By Stephanie Alexander
Staff Writer
British boy band One Direction, just released their sophomore album titled, “Take Me Home” on Nov 13. Their debut album, “Up All Night” with record breaking single, “What Makes You Beautiful” was only released a year ago,
I am a “directioner,” but I’m a fan of all music types as well. And in saying that, I will also say that “Take Me Home” is a complete pop album. It’ is going to get plenty of teen awards, but no Grammy recognition. It is not an album that is going to be taken seriously by critics or Rolling Stone. “Take Me Home” fits the typical pop album criteria: love and girls. However, some stood out from the pack.
The first single off the album, “Live While We’re Young”, starts off the CD. It begins with a rocky intro, similar “Should I Stay or Should I Go” from the 70s British rock band, The Clash. This single was highly anticipated by the boys of One Direction, with a shower of teasers and big twitter announcements foreseeing “Live While We’re Young” and the album “Take Me Home.” This song has been noted to be a bit mature for their younger audiences due to some more or less, careless lyrics.
The second single off the album, “Little Things,” is more emotional and heartfelt. “Little Things” was written by British singer-songwriter and friend of One Direction Ed Sheeran at the age of 17. Ed Sheeran wrote the song “Moments,” on the boys’ last album. “Moments” is another one of One Direction’s slower ballads. “Little Things” is a song that every girl wishes was about her. It has the capability to evoke emotions, maybe make a girl blush a little, or cry.
“Heart Attack” and “Rock Me” are fast favorites of mine. There is a difference between these two in that “Heart Attack” has a rocky, pop feel. With “OW” in between the verses and in the chorus, you can’t help but to sing right along with it. “Rock Me” begins like “We Will Rock You” by Queen. The stomping noise at the beginning gives it a rocky tone. This track will probably be noted a bit mature as well for the forward lyrics, but it’s catchy and pretty easy to sing along to. Especially when it comes time for the bridge of the song, they spell it out for you.
“I Would” is a bit cheesy. It is a high school scenario type of song in the perspective of a boy that wants a girl that is already taken. “He drives to school every morning, while I walk alone in the rain… He’d kill me without any warning if he took a look in my brain… Would he say he’s in L-O-V-E? Well if it was me then I would.”
“I Would” is followed up by another track written by Ed Sheeran, titled “Over Again.” You can tell this is a Sheeran original, for it plays on words and emotions throughout the lyrics. It is a mellow song that complements all of the boys’ voices and really shows off their harmonizing skills. And it is swoon worthy.
“They Don’t Know About Us” is like a flashback to the days of The Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC. It is a slow song about a young misunderstood couple. This was another fast favorite of mine, probably because of the nostalgia the tune gives off. Really, if you didn’t know that you were listening to One Direction; your first thought would be that you were listening to The Backstreet Boys.
“Nobody Compares” is one of the bonus tracks featured on the ‘Yearbook Edition’ of Take Me Home. It is a cute pop song that was meant to make girls happy, and that is exactly what it does. Harry’s deep voice assures you before every chorus that nobody compares to you. Who couldn’t smile?
There is also a Target deluxe version that has two slow serenades, one upbeat pop song and two live versions of songs form there last album Up All Night for bonus tracks.
Which ever version of Take Me Home you are listening to, the album ends on a high note with bonus track “Still The One” on the Yearbook edition and on the deluxe Target edition you have a live version of their song “I Wish”.
Being a “directoiner,” I give the album an A. There are some songs that sound the same, and then there is a handful that are bound to get stuck in your head. Take Me Home is not bad for a sophomore album. But even if One Direction is not your jam, you just might find a song you will like.
