“Story of My Life” with One Direction

“Story of My Life” with One Direction

One Direction and Me Got a Whole Lot of History

Karen Maktabi, Associate Lifestyle Editor

Retired One Direction fan? This one’s for you. Tell us a little about how the band first came together. How did you find out about them? Was it word of mouth? Maybe a song stuck with you? If so, which one? Also, and be honest, who’s your favourite member? Have you kept up with their solo music career post-hiatus. 

Ah, One Direction. The IT band of our childhoods. Looking back on the past decade, there’s hardly another group that has left as lasting an impact as 1D had on our generation. They set a new standard in the epitome of boy bands. Let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we? I vividly remember the first time I found out about One Direction—it was back in 4th grade during recess. Some friends were huddled around a magazine, causing a bit of a commotion. Naturally, I joined in, and there it was—a People Magazine cover with “One Direction” in big, bold letters. Behind it were pictures of the five boys: Liam, Niall, Zayn, Louis, and Harry. My friends were picking favorites, calling dibs on the one they thought looked the best, sang the best, or seemed the funniest. “Who do you relate to the most? Oh, I’m totally like Niall, we’re so alike,” they’d say, gossiping about these boys as if they were old friends. That was One Direction for us—a group of regular teenage boys from England with big dreams, not much older either and somehow that made them feel relatable. Despite their fame, they always came across as humble, treating fans like friends. 

The band’s rise was monumental, and soon their songs were topping international charts. Some of the biggest—and maybe even overplayed—hits of 2010-2015 were 1D songs. Tracks like “Night Changes” (2014), “Story of My Life” (2013), and “What Makes You Beautiful” (2011) are classics that even a random passerby would recognize, despite not being an avid fan. After years of listening, if I had to pick a favorite song, I’d probably choose between “Stockholm Syndrome” (2014) or “Infinity” (2015). The lyrics in “Infinity” have a unique, descriptive feel compared to their usual pop hits. It touches on themes of long-distance relationships, missing someone, and uncommunicated love, painting vivid pictures with its words. On the other hand, “Stockholm Syndrome” stands out—it was primarily written by Harry Styles and has a Pop Rock vibe that contrasts with their usual pop music. It hints at the unhealthy aspects of fame, using metaphors and lyrical play on words to implicitly express this.  

Now, can you guess which of the five is my favorite? Yeah, it’s Harry. At first, it might have been because I found him the prettiest (LOL), but over time, I genuinely grew to love his music style post-hiatus. Getting to know him as an individual artist, I came to appreciate and enjoy his unique musical style. His song “Only Angel” (2017) captures his shift from the pop sound of One Direction to a more Rock genre in his solo career, I recommend giving it a listen sometime! 

To all the retired 1D fans out there, you’re not alone. Hope this was as nostalgic for you to read as it was for me to write; inspired me to listen to some of their old hits, for old times’ sake. 

Photo Credit: Getty Images