As one of the most understated members of One Direction, Niall Horan has made quite his mark in the music industry as a solo artist.
His rise began back in 2016 when he released “This Town,” a nostalgic remembrance of a small-town love. Followed by the subtly steamy and smitten, “Slow Hands“.
Shortly after, Horan packed up his guitars and hit the road. It was a big risk to tour an album that wasn’t even out yet but let it be known… he did not disappoint.
Flicker debuted on October 20th, 2017 and to say it was worth the wait, would be the understatement of the decade. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Niall Horan album if it weren’t compiled of piano ballads and wanting to cry your eyes out over a relationship you had no part of, but it wasn’t *just* about that. Horan channelled his rock and roll roots with songs like Mirrors and The Tide that portrayed his ability to be diverse. Furthermore, he understands the privilege he has as an artist and consistently advocates for young adults who are struggling with self-image.
Fast forward to a year later, Niall returns with a cheeky up-tempo single called, “Nice To Meet Ya.” If there was only one way to describe this song it would be as follows: it’s Niall Horan personified. That’s it. That’s the tweet. It’s happy, it’s go lucky, it makes you feel good – everything that Niall embodies is in this song.
But like we shared earlier, it wouldn’t be fully “Niall Horan” unless there was a piano ballad in the mix. Which brings me to his new release as of today, “Put A Little Love On Me.”
The simplicity behind his piano ballad has you longing for a love you never had. It’s raw, it’s emotional and it’s heartbreaking with lyrics like; “I still got so much love hidden beneath my skin, so darling / put a little love on me, / when the lights come up and there’s no shadows dancing, / I look around as my heart is collapsing.” The more you listen to it, the more you’re overcome with this sudden urge to protect Niall’s heart at all costs.
Directed by Cameron Busby, the music video does a wonderful job capturing the symbolism of a shattering relationship. It’s simple, much like the song. But the sensation while watching Horan play the piano under a spotlight, speaks volume.
“I’d just gone through a breakup and it was all very real. It was very easy to sit down at the piano and speak and see what happens.”
“Put A Little Love On Me” was produced by Greg Kurstin, who previously worked with Adele on her famous hit singles “Hello” and “Water Under The Bridge.”
Safe to say, it’s an extremely good video. Now please excuse us while we go ugly cry.
Let us know your thoughts on the song at @CelebMix!