Surprise, bitch: One Direction just sent shockwaves through the pop blogosphere this morning with the announcement of their upcoming fourth studio album, the appropriately titled FOUR, due out in November. (Beyoncé is already in the process of filing a lawsuit.)
Ahead of the album’s release, the troupe just dropped a (free) first taste from the record called “Fireproof,” co-penned by Louis and Liam, along with John Ryan, Jamie Scott and Julian Bunetta — the same team as “Story Of My Life.”
And, perhaps I just woke up on the right side of the bed this morning, but it’s actually fucking great? Yes, I believe it is.
As opposed to the crunchy Carl Falk-produced power pop of their first two albums (“What Makes You Beautiful,” “One Thing”) or that Mumford & Sons folk-slash-’80’s hair metal bent of their third (“Story Of My Life”), the boys are instead subtly channeling the chill, beach-ready vibes of The Beach Boys, my favorite band of all time — a rare distinction, as I don’t usually ‘do’ bands.
“Nobody knows you baby the way I do, and nobody loves you baby the way I do,” the boys sweetly coo above haunting melodies, a chugging drum beat and echoing surf guitar strings. I’m no diehard #Directioner, but it’s really lovely and dreamy.
I’m actually quite a bit obsessed? Yes, I believe I am.
‘FOUR’ will be released on November 17. (iTunes)