Niall Horan Releases Third Album 'The Show'

Written by Camila Sorrentino, Photography by Dave J Hogan

Niall Horan’s long-awaited third album titled The Show was released Friday, June 9th with much excitement from fans. Niall, who shot to stardom from globally successful, internet-shattering, boyband One Direction, was hesitant to begin writing his third record. After the pandemic had quickly taken over the world as soon as his second solo project, Heartbreak Weather, had dropped and his world tour was canceled, Niall encountered obstacles finding the motivation to be at his most creative.

However, the title track is credited for revamping Niall’s thoughtful songwriting, with the lyrics and melody easily flowing when accompanied by the piano chords he had been playing near the end of 2020. “If everything was simple / How would we know / How to fix your tears / How to fake a show / How to paint a smile / How would we know / How good we had it, though?” They are clearly pandemic-induced thoughts, creating the perfect metaphor for life. With these bigger-picture concepts, the album-creation process had begun.

Niall likes staying loyal to his collaborators and keeping projects within the same circle, stating that “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” For this record, he kept most of the same co-writers and producers that he had worked with before, with the exception of eagerly but cautiously bringing in Taylor Swift’s Lover album’s (which Niall has recognized as an inspiration) producer Joel Little. In addition to Little, The Show’s main collaborators include One Direction writers and producers Jamie Scott and John Ryan, and ex-bandmate Harry Styles's mutual collaborator Amy Allen. 

Compared to Niall’s past work, this album is a rather short one, consisting of only ten tracks. Although this might strike as lacking at first, the record does not miss a single sound or sentiment. Within its few songs, The Show manages to cover feelings ranging from falling in love to growing up to fighting through anxiety, and even to starting a cult. Sonically, Niall experimented with new instruments like horns, strings, harmonicas, and a more extensive and expert use of synths which was less seen in his past albums, especially “Flicker.” Full, ethereal harmonies and thorough use of background vocals mark a prominent feature in almost every song, contributing to the project’s cohesiveness and big, atmospheric feel. 

Starting off with “Heaven,” the first comeback single that introduced fans into the new era, the record begins with uplifting, carefree undertones and a catchy, lullaby-like melody softly reciting “God only knows / Where this could go / And even if our love starts to grow / Out of control.” Overall, “Heaven” was a good radio-friendly single and first glance into The Show. The next single and third track of the album was “Meltdown,” a song with contrasting yet perfectly-aligning sound and lyrics. Touching on the topic of mental health presumes a slow ballad, but instead the verses run at about 180 bpm to simulate the speed of anxiety, with then a slight release of tension in the chorus that makes it almost danceable.

As mentioned before, the title track embraces deeper lyrics through a slow, atmospheric ballad that shocks the listener with what feels like a sudden, nearly-key-change bridge in which Niall showcases the range of his voice in almost desperate cries, making for a great live performance moment with the audience. However, the “core Niall” track on the album is undoubtedly “You Could Start A Cult,” with its soft acoustic guitar and traditional singer-songwriter vibe, an essential component of Niall’s early music, like his first single “This Town” or his debut album’s title track “Flicker.” Distinguishable love and heartbreak songs make up a lot of Niall’s discography, and “You Could Start A Cult” further proves his talent by approaching what could be a traditional love song through a completely different and original lyrical lens: that of him staying with his significant other even if they ‘started a cult.’ “Oh I follow you / Till there’s no tomorrow.” Although matured, other sounds are also reminiscent of Niall’s past: “If You Leave Me” has a similar nature to “Nice To Meet Ya,” “Slow Hands,” and “Small Talk.” Even “Never Grow Up” and the bridge of “Meltdown” could possibly find their place in an imaginative sixth One Direction album.

Another highlight of the record is the alluringly groovy track eight “On A Night Like Tonight,” which sees Niall stepping into new ground. A more complicated listen, the verses are simple and ethereal-like thus making the drop in the chorus and the spirited, rock-inspired guitar a surprise for the listener. With a bridge for screaming in the car with the windows down on a late night drive, and already becoming a fan-favorite, the track could be a potential third single. Finally, although the comforting and pensive lyrics to the second-to-last’s “Science” would have made for a good album closer, the actual closer “Must Be Love” has a synergic chant-like characteristic where the choruses continue to get bigger and sound like a choir-full of singers. “Must Be Love” ends The Show on an easy-going note, reviving the audience’s mood and leaving them wanting more. In the absence of a singular ‘skip’ on the album, the listener will unequivocally hit replay.

This year Niall is performing at festivals around the world and The Show’s official 2024 tour will be taking him through the UK and Europe, Australia, and North America from February to July. Asia and LATAM dates are soon to be announced.