Believe it or not, the six year anniversary of the formation of One Direction is nearly upon us. They’ve topped the charts years ago with their debut single, ‘What Makes You Beautiful,’ and continued to make the top of the charts their home with tracks like ‘Little Things,” “Story of My Life,” and “Drag Me Down.” What about, however, those underappreciated gems sat within each album? Those songs that you had on had on repeat for weeks and were –in your opinion– grammy worthy? Have no fear, for we’re here to sound off on 10 of the best– yet underrated– One Direction songs.
Let’s begin.
10. Does He Know?
This song, taken from the album Midnight Memories, couples both the pop and rock genres. It’s the perfect summer song, just begging to be turned all the way up while you roll the windows down. Liam’s falsetto and Louis’ solo during the bridge will have you adding this song to your summer playlist!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9QJKuaY8Bg
9. Another World
Looking for the perfect throwback song for your party playlist? Look no further than the b-side track to the 2011 single, “Gotta Be You.” This track taken from the band’s first album, Up All Night, is sure to leave you dancing.
8. Irresistible
From One Direction’s second album, Take Me Home, comes this hidden gem. ‘Irresistible’ is a love song at it’s finest. With its simple melody and sweet harmonies, this is the perfect song to play while you sit and ponder over your true love. Also, let’s be real, this song is about your OTP.
7. Something Great
Co-written Harry Styles, this track tells of wanting the absolute best out of a love that sounds like it went wrong.
The script was written and I could not change a thing / I want to rip it all to shreds and start again / One day I’ll come into your world and get it right
Perhaps the most moving moment of the song comes during the last 20 seconds of the song. Until this moment, Louis’ vocals are not heard elsewhere on this Midnight Memories track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ozPfJTtAv0
6. Over Again
If you’re looking for three minutes of pure angst, this is the song for you. The lads performed this song during the Take Me Home Tour and we’ll be honest and say that the interaction between Nouis during this song is one of the main reasons this song is dear to our hearts. Taken from their sophomore album, this song was co-written by Ed Sheeran.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqCWHkJBUM
5. Walking in the Wind
This song tells the story of the hope that one feels that they’ll cross paths again with an old friend. Styles describes the verses as having a spoken word vibe to them. Walking in the Wind perfectly encaptures the feeling of loss one feels as they navigate life without the person they thought would always be there. This song is story-telling at its finest.
4. Don’t Forget Where You Belong
This is a song for the homesick. The lyrics are simple but heartfelt and tell a story of traveling the world but not forgetting where you came from.
Living out of cases / Packing up and taking off / Made a lot of changes / But not forgetting who I was
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LXzCtPQVVA
3. Never Enough
Never Enough is impressively surprising, musically. It ventures into a style of music not typically seen from One Direction. This song packs a punch, with vocals reminiscent of doo-wop, and the inclusion of a horn section that first appears around a minute into the song. Get ready to dance to this catchy track!
2. Fool’s Gold
The moving lyrics in this song are what make it number two on our list. Fool’s Gold talks of purposely blinding yourself to the dishonesty in a relationship because of the love you feel for that person. If you’re looking for a good cry, play this song.
And, yeah, I let you use me from the day that we first met / But I’m not done yet / Falling for your fool’s gold / And I knew that you turned it on for everyone you met / But I don’t regret / Falling for your fool’s gold
1. What a Feeling
Delivering some Fleetwood Mac vibes, What a Feeling describes the feeling of being on top of the world when you’re with the one you love. This song was written by the gruesome twosome known as Lilo. Tomlinson claims that this song is one of his favorite off the ‘Made in the A.M.’ album. With it’s sweet harmonies, it’s sure to be a favorite of yours as well.
What a feeling to be right here beside you now / Holding you in my arms / When the air ran out and we both started running wild / The sky fell down / But you’ve got stars, they’re in your eyes / And I’ve got something missing tonight / What a feeling to be a king beside you, somehow / I wish I could be there now
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29R4Ph4qqNc
One Direction has grown exponentially since their inception in 2010. They’ve ventured into new genres, constantly pushing the boundaries, not allowing themselves to be confined to the world’s perception of what a boyband should sound like. It’s worked out quite well for them. Their music continues to impress, and their character inspires. It comes as no surprise that they’ve found a special place at the top of the charts and in the hearts of fans everywhere.
Did your favorite songs make the list? Which 1D songs do you think are underrated? Tweet us your thoughts @CelebMix1D!