Niall Horan
Album review by Brittany Ormiston
“Hold tight, get ready for the ride.” Singer-songwriter Niall Horan exceeded all expectations with his third album The Show released on June 9th 2023 via Capitol Records. The body of work draws from both rock and synth-pop genres, and displays magnificent lyricism exploring the deeper meaning of life. The Show was well worth the wait, and is certainly Niall’s most mature album to date. The album is near and dear to his heart, and mirrors the current version of himself as a person and artist. Niall’s undeniable talent as a songwriter and vocalist is revealed as listeners descend through the tracklist. With The Show guiding the way, listeners embark on a journey of self-reflection, falling in love, and perseverance.
Choir-like vocals instantly sweep you off your feet, and transport you to ‘Heaven’. The show has begun. “Let’s not get complicated // Let’s just enjoy the view” illustrates being the driver of your own life, and not worrying about what is expected of you. ‘Science’ continues this narrative of not letting societal norms or other people influence how you live your life. The celestial string arrangement and Niall’s passionate vocals provide this gentle reminder: despite the heaviness of the world, the strength you possess within will allow you to push through any situation you face. Even if you are in a ‘Meltdown,’ KEEP GOING even when the world appears to be crumbling around you. Niall was very intentional with the structure of this track. The tempo of the verses is very fast-paced and intensified to represent feeling out of control. It mellows out a bit throughout the chorus to indicate the calm within the storm, and “this too shall pass.”
With ‘Never Grow Up,’ Niall looks through another lens to further depict living life to the fullest. This track has a nostalgic vibe, and delivers the message to hold on to the magic that life brings you at an early age and never let it go. “Hope we grow old but never grow up” is a simplistic yet meaningful lyric, filled with the hope of living a long life all the while being a kid at heart with a carefree spirit. The title track, ‘The Show,’ evokes the utmost emotion with the gentle piano riffs, stunning string arrangement, and soft yet powerful vocals. It is a very honest, impactful song as Niall sings about life’s ups and downs and the high speed at which it goes. You are meant to make mistakes, be heartbroken, achieve your dreams: it all makes you human and creates a life-long learning experience. The bridge is electrifying, breathtaking even. It mentions how many become blind to how good life truly is, and all that is taken for granted.
Another theme Niall touches on throughout The Show is being in love with another. The big beat drop of ‘If You Leave Me’ draws the listener in as the lyrics start to discuss a fear of abandonment, and losing the person you love most. Being left in the depths of despair and a life without meaning exemplifies the dependence one may have on a partner, and the longing for their love for eternity. Niall blesses the ears of listeners with a ballad,‘You Could Start A Cult.’ “Oh I’ll follow you ‘till there’s no tomorrow,” he sings during the chorus. This song describes the everlasting devotion to a significant other regardless of what happens, and loving every aspect of their being, inside and out. ‘Save My Life’ describes the exact moment when you see someone for the first time, and you are so entranced to the point of floating on clouds. You are starting to view the world differently, and they have made a life-altering impact on you. Niall’s falsettos and the upbeat melody will have you dancing in your kitchen at 2am. The trumpet during the instrumental break before the last chorus puts a vibrant spin on the track. As a follow-up, Niall utilized descriptive imagery to describe a summer romance with ‘On A Night Like Tonight.’ The lyrics describe longing for that person, and wondering what experiencing your connection on a different level would be like. Euphoria is coursing through the veins of listeners after experiencing both of these tracks.
Despite being on top of the world when first meeting someone, at times it is difficult to get out of your own way and ignore the thoughts in your head. The concluding track, ‘Must Be Love,’ acknowledges those thoughts, but also recognizes if the love is so fierce then why run away from the truth? The song as a whole “captures the essence of vulnerability, self-discovery, and the transformative power of genuine affection.” ‘Must Be Love’ is the perfect ending to the album as it indicates the importance of trusting yourself, persevering despite all odds, and finding comfort in others. The outro is similar to performers clapping and chanting in unison right before they bow, and the curtains close. The Show eventually ends, but the way it transforms the lives of those who listen is beyond one’s wildest dreams.
