During One Direction's break, all eyes are naturally on the music careers of the individual members. Zayn Malik and Harry Styles have already released their albums, now Niall Horan is following suit.
The artist
Fans were shocked: at first glance, the L and the I in the album title form a "U", giving the impression that the bad F-word could be the album title.
Niall Horan became famous through the British talent show "X-Factor". He entered the competition as an individual contestant and was later cast by producer Simon Cowell in the boy band "One Direction". Although the group did not win the show, they became the biggest boy band phenomenon of the last twenty years. Five albums, all of which reached first or second place in the British and American charts, a documentary and a concert film and sold-out stadiums across the globe were the result. This took its toll: at the end of March 2015, the band announced Zayn Malik's departure. From then on, he concentrated on his solo career. The remaining four members (Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Niall Horan) finished the then ongoing world tour on October 31, 2015, released the album "Made in the A.M." on November 13, 2015 and made a few promotional appearances, during which they announced a break for One Direction. The band's last performance to date finally took place on December 31, 2015 in a television show at Times Square in New York at the turn of the year. Since then, all band members have concentrated on their solo careers, and in September 2016 Niall Horan announced the signing of a record deal and released the debut single "This Town" shortly afterwards.
The album
Over a year later, Niall Horan's first solo album "Flicker" is released today. "I've been listening to a lot of music from the early eighties recently and I'm inspired by this sound with hard bass and a funky guitar," said Horan before the album release. In contrast to the other One Direction members, Niall Horan learned to play the piano and guitar at an early age. He also accompanies himself on these instruments on the album, which can be attributed to the singer-songwriter genre. There are also influences from folk and country music. Cool: Horan co-wrote all ten songs on the album, as well as all thirteen songs on the deluxe version of the album.
The verdict
Niall Horan's new music is surprising. While the other One Direction band members have chosen new styles of music, the Irishman is probably the most faithful to the 1D sound. Harry Styles is experimenting with seventies rock, Liam Payne and Zayn Malik are moving towards R&B and Louis Tomlinson is collaborating with EDM DJs. Horan's new music is strongly reminiscent of Ed Sheeran's music, yet it doesn't seem copied. It's not a party soundtrack, but a nice album for cozy hours. Feel-good music!
Recommended tracks
Seeing Blind - Beautiful duet ballad with Maren Morris. In the style of Lady Antebellum.
On The Loose - Relaxed guitar sounds paired with spherical guitar sounds.
Flicker - Calm tones from Niall about a break-up.
Niall Horan Live
Niall Horan is currently on tour with the "Flicker Sessions 2017" before he starts the "Flicker World Tour" in Dublin in March 2018. On this occasion, he will also be performing at Halle 622 in Zurich on May 3, 2018.
