00:52:12 All right, up next is A Little Black Dress. With the tights underneath, I got the wrong, wrong group. It is. This was done by John the Blind, Julian Bonetta, Eador, Geiger, and Liam and Louie of One Direction. I'm so sorry, guys. It's Geiger. I'm sorry. Again, we are the only show, well, one of the only shows that actually talk about the songwriters and the producers. So I do apologize for not saying your name proper, loser. Yeah.
00:52:18 --> 00:52:27 All right, so we're back to the 80s kind of glam rock situation. What's fun about this one is you get these chanty group vocals for the verses.
00:52:28 --> 00:52:50 So yeah, it's kind of fun, kind of different from everything we've heard so far. The vocals in general, I think, are a bit more raw. Like, they're just a bit edgier. Yeah. It's not as much of that pop sheen during this one. That's the word. Yeah, there's none. Yeah. And again, yeah, this one's clearly made for the stadiums. Already has that live band arrangement. I love the guitar solo in the middle. Yeah.
00:52:51 --> 00:53:15 I also love the little exclamations the group makes throughout the owls and the, you know, like all that stuff. But yeah, this was a good one. Lots of hooks in the melody is one of the most mature sounding songs, I would say. Yeah. Like if I just heard this song, I would not think they were as young as they are singing it. Right. I will say the one thing I really dislike about this song, though, that fade out is so abrupt.
00:53:16 --> 00:53:27 It's a little just lazy for me. It comes out of nowhere. It's like the last two seconds, and it's just like, okay, given the live band situation, you really could have just given it a real ending.
00:53:28 --> 00:53:50 A button. That's all we need. Just a symbol. Yeah. Yeah. But like the fade out just happens so fast. Like I'm telling you, it literally happens in the last like three seconds of the song. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It doesn't like have like a long like repeating the chorus or something or like, you know, it's over. It's done. Yeah. It's already a short song too. It's like 237. So it's like, you could have gotten to 240, guys. It's fine.
00:53:50 --> 00:54:18 That's a crazy song. I mean, the song is as short as apparently Little Black Dresses Dress. Sure. So this is a fun tonal shift after the several emotional tracks. It is flirty again. Gritty. Punchy 80s classic rock. I think maybe a little 70s glam, but it definitely reminds me of like something that's very, you know, meant to be tough guy. So...
00:54:18 --> 00:54:33 I do appreciate the sonic around it. When I think about, like, the whole song, I envision Enora. I just watched Enora for the take that song that was in it. Yeah. And then after watching it, it kind of reminds me of that, you know, where the...
00:54:33 --> 00:55:02 main character falls in love with the feisty lead female character or whatever character, and it's like Little Black Dress. I do find it very interesting that Little Black Dress is how this girl is referred to throughout the song. And I don't even think they asked for Shardy's name, not one time. I want to see the way you move. What's your favorite song? But never. What's your name? It's just Little Black Dress. How you doing? Hey, Little Black Dress. It sounds like an old brother. Like, you know, hey, Little Black...
00:55:02 --> 00:55:31 Black people will always call you by like, hey, hey, hey, black shirt, black shirt, like me. When I teach my kids what you eat for breakfast, a bagel. Yo, bagel, come here. You don't get a name. It's just, it's kind of just what it is. So I think of this song, it's just really funny. Hey, little black dress, like dancing. Hey, little black dress. And I think that is part of the fun. Like, it's mysterious. It's a one night stand. That's all good drinks, a game of pool and a make out in the hallway before rolling in the hay. Who knows? But little black dress doesn't need a name.
00:55:31 --> 00:55:39 Apparently. Interesting. She just needs to give her yes. Okay. Yes. All right. I give this one an eight.
00:55:40 --> 00:56:03 Oh, yeah. Yeah, I think it's fun. It is fun. I just wish it wasn't so short, because I was thinking about an 8.5, but because it is quite short, I do want a little more danger in my track. I'll give it an 8, too. Oh, great. Yeah, I'll match you. All right. Next is Through the Dark, done by Jamie Scott, Toby Smith, and Liam and Louie of One Direction.
00:56:09 --> 00:56:32 Okay, so I'm going to sound a little funky. Maybe not. I don't know. But it sounds like something that Liam could have sung. Not Liam. Niall could have sung alone on his album. Because it's so, like, stomp clappy, which I appreciate. It's very folksy. Which is why I love to hear him sing things that are, like, a little bit more in his wheelhouse. I do appreciate it. And it's so interesting because he didn't really write on the songs that were more folkier.
00:56:33 --> 00:56:57 And I'm like, interesting. What were you doing? He's like, I'm learning how to play this guitar so I can play it on stage. But yeah, I think I like this song a little bit more than Don't Forget Where You Belong. It does a better job in terms of melodic structure for the chorus. And like, even in the delivery when they perform it live, just hearing them all sing together is...
00:56:57 --> 00:57:20 with this emote very well together so i think i appreciate a little bit more and it has that same message of like i will help you find your way but again done a little bit more effectively so i appreciate it a little bit more i think diana is probably the more superior version of all three of those i agree with you yeah it definitely has this whole reassurance kind of situation here um
00:57:21 --> 00:57:49 Yeah, I will say this one did not stand out to me. I think the first time I heard it. Like, I think the stomping thing is effective, of course. And it works for this song for sure. But I think out of kind of the main sound that they were going for in terms of like, you got the glam rock, you got the pop rock, you got the kind of emotional kind of guitar ballad mid-tempo situation. Yeah. This folksier stuff, like there's more to the folksy than just this stomp clap. Yeah.
00:57:49 --> 00:58:14 barn yard situation um yeah so i feel like the other three were more fleshed other types of sounds you know we're just like a little bit more fleshed out like every folksy song kind of sounds the same on this one um i don't think the song is bad um like i think the chorus is actually quite nice like it's it's very anthemic again very cinematic again uh i know i just keep using those words but that's just what they sound like
00:58:14 --> 00:58:43 And vocally, I think they did a great job, right? Very warm again. Niall's pre-chorus is great. He sounds so innocent there. You know, I think it's because he doesn't really use any vibrato. Oh, yeah, it's very pure. Yeah, so that it just sounds so like, I don't know. It's very charming. Yeah, it's very cute. And again, you got that lower octave chorus again right after the bridge here. So, yeah, I think this song is good as an album track. Mm-hmm.
00:58:44 --> 00:58:52 Compared to the other kind of stomp, clappy songs, it's just, it's fine. But I like it more than some of the other songs on the album as well.
00:58:53 --> 00:59:22 Ooh, that's so valid. I think for me, it's, um, there are better songs than the bonus. I mean, the deluxe. Yeah, I agree. I could have been on here. Yeah, I agree. You know, and I think, again, it's one of those, like, it's getting kind of stale at this point where it's like, okay, yeah. So, the song is a bit of a copy of a copy of a copy, if you would say. Yeah. Uh-huh. 1D friends, we've been caught up, guys. You're learning the lore and the songs. But yeah, so, what did you give this song? Because mine, ah,
00:59:23 --> 00:59:42 I'm okay with giving it as a folk song. I don't hate it. I'll give it a little eight. Okay, I'll go 7.5. Yeah. A little bit lower. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Up next is something great, and this was done by Jack Knife Lee, Gary Lightbody, and Harry of One Direction. So Harry's back. Do we like Harry's songs? Do we like Harry's songs?
00:59:47 --> 01:00:13 Well, yeah, and you got some different writers here, too. These are some new names, right? So it is refreshing to get something a little bit different this deep into this album. This one also sounds very grown. Oh, my God, dude, that's not the same time. Yeah, that sounds very grown. Yeah, I actually, I think the chorus is actually quite interesting for this one. You can tell it's different writers. It's not that same kind of anthemic kind of pop. Yeah.
01:00:13 --> 01:00:29 kind of structure that it has. Even though you still have a kind of a stomping quality, not as dramatic one, but there is that. But the chorus is like this kind of drawn out melody. Each word is like
01:00:30 --> 01:00:49 enunciated and it has a moment, you know, so it makes it super emotional in that way. And I like the production as well. Like I like the strings. There's a good mix of electric and acoustic guitars here. Zane's ad lives at the end. Awesome. And I love the outro. Louis.
01:00:49 --> 01:01:01 little moment there like he sounds so sad and vulnerable it's like a really nice way to end the song so yeah actually really like this one like it does kind of help kind of pick up this kind of last part of the album for me
01:01:02 --> 01:01:29 Something great is the regret after losing love. And I can appreciate that. You know, it's not like some weird like, oh, why can I date you? Because we're done. It's hopeful despite the heartbreak. There's one day that's repeated in the verses. And I think the lyrics portray someone that understands how a relationship would go, but they were inadequate at the time. So now they want something great. So now my question is, are you willing to be great? Yes.
01:01:29 --> 01:01:47 Being a good guy is not enough. Do you have the stamina to maintain forever, sir? So I think that's kind of what was missing for me in the lyric. I was just like, okay, one day this, and you should have did that, but are you going to do it now? So I think that is kind of what the song is leaving you to ask.
01:01:47 --> 01:02:07 which I appreciate because obviously they feel bad. I mean, you broke up with me or I broke up with you either way. You made a mistake. I'm the one that got away. And I think as a listener, I feel like a lot of people could feel this way. Cause it sounds like a plea to the proposal, like a plea, a proposal of getting back together, or at least a wistful track.
01:02:08 --> 01:02:34 You know, a little bit of longing. Yeah. But I can imagine how a listener would feel. There are crappy people all over, yes. But I know a lot of girls complain about their history with men who are avoidant, who ghost, or maybe they weren't ready. Like, you know, right person, wrong time. You know, that kind of crap. And it's like, it's hard not to yearn for that person to come back and say, hey, let's try again. Let's respawn and play the game, you know. Spawn. Respawn, yeah, respawn. Sure. Yeah.
01:02:34 --> 01:03:03 Interesting word choice, yes. Yeah, I know. Because it's a game at this point. Because we're getting back together after what you pulled. But yeah, Zayn and Louie's moments at the end really drive home the point of regret and heartbreak from the other point of view. And to that, and to all the men whose hearts break because of their inadequacies, I say suffer. So for this song... Oh, also I forgot to note that Gary Lightbody is from Snow Patrol.
01:03:04 --> 01:03:34 Yeah. Hey! Yeah. Did I mention them already? Well, yeah, you asked a question if Snow Patrol was an influence for this album. See? Okay, I didn't... Not only an influence, a collaborator. Can I tell you something? It's one of those things where I don't delve into the members of groups or bands. I just go, I like this. Yeah. And then years later, I'm like, I wonder who was in the group. You're dead. You know what I'm saying? Like that, you know, like... This person's like really old, like the ACDC guy. I didn't know they had like a whole swap. And then back to...
01:03:35 --> 01:04:03 back to black to me but then that happened i was like oh wait that's not the same guy um so yeah um i did not know that that's actually see told you my brain is braining yeah all right so what do you rate this one i don't hate it so i will give it it's not 8.5 worthy so i'll give it it i'll leave it at eight it's not 7.5 i like it i have it as an eight also
01:04:04 --> 01:04:16 Yes, still suffer, but it's a good suffering need. I like this, yeah. Next is Little White Lies, done by Julian Bonetta, John the Blind, Ed Druitt, Wayne Hector, and Liam and Louis of One Direction. One Direction.
01:04:22 --> 01:04:52 Oh, yeah. You know, this song is kind of interesting. Little White Lies by One Direction is, you know, I don't. How do I say this? Is the girl lying about not wanting to get physical or is she just not interested? It's one of those things where it's like you can sit there and kind of read too much into it, I would say.
01:04:52 --> 01:05:10 But I will say, I didn't know what the little white lies were. I was like, what's she lying about? And it's one of those things where it's like, you keep saying you don't want to do it, girl. And I know you want to do it. It's okay. But I think the way it was written is a little like, not my fave. There is something on the deluxe that I feel it articulates the...
01:05:10 --> 01:05:37 let's do this because we're ready thing a little bit better because this kind of trivializes someone's uncertainty and i don't care for that even someone's kissing you if she decides she's gonna say no then you know so it turns into a thing where like if you're an adult you'll look at this like oh my god how dare he not ask no wife for his consent when he kissed her and woke her from her slumber i get that but i don't get coercion from this i don't get coercion from this at all like i mean
01:05:37 --> 01:06:05 maybe this is that go all the way moment of first time couple is having like, you know, I know like the lyric, I know what you want. And I've been waiting so long. Like that's a conversation that young adults do have. It's like, we've been good at it for a really long time. I'm attracted to you. Like, Hey. So yeah, I mean, it's not bad. It's something from take me home kind of vibe, I would say, but it's a little bit more. But it's not a bad song. It's just, you know, I'll be a little horn. Yeah.
01:06:05 --> 01:06:24 e but it's not like anything terrible I'd say yeah it sounded kind of cheeky so I thought I didn't think about it that deeply but I can totally see what you mean with the lyrics where you could see it as like no means no
01:06:24 --> 01:06:54 Right. I know. It's hard. I get it. But yeah, I think I have the same note as you where this totally sounds like something from Take Me Home. Not in a bad way at all. You know, it's that kind of very glossy, using that word again, right? It's more glossy. It's that kind of pop rock sound. And the chorus is fun. Like, it's fun to sing along to. There's a ton of energy with it. The arrangement is giving kind of dubstep.
01:06:54 --> 01:07:18 Oh my god, yeah. Something that's very, like, dated. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So they combined the kind of electronic elements there. It still has, like, the live band elements, obviously, but just that the way they did it is giving dubstep a little bit. Yeah, I think this one is fun. I do like how the song starts off right with the chorus as well. Like, it is anthemic and fun to sing along to. So, yeah, I think it does stand out on the album, like, in a good way.
01:07:18 --> 01:07:45 Oh, yeah. I think so, too. Yeah. I think it's just difficult because it's just so weird. I get it. It's hard. From a woman's perspective, if you're a fan, like, I'm also a woman and I didn't think that. That's fine. You're probably like 15 and you heard a song. Like, you know, sorry. But yeah, I don't dislike it. I think sonically I do appreciate it. So it's. That's tough.
01:07:45 --> 01:07:54 It's not as good as the other song on the deluxe, so I won't give it the same score. Okay. So I will say 7.5. Okay, I will go an 8. Okay.
01:07:56 --> 01:08:20 Up next is Better Than Words, and this was done by John the Blind, Julian Veneta, Jamie Scott, and Liam and Louie of One Direction. And this is the last track on the standard edition of the album. As we mentioned, we will be talking about the deluxe version. So hop on over to Patreon if you want to hear some more. Okay, so how do you feel about this one?
01:08:21 --> 01:08:48 I don't love it. Me either. Yeah. I think the best part of the song is the lyrics and the verses all being well-known song titles. Yeah. Lots of Beyonce references in there, which I was not mad at. No. And just iconic love songs in there. Yeah. Melodically, though, just not my fave. I think the, ah, woo, to start the chorus is fun, but the rest of the chorus, I'm kind of just like...
01:08:50 --> 01:09:15 like the bridge is good there's like a back and forth there's some harmonies there but yeah i don't know this one very fillery yeah your face was just like you we don't want to sound mean i think people might take criticism as like us just being nasty but like we're backing it up you know and i think with this one who i feel like better than words celebrates romance through pop culture references and that's the
01:09:15 --> 01:09:38 only thing that make the song actually interesting because you're playing like this game of pop culture easter egg hunt scavenger hunt so it's kind of fun where it's like oh how'd you bit that in there oh that's clever um but like the song goes nowhere grand in the chorus and maybe that was the point it's better than words so they sing the oh oh yeah my point is though even if you're not going to say words
01:09:38 --> 01:10:04 The oh, oh, oh, yeah, went off. You tell me you couldn't figure out a version of that too. Anyway, but again, it's where Best Song Ever was good because of its vague recollection of some obscure, obviously non-existing pop song. It was fun. But this song is so on the nose with the references. It feels like a BuzzFeed list turned into a song. And Louie...
01:10:04 --> 01:10:32 Louis' part I enjoyed the most for sure, but it does feel very fillery and I cannot believe. And not to believe. I cannot believe my eyes. I cannot believe how, it's like this is how we're going to end the standard version of this album. Yeah, and they included it on the set list. I think I saw that it was on the set list of the next tour too. Maybe I'm wrong. Please correct me if I'm wrong, Directioners. But do they really like this one that much? Like, I don't know. This one feels just so like...
01:10:33 --> 01:10:57 I don't know, like below quality compared to the rest. Yeah, for them. Sorry, sorry. So if you like the song, great. It's not my favorite. But yes, I cannot believe my eyes. You don't know that meme? It's hilarious. Okay, I'll send it to you later. Yeah, so look, it's not awful. So I'll still give it a seven. It's just like, nah. Yeah.
01:10:58 --> 01:11:21 yeah that's a strong word awful strong is it bad maybe it might be bad uh-huh they sound good like they're they're never gonna not be talented but is it bad oh i don't like it 6.5 fair yeah sorry fair okay so let's do a cutter keep if you had to cut a song on this album what would you cut and why
01:11:21 --> 01:11:47 You know, I feel like it's obvious for the better, better than words. I feel like it's obvious. But I think I'd actually get rid of, like for real, for real, don't forget where you belong. Where you belong. Yeah. I would actually pick that one too. Oh, really? Oh. Yeah. Yeah.
01:11:48 --> 01:12:15 Sorry, y'all. If this song means something to you, this does not negate that. Do not have a conniption, please. We're just saying, like, sonically, it doesn't really do anything for us. But we would keep one song from this album. If we had to, I mean. What song would you... For me, it would be Diana. Oh, go off. I love it. You know what? I don't blame you. And for me, I mean...
01:12:16 --> 01:12:25 a lot of the really good chosen songs were turned into singles, and I totally get that. Yeah. So it's a little difficult. You can pick a single if nothing else is jumping out to you.
01:12:26 --> 01:12:53 Happily, even with all his toxicity, I think it was a solidly sung song. So I would say Happily is like my keep. Okay. It's up and see album. Let's go. Nice. Nice. Okay. So overall thoughts, this is now the third One Direction album that we've listened to. Yes. I will say watching the tour definitely helped me appreciate the album more because I think the first time I listened to it, I'm going to be honest, some of the songs just kind of blended together for me. Yeah.
01:12:53 --> 01:13:10 But yeah, once I listened to it more, I started appreciating it a bit more. And yeah, hearing it live definitely helped there. And yeah, you know, I mentioned kind of the four kind of main sound avenues that they went down. I'm looking forward to hearing what they do with the next couple projects just to kind of see how they develop things.
01:13:10 --> 01:13:40 those and and maybe just increase the range a little bit more um but vocally i think i think that vocals are really the biggest thing that stood out for me here clearly matured a lot they're a lot more comfortable with just their voices and where each member should sit the harmonies are all super tight the blend is great um and lyrically obviously a bit more mature too so yeah i think it was a solid album i will say i actually think i liked the last album more
01:13:40 --> 01:13:57 Ooh, I think I like the last album a little bit more, too. Well, I do appreciate the artistic integrity that they were allowed to exhibit on this album. I mean, again, like I said, they were manufactured. And to be able to actually write on your third project, at least, I mean, like...
01:13:57 --> 01:14:24 Did Fifth Harmony even get the chance to? I don't even know. You know? Little Mix, second album. I think even first album, they got a chance to write on something. Yeah. But maybe that's just different between, like, a British group and a pop group. I mean, American pop group. I don't know. But it does say a lot where this group is super big and they could continue to keep making the same sound. But they tried to do something a little bit, quote-unquote, bigger than them. Bigger than the machine of pop music. Yeah.
01:14:24 --> 01:14:48 Because let's be real, a lot of people, including this new boy group, was it, um, was it Midnight? Something to Midnight? From Morning to Midnight? Midnight to, whatever. From Building the Band, they kind of cited, my bad to those guys, they kind of cited One Direction as like, oh, you don't want to sound like that, but are now making songs that sound just like this, which isn't bad. And plus...
01:14:48 --> 01:15:13 You should wish you are One Direction. Yeah, One Direction's great. But yeah, I think overall, I appreciate the songwriting ability of the members that were mostly overlooked. I think that is kind of what helps because they're with their boys. They talk to them. They communicate with them. Like, they know their voices. They've worked together for so long. Like, they...
01:15:13 --> 01:15:38 They know how to write for themselves. So I think this is a good first step. So I am also excited to hear what's after, even though we do lose a member. And it should not be anyone's damn spoilers. We got one more album first. We do. Right. Yeah. My bad. Sorry, my bad. But it should be kind of interesting to see what happens in that in between. I'm curious to see that. But yeah, I think Take Me Home, I feel like is a little bit more my speech.
01:15:39 --> 01:16:09 Yeah. But this one I like. I like the attempt. So I'm excited to hear the next step and I'm hoping for more gritty nasty. Yeah. All right. So final rating, I'll give an eight still. Yeah. Okay. I gave some pretty like low-ish scores. But I think overall as a project, solid. Talking about memories, a lot of reminiscing about love, about a good time, about parties, solid concept, consistent throughout. So I will give it an eight as well. Mm-hmm.
01:16:09 --> 01:16:29 Okay. Well, Directioners, what do you think of the Midnight Memories album and the era? Let us know in the comments. Let us know if we missed anything, if you disagree with anything, if you agree with everything. Very curious to hear all your thoughts. Tell us what other artists or albums you want us to review next as well. Huge shout out to our CCTV crew on Patreon. We have Hillary, Lily, Ellen.
01:16:29 --> 01:16:58 Emily, Darius, Phoenix, Ren, George, Julianne, Jonathan, Janelle, Jasmine, Luke, and Ivana. We are so grateful. Thank you so much. Your support really helps us out for sure. And you can also follow us everywhere at CCTV Pops. And if you're watching on YouTube, don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications. And if you're on a podcast app, a follow, rating, and a share really helps as well. Until next time, that's Chantel. That's Chris. And we're signing off from CCTV, the nonstop pop show.