The quietly satisfying second album from One Direction graduate Niall Horan moves him towards a more highly charged sort of artistry. On ‘Heartbreak Weather’ he ignites his music through maturity and confidence, speaking diectly to the object of his desire with absolute conviction.
Exploring a full range of emotions, from loss to lust to excitement to love, Horan’s understated approach to writing and performing benefits his overall aesthetic. While his erstwhile boyband brothers have been happy to explore wide-ranging styles in their solo work, ‘Heartbreak Weather’ doubles down on soft-rock production, anthemic song structures Horan’s dulcet lilt. The album moves intuitively, but takes no risks.
Arms Of A Stranger stands as an important blueprint. Influenced by the Eagles and acoustic folk, here Horan is making the kind of music he listens to himself, and the passion is tangible.
Equally, Everywhere is a liberating moment where he is finally in full control of his image, his direction and the words he sings. The results are electrifying.
Although this new material represents a series of conservative choices, pouring yourself into the creation of an album that will sit alongside the artists you admire is challenging. Where previously Horan would have been meticulously managed in constructing a commercial sound, set apart from his tastes, he is now steering the ship. Any criticism of his music is naturally more close and personal.
It's impossible to not experience a flickering glow of contentment listening to ‘Heartbreak Weather’. Horan is blossoming into a very likeable and positive artist, even if he’s still playing things safe. No affected language will date his lyrics, and there’s little by way of forced alignment with current trends. This is an album that will make many people feel good, and inspire romance and dancing. Who can argue with that?
Niall Horan Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Wed October 21 2020 - CARDIFF Motorpoint Arena Cardiff
Thu October 22 2020 - LONDON SSE Arena Wembley
Sat October 24 2020 - GLASGOW SSE Hydro
Sun October 25 2020 - MANCHESTER Arena
Tue October 27 2020 - BELFAST SSE Arena Belfast
Wed October 28 2020 - BELFAST SSE Arena Belfast
Fri October 30 2020 - DUBLIN 3Arena
Sat October 31 2020 - DUBLIN 3Arena
Tue November 03 2020 - BIRMINGHAM Arena Birmingham
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