The 10 best One Direction songs of all time

One Direction is a British-Irish pop boy band formed in 2010 on the British reality show *The X Factor*. The group consists of Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik, who left the band in 2015. Known for their catchy pop songs, harmonious vocals and charismatic personality, they quickly rose to worldwide fame with hits such as “What Makes You Beautiful”, “Story of My Life” and “Drag Me Down”. One Direction released five albums before going on an indefinite hiatus in 2016. Each member went on to pursue successful solo careers, leaving a lasting mark on pop music and a loyal fan base.

1. What makes you beautiful

“What Makes You Beautiful” is the debut single by One Direction from 2011. This upbeat pop song catapulted the boy band to international fame and became an anthem for a generation. With its infectious melody, catchy chorus and lyrics celebrating natural beauty and confidence, the song resonated with fans around the world. The music video, which features the band members on a sunny beach, boosted its popularity even further. “What Makes You Beautiful” topped the charts in several countries, won numerous awards and laid the foundation for One Direction’s successful career, making them one of the leading pop acts of the 2010s.

2. The story of my life

“Story of My Life” is a single by One Direction, released in 2013 as part of their third studio album, Midnight Memories. Characterized by its introspective lyrics and mature sound, this folk-pop track differs from the band’s previous, more pop-oriented hits. The song’s poignant lyrics deal with themes of personal growth, love, and the passage of time, and have resonated with fans. Accompanied by an emotional music video featuring nostalgic family photos of the band members, “Story of My Life” received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and strong vocal performances, cementing One Direction’s evolution as artists.

3. Best song of all time

“Best Song Ever” is an upbeat pop song by British-Irish boy band One Direction, released in 2013. The song is the first single from their third studio album, Midnight Memories. With its catchy chorus and infectious energy, “Best Song Ever” quickly became a fan favorite. The lyrics celebrate the euphoria of unforgettable moments, often associated with the experience of hearing a perfect song. In the accompanying music video, the band members play various characters in a humorous way, adding to the fun and playful mood of the song. “Best Song Ever” was a commercial success, topping the charts worldwide and becoming one of One Direction’s cult hits.

4. Pull me down

“Drag Me Down” is a single by One Direction, released in 2015 as a surprise single without prior announcement. The song marked a change in the band’s sound, incorporating more electronic and rock elements compared to their previous pop-oriented tracks. “Drag Me Down” has a catchy chorus and powerful vocals, with lyrics about resilience and overcoming obstacles. The song’s release was enthusiastically received by fans and critics alike, debuting at number one on various charts worldwide. “Drag Me Down” showcased One Direction’s versatility as artists, demonstrating their ability to adapt their sound while maintaining their signature charm and appeal.

5. Perfect

“Perfect” is a song by One Direction, released in 2015 as the second single from their fifth studio album Made in the AM. The song is a catchy pop song with a guitar-driven melody and soulful lyrics. “Perfect” is known for its romantic theme, with the lyrics telling the story of a perfect romantic relationship. The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics. “Perfect” was a commercial success, topping the charts in various countries and cementing its place as one of One Direction’s most popular songs.

6. Live while we are young

“Live While We’re Young” is a song by One Direction, released in 2012 as the first single from their second studio album, Take Me Home. The song is an upbeat pop song with a catchy chorus and a danceable beat. The lyrics celebrate youth and the excitement of living in the here and now, encouraging listeners to be spontaneous and have fun. “Live While We’re Young” received positive reviews from music critics and was a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries. The song’s energetic mood and feel-good lyrics made it a fan favorite and a popular anthem for youth around the world.

7. One thing

“One Thing” is a song by One Direction from their 2011 debut studio album Up All Night. It is an upbeat pop song with catchy hooks and a catchy melody. The lyrics of the song express the excitement and infatuation of young love, focusing on the idea that one thing can make a person stand out from the crowd. “One Thing” was well received by critics and became a commercial success, charting in several countries. In the song’s music video, the band members can be seen having fun and exploring different places, reflecting the carefree and youthful spirit of the song.

8. Steal My Girl

“Steal My Girl” is a song by One Direction, released in 2014 as the first single from their fourth studio album, Four. The song is an upbeat pop song with catchy melodies and anthemic choruses. The lyrics of “Steal My Girl” are about a guy who is deeply in love with his better half and is protective of her. He expresses his desire to keep her close to him and away from anyone who might try to “steal” her. The song was well received by fans and critics alike, praising its catchy melody and the band’s vocal performance. “Steal My Girl” was a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries.

9. Kiss you

“Kiss You” is a song by One Direction from their second studio album *Take Me Home*, released in 2012. It is an upbeat pop song with a catchy chorus and playful lyrics. The lyrics of the song express the excitement and anticipation of wanting to kiss someone special, capturing the feeling of youthful romance and infatuation. “Kiss You” received positive reviews from music critics and was a commercial success, charting in several countries. The song’s music video features the band members in various fun and adventurous settings, complementing the playful and energetic mood of the song.

10. Midnight Memories

“Midnight Memories” is the title track of One Direction’s third studio album, released in 2013. The song is an upbeat, rock-infused pop anthem that talks about youthful adventures and the excitement of going out at night with friends. It features catchy guitar riffs and an energetic chorus that invites listeners to join in the celebration. “Midnight Memories” showcases a more mature sound from One Direction compared to their previous works, blending rock elements with their signature pop style. The song was well received by fans and critics, praising its catchy hooks and infectious energy.

Edward Tomlin is a regular contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.