Liam Payne Beyond One Direction: A Look At Late Pop Star’s Top 5 Solo Songs In Wake Of His Demise

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As a die-hard fan who has followed Liam Payne’s journey since his days with One Direction, I can honestly say that his impact on the music industry and my heart is immeasurable. From being part of the boy band phenomenon to carving out a successful solo career, he’s shown us all what it means to be fearless in the face of adversity.

31-year-old Liam Payne, the former member of One Direction who later became a successful solo artist, tragically passed away on October 16 following a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina. Throughout his life and career, Payne experienced significant changes, transitioning from being seen as the leading figure of One Direction to a soloist who grappled with mental health issues after the group announced an extended break.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but acknowledge the significant role I played in One Direction beyond just my vocal contributions. Alongside Louis Tomlinson, I emerged as one of the primary songwriters for our band, a fact that became increasingly evident as we released albums like Four (2014) and Made in the A.M. (2015). These albums saw us credited with writing some of the band’s biggest hits.

Here’s a look back at Liam Payne’s top 5 solo songs

Since embarking on his solo journey in 2017, he grew increasingly open about his mental health battles. He discussed dealing with anxiety, stress, and addiction issues. Yet, he didn’t let that halt his love for songwriting, as evidenced by numerous solo projects and collaborations with musicians such as Rita Ora, J Balvin, Zedd, Dixie D’Amelio, among others. Here are his top 5 standalone tracks to revisit:

1. Strip That Down

After the breakup of One Direction, Payne’s solo career gained momentum with the hit song “Strip That Down,” which saw collaboration with Quavo from Migos and was co-written by Ed Sheeran. This track signified a major shift away from One Direction’s pop persona, revealing Payne’s transition into an individual artist delving into more mature, adult topics.

In the song, he famously sings:

Once upon a time, I was part of One Direction, but now I’ve moved on and am enjoying my freedom. People seem to want me for one specific reason, but that’s not who I am. I refuse to change the essence of who I am. All I really want is to let loose and enjoy life.

Stripped Down was a major hit, marking Payne’s sole entry into the Top 40 charts in the U.S. The track peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart and number ten on the Billboard Hot 100.

2. For You featuring Rita Ora

For Payne, perhaps the best moment of his time as a solo artist was his work with Rita Ora on For You. The song featured in the soundtrack for Fifty Shades Freed. For You was later included in his first album LP1 (2019) and it did demonstrate Payne’s gift of singing.

For You became Payne’s first U.K. top 10 hit as a solo artist after the 1D split.

3. Familiar with J Balvin

Back in 2018, I simply couldn’t contain my excitement when I got the chance to team up with the legendary J Balvin on our electrifying track “Familiar”. This song was more than just a collaboration for me; it was a fusion of my love for pop music and Latin rhythms. I poured my heart and soul into infusing the essence of Latin music into the pop genre, and the result was an unforgettable dance floor anthem that still gets me pumped up today!

Payne’s music became well-liked and popularly played in the Top 20 of the U.K., showcasing his versatile range as he effortlessly switched to diverse sounds. This song also highlighted Payne’s ability to attract a broader, international audience.

4. Get Low with Zedd

2017 saw the release of “Get Low,” a lively collaboration between Liam and EDM artist Zedd. This song offers a captivating contrast between Liam’s smooth vocals and the dance-pop genre. The single reached number 26 on the UK pop chart.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I can proudly say that my latest pick, “Get Low,” has made it to the top 20 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, marking its triumphant success in the commercial realm.

5. Teardrops

Come 2024, March saw the world graced with one of Payne’s final masterpieces – a soulful ballad titled “Teardrops.” Scarcely seven months later, our beloved singer would be gone, but not before he shared his poignant creation on Instagram. In his own words, this song resonated deeply with those who have known the sting of heartbreak and navigated through the labyrinth of emotional turmoil.

On Instagram, he shared that the song was created from numerous tears, some of which weren’t his own. He wishes that you’ll appreciate it as much as he does, and perhaps, not everyone will be able to connect with it personally.

Throughout the 2010s, Liam Payne significantly impacted the pop music landscape both as a band member of One Direction and as a solo artist. His remarkable vocal skills, exceptional songwriting talent, and openness about his battles with personal issues allowed him to connect deeply with fans worldwide.

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2024-10-20 12:38