Happy Birthday Niall Horan: Listen To His Top 5 Solo Songs As One Direction Alum Turns 31

As a lifestyle expert with a penchant for music and a deep appreciation for artists who weave relatable stories into their songs, I must say that Niall Horan stands out as a remarkable talent. His journey from being a member of One Direction to carving his niche in the solo world is nothing short of inspiring.


In 2010, soft-spoken Irish artist Niall Horan first appeared on The X Factor as part of the popular boy band One Direction during their season. This group released five albums and went on to become one of the most successful boy bands ever in terms of sales. Following a break in 2016, Horan devoted all his efforts to building his solo career.

Under Capitol Records’ label, he’s put out three successive albums filled with chart-topping songs like “No Judgement,” “Slow Hands,” and “The Town.” His heartfelt voice and relatable lyrics have been winning over fans globally. On the occasion of his 31st birthday, here are five essential solo tracks to listen to. Cue up Niall Horan on Alexa!

1. No Judgement

In 2020, “No Judgement” was the third single from Niall Horan’s second studio album, Heartbreak Weather. This song gained massive popularity and peaked at number 97 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Horan’s fifth appearance on that chart. Furthermore, this track was nominated for the Choice Music Prize Song in 2021.

This cheerful love song delves into the concept of love that is unaffected by societal scrutiny. In the lyrics, Horan portrays a character where he and his partner can reside in bliss without the dread of criticism or judgment – a place where they can be authentic versions of themselves without pretense. As he reflected on this tune, Horan stated in an interview, “There’s no condemnation when I’m with you. With so much judging going on elsewhere, there’s no reason for me to judge you.

A “No Judgment” context implies an open, non-critical atmosphere in relationships, where tranquility and ease are paramount. In these relationships, there’s no rigid structure – no set times for sleeping or eating – and the partner is always available as a comforting shoulder to lean on. This ultimate bond is a place where secrets can be freely shared!

2. Nice To Meet Ya

Drawing inspiration directly from personal experiences, I penned this tune following an intriguing encounter with a mysterious woman during one of my lively evenings out with dear friends. As I shared stories and laughter with them, this captivating lady seemed to occasionally fade into the background – leaving me yearning for more.

Intriguingly, Horan found himself encountering a woman at multiple bars during that evening. Inspired by real events, this upbeat pop tune was launched in 2019 and made its entrance at number 20 on the Hot 100 Billboard chart. Standout track “Nice To Meet Ya” offers listeners an optimistic and lively experience that leaves a lasting impact.

3. Slow Hands

For “Slow Hands”, Horan took inspiration from the tunes of the ’70s and ’80s, striving to produce a song that exudes a playful vibe with robust guitars and powerful vocals. The track delves into aspects of early ’80s grittiness, while also incorporating funky, deep bass lines.

This catchy pop track was labeled by the billboard as a rock song with R&B undertones, featuring a lively funk rhythm. The song showcases One Direction’s member Louis Tomlinson’s diverse musical abilities.

4. Too Much To Ask

Title Too Much To Ask: A Poignant Plea from a Heartbroken Lover

This enchanting song hails from Louis Tomlinson’s first album, titled “Flicker,” which was released back in 2017. In the same year, he received the award for Best Breakout Artist at the People’s Choice Awards. In a conversation with BBC News, Tomlinson expressed his feelings about this tune, saying, “I’d certainly love to reach number one; it would be a dream come true. But if it gains plenty of affection and debuts at number two or three, I’ll still be content.

5. This Town

In the song “This Town,” Horan compares the city to a beloved partner. This love ballad finds him returning to the city after a long absence, yearning to rekindle ties with both his cherished city and his former lover. He confesses that his memories of this city and its people are deeply etched in his heart. Though it’s possible that his lover may have found affection elsewhere, he remains steadfast in his devotion to her.

The depth of significance in this track leaves a lasting impression. “This Town” was Louis Tomlinson’s initial solo single, dropped shortly following One Direction’s break. Remarkably, it immediately topped the Billboard charts and became a trending topic on Twitter. In no time at all, it also climbed up to the 9th spot on the UK Official Singles Chart.

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2024-09-13 11:09