A year after his passing, fans reflect on Liam Payne’s significant yet often overlooked role in shaping One Direction’s sound, particularly through his prolific songwriting on their later albums, which captured the hearts of millions and continue to resonate today.
Exactly one year has passed since the tragic death of Liam Payne at the age of 31, leaving behind a profound void in the hearts of his family, friends, and millions of fans. As we remember his vibrant life and undeniable talent, it’s a fitting moment to delve into a crucial, yet often understated, aspect of his career: his immense songwriting contributions to One Direction. While he was affectionately known as “Daddy Direction” for keeping his bandmates in line, Liam’s pen proved to be as powerful as his presence, shaping some of the group’s most beloved tracks.
The impact of his passing has been deeply felt, with tributes pouring in from various corners. Netflix paid homage to the late star in his final on-screen project, “Building the Band,” where aspiring musicians shared their admiration for his influence. Even former bandmate Louis Tomlinson reflected on their early days on “The X-Factor,” telling Rolling Stone UK, “None of us would have admitted it at the time, because you have a lot of pride as a young lad, but we all looked up to him.”
The Evolving Sound of One Direction and Liam’s Pen
As One Direction soared to global superstardom with five consecutive chart-topping albums, the members’ comfort as songwriters blossomed. It was notably Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson who took on significant writing roles, particularly on the later albums such as “Four” and “Made in the A.M.” Their growing influence allowed the band to inject more personal narratives and a maturing sound into their discography. This transformation reflected their journey from fresh-faced boybanders to seasoned artists.
Early Forays: ‘Same Mistakes’ from ‘Up All Night’
Even on their debut album, Liam Payne, alongside the other members, earned a writing credit on “Same Mistakes.” While hitmakers dominated much of the record, this track offered an early glimpse into the band’s introspective side. It explored the frustration of repeating patterns in a troubled relationship, a theme many fans could relate to.
- Best lyrics: “That’s what crazy is/ When it’s broke and you say there’s nothing to fix.”
Growing Pains and Poignancy: ‘Last First Kiss’ from ‘Take Me Home’
The “Last First Kiss” from their sophomore album “Take Me Home” showcased the band’s evolving songwriting. Liam, Louis, and Zayn shared writing credits on this track, which painted a picture of yearning for a love that would endure. A criminally underrated moment for fans was a rehearsal clip in their 2013 documentary “This Is Us,” where they playfully explored a reggae-style version of the song, leaving many to wonder what could have been.
- Best lyrics: “Girl, what would you do?/ Would you wanna stay/ If I were to say/ I wanna be last, yeah/ Baby, let me be your, let me be your last first kiss.”
Personal Narratives: ‘Story of My Life’ from ‘Midnight Memories’
The album “Midnight Memories” marked a significant turning point for One Direction, allowing the members to truly infuse their personal experiences into their music. “Story of My Life” was a powerful testament to this new direction, diverging from their usual upbeat singles. The track resonated deeply with fans, who flocked to Tumblr to share GIFs from the music video, which beautifully recreated childhood family photos.
- Best lyrics: “I leave my heart open/ But it stays right here empty for days.”
Homesickness and Heartfelt Melodies: ‘Right Now’ from ‘Midnight Memories’
Track 9 from “Midnight Memories,” “Right Now,” stands out not only for its poignant lyrics but also for Zayn Malik’s mind-blowing vocals, particularly evident in live performances during the Where We Are Tour. Co-written by Liam and Louis, the song eloquently captured the bittersweet homesickness the band members felt while on the road, longing for personal connections despite their global success.
- Best lyrics: “Right now/ I wish you were here with me/ ‘Cause right now/ Everything is new to me.”
Support and Strength: ‘Through the Dark’ from ‘Midnight Memories’
One Direction’s decision to perform the Mumford and Sons-esque “Through the Dark” on “Saturday Night Live” in 2013 was a delightful surprise for fans. Liam kicks off this powerful song, which addresses the theme of supporting a loved one through difficult times. Payne later delivered a more mature, velvety smooth solo rendition during his 2021 livestreamed concert series, “The LP Show.” Critically, a USA TODAY review from 2013 highlighted “Through the Dark” as one of the album’s essential downloads, recognizing Liam and Louis as “solid songwriters.”
- Best lyrics: “I wish that I could take you to the start/ I’d never let you fall and break your heart/ And if you wanna cry or fall apart/ I’ll be there to hold ya.”
The Rockier Edge: ‘Fireproof’ from ‘Four’
The album “Four” marked the beginning of a new chapter, albeit one that would sadly be their last with Zayn. It kicked off spectacularly in 2014 with “Fireproof,” a guitar-driven track offered as a free download. This song surprised many, even 1D-ambivalent listeners, with its mature and distinctive sound, proving the band’s versatility beyond their pop origins. To this day, it remains a fan favorite, showcasing Liam’s impact on their evolving style.
- Best lyrics: “I think I’m gonna win this time/ I roll, and I roll, ’til I change my luck.”
Unleashing the Inner ‘No Control’ from ‘Four’
The mighty duo of Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne (affectionately known as Tommo and Payno) co-wrote “No Control,” a track from “Four” that thrilled fans with its suggestive lyrics. With lines like “Waking up/ Beside you I’m a loaded gun,” the song quickly became a particular favorite for “Louis girls,” who were excited to hear Louis take a leading role on the chorus after years of a more subdued vocal presence. The song gained even more traction when the boys performed it during their iconic “Carpool Karaoke” segment on “The Late Late Show,” complete with silly choreography.
- Best lyrics: “Powerless, and I don’t care it’s obvious/ I just can’t get enough of you/ The pedal’s down, my eyes are closed, no control.”
A Mature Farewell: ‘Night Changes’ from ‘Four’
“Night Changes” holds a special place in One Direction’s history as their last single to feature all five original members, including Zayn. Co-written by all five members along with frequent collaborators Jamie Scott, Julian Bunetta, and John Ryan, the song features a hauntingly beautiful falsetto delivered by Liam before the bridge, best experienced in its pure acoustic form. With its theme of living in the moment while falling in love, the track muses on the ephemeral nature of life. The concept clearly resonated, as “Night Changes” remains the band’s most-listened song on Spotify. Its charming music video, shot from a first-person perspective, added to its allure, making fans swoon over the fantasy of a date with a 1D member.
- Best lyrics: “Goin’ out tonight, changes into something red/ Her mother doesn’t like that kind of dress/ Reminds her of the missing piece of innocence she lost.”
The Bittersweet Farewell Albums: ‘What a Feeling’ from ‘Made in the A.M.’
As One Direction entered their final album era, their first without Zayn, “Made in the A.M.” delivered tracks like “What a Feeling.” Co-written by Louis and Liam with three other writers, this Fleetwood Mac-inspired groove became a sleeper hit for many Directioners. It was one of Liam’s self-professed favorites from the album, a track he notably performed during his “LP Show,” highlighting his personal connection to its sound.
- Best lyrics: “With no way out and a long way down/ Everybody needs someone around.”
A Final Embrace: ‘History’ from ‘Made in the A.M.’
In a move that tugged at the heartstrings of fans worldwide, One Direction closed the standard version of their final album with “History.” This campfire-esque anthem, co-written by Liam and Louis, spoke of becoming “the greatest team that the world has ever seen.” The band’s heartfelt plea—”So don’t let me go/ We can live forever”—resonated deeply, echoing long after their 2016 “break” transformed into a clear disbanding. Watching the music video, filled with archival footage of their five years of stardom, or their final “X-Factor” performance, remains an emotional experience for any dedicated fan.
- Best lyrics: “This is not the end, this is not the end/ We can make it, you know it, you know/ You and me got a whole lotta history.”
Liam’s Solo Journey and Lasting Impact
Beyond his pivotal role in One Direction’s songwriting, Liam Payne’s musical journey continued with a solo career that spawned hits like “Strip That Down” (from Article 3) and “First Time” (from Article 1). Following his passing, a new song featuring Liam, “Do No Wrong,” was released by North Carolina singer Sam Pounds, serving as a poignant reminder of his ongoing creativity and passion for music (from Article 5). Liam’s contributions to music, both within One Direction and as a solo artist, demonstrate a depth and artistry that will continue to inspire and move fans for years to come. His legacy is not just in the hits he sang, but in the powerful stories and emotions he helped weave into the fabric of pop music.
