We are all still reeling from the loss of One Direction member Liam Payne in one of the more shocking passings of 2024, and many Directioners have come together to share some of their favorite memories of the band, including the members themselves. The biggest aspect of the group, behind the shared brotherhood seen throughout the years, is the magic they made with their music. Here’s our list of our favorite songs by the band.
1. "Best Song Ever"
It’s only fitting that one of the best and most favored songs released by One Direction is their chart-topping release, “Best Song Ever”, which ironically describes them listening to another song they deem as the best song ever. Peaking #2 on the Hot 100, this song is undisputedly their most popular song and has made huge strides for the band. While it was met with slight critical acclaim, the song has always held a place in Directioners' hearts with its catchiness, upbeat positivity, and iconic music video.
2. "What Makes You Beautiful"
The most legendary single by the band, just to showcase what a whirlwind of talent the group possessed, was their first single, “What Makes You Beautiful”. This supernova of a single took the world by storm, making their debut one for the books. This single took the band to superstardom almost immediately and showed the world just what 4 boys from the U.K. and 1 from Ireland can do.
3. "Story of My Life"
A slightly deep cut for all the Directioners out there. The music video is heart-wrenching for any fan, showcasing the members' most cherished memories through the video. The song even features their actual families in the video, adding to the layer of sentimentality.
4. "Night Changes"
"Night Changes" is the last music video to show former One Direction member Zayn Malik. The video is a comedic approach to the members all taking their dates out, only to be met with some sort of catastrophe befalling them by the end. The lighthearted approach to a first date was perfect for the Winter season that it was released during and showed some surprising acting chops from the boys! It was the second single released from their final album as a group, Four, followed by previous release “Steal My Girl”.