Albums of Year: Niall Horan Is Smooth and Folksy In “Flicker”
Niall Horan was in an artistic pickle. On one hand, he is tied to one of the most successful bands of all time, One Direction, which means when you hear him, you will hear them! He will never lose that history, but why should he even want to? It was great! Thus, Horan’s Flicker is not about saying goodbye to One Direction as much as saying “Hello!” to Niall, and exploring what is to be an individual in the memory/ movement of relationships.
Niall Horan – Too Much To Ask (Official)
I have to say, “I really enjoyed Flicker!”. It felt like smooth folk. You pictured Niall walking dirt roads with a boombox and guitar; meshing electric sounds with the earth of his new path. “Slow Hands” and “The Town”, which were released, feel like Billboard hits even on the album. Yet, as your progress through the record, you, definitely, get the feeling that Niall should be dominating country charts, as well. “You And Me”, “Too Much To Ask”, and “Since We’re Alone” give Luke Bryan vibes with their chords and hooks seemingly paddling down romantic rivers. You just want to grab your partner, and sway around with them in bliss. Horan’s voice certainly helps the country vibe; elongating and elaborating his notes like, “Flicker” and “Fire Away” to hold the pining sense of this music. There is an over-arching feeling of loneliness that makes him sound as if your presence is like seeing the North Star; hopeful and guiding. Hence, the romanticism that courses though his voice and acoustics.
Niall Horan – Slow Hands (Lyric Video)
Overall, Niall Horan’s Flicker is a sweet, simple album that, in its own right, pushes him away from One Direction’s sound into his sphere. Like I said, we will always connect him to 1D, and that is okay. Yet, if his goal, as it should, is to still have his own music right and path then he has achieved in Flicker. Without a doubt, the album is stripped down to relishable nuances that make you say, “Okay, now this is Niall!”. For More Information On Niall Horan Click Here.
Niall Horan – Flicker (Acoustic)
