If you are a parent of preteen or teenage girls then you know all about British boy band One Direction. They have been all over your girls’ minds, walls and music players. If you were hoping that their run at the top after three years would be running its course then I am bringing you some bad news. While their latest album is no classic work of music by any means, it will keep them at the top of the pop world for at least another year or so. Instead of looking forward the five young lads from the UK have looked backwards for inspiration. The twelve songs on the album pay ode to music from classic acoustic rock from the seventies and big pop of the eighties. “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” sounds like Bon Jovi at its apex whereas “Spaces” sounds like the Eagles rock of the previous decade. You’ll also hear shades of Fleetwood Mac, Juice Newton and The Clash on other tracks. What most surprised me about Four was the evolution and maturity they show. Lead vocals are still divided so every fan gets a taste of their favourite in the spotlight. Though it must be said that Harry Styles and Niall Horan get the majority of the lead vocals. The tongue-in-cheek moments in “Stockholm Syndrome” actually made me chuckle and they give the fans what they want and deserve (after making them millionaires with their fervent support) with “Ready to Run”.
One Direction – Four
