My Top 10 One Direction Songs

In 2010, X Factor made history. The judges aligned to form what is now known as One Direction, comprised of five members: Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and Zayn Malik. These five members went on to make history in the world. Later on, once the band has dispersed, each member would go on to gain individual success as solo artists. But between the years of 2010 and 2014, these five members made history with four incredible albums (and one album with four members, thank you Zayn).

Boy bands like One Direction are always followed by one thing: fangirls and the strong sense of community among a fandom. And One Direction’s fandom was/is one of the best. While I wasn’t the most passionate fangirl for 1D, I was still a proud member of the 1D fandom. And for everyone asking: I was a Harry stan, and then I switched to Team Niall. To celebrate this iconic boy band that gave us five incredible albums, I put together a list of my favorite songs.

HONORABLE MENTION: Strong

Nothing to say about this song, but I do love it and it gives good energy.

10. Diana

On first listen, I assumed this song was about Princess Diana. The lyrics make sense. But in an interview, the guys clarified that it’s not but rather was going to be named after Johanna, Louis’s mother. The song itself is written for girls with depression or who have been through bad times in general. I love this song.

9. Midnight Memories

Okay, fine. It was a single (I think?) and had a music video. But I think it showcased Niall’s vocals the most. He doesn’t get a lot of solo parts—I think it’s because they think that the other guys have better voices. Whatever. I like the part where the song builds to the very top and Niall is screaming. At least that’s the part in the music video. Anyway, I love the upbeat melody in this song.

8. Olivia

My name is Olivia, so I HAVE to include this song on the list. It’s also just a really good song. I like the old school feel—it ties back to the Beatles’ sound. And although it’s not about a specific person, I like to imagine the guys singing this song to me. And yes, I will absolutely play this song at my wedding.

7. What Makes You Beautiful

Is it cliche to include this song on the list? The song that made them into an overnight sensation? Yes, but I don’t care that’s impractical. This song carries a lot of memories for me in that it solidified my love for the band. It’s also just extremely nostalgic.

6. Perfect

And if you’re looking for someone to write your breakup songs about… Oh Harry dear, we have to talk. But I mean, now that we don’t talk. (We never did.) Harry did get primary writing credits on this song. The song is about living for today and in the moment—not for a commitment. “Here for a good time, not a long time,” is what the meaning is basically. Which is a stark contrast to the vault tracks on 1989 (Taylor’s Version).

5. Little Things

Ed Sheeran graciously gave this song to One Direction for their Take Me Home album and is probably one of my favorite songs by them of all time. I love the simplicity with the different harmonies that flow together. The lyrics are also incredibly beautiful.

4. You & I

Did I choose another single to be on this list? I absolutely did. And I’ll do it again. Who can’t love the high notes that these guys hit in this song? It’s one of my favorites for sure.

3. They Don’t Know About Us

Welp, we’re getting to the top three and this may be unpopular, but I love They Don’t Know About Us. I think it gives the same energy as Ours by Taylor Swift. It’s about a relationship being judged from the outside and that others don’t know about the relationship enough to judge them. On the surface, this song can seem it’s about a toxic relationship, but when you choose to focus on the positives and think that no one approves of the relationship because of “superficial” reasons (their own selfish reasons), then it’s a good song.

2. Kiss You

I thought this was a criminally underrated song, but I recognize that more and more fans love and cherish this song. Every time this song comes on it makes me want to get up and dance. It’s giving You Belong With Me and Enchanted and Teardrops on My Guitar—it’s all about that crush you had when you were a teenager in high school.

1. Night Changes

I don’t care that it’s impractical. This song has everything. I love how their voices come together in beautiful harmonies. It’s the last single before Zayn left the band. The video that they made to go along with it? It’s literally perfection. Imagine this: you’re on a date with each member of the band. How can it get better than that?