Niall Horan and Dragonheart

Today I wanted to discuss an artist who has had a very interesting progression within his career. Niall Horan is well known for being one of the members of the boy band One Direction. He's definitely had his taste of the high life of being a musician, achieving the fame and fortune that so many dream about for themselves. As the band members have now gone their separate ways, we are getting to hear what each member's musical style is. For Niall Horan, I had guessed it would be something more along the indie or folk side of things, going for acoustic guitar style music and coffee shop comforts. I wasn't disappointed either.

Niall Horan's direction of music is one that I really like. We've heard a lot of different sounds from the members of One Direction, but Niall Horan has hit on a style that has a very classic sound. Above all though, this album is a romantic one. It is meant to be a vulnerable expression of the heart, with Niall Horan showing baring himself as a romantic at heart. At the same time however, I feel like this is a very grounded album. The sound knows exactly what it is supposed to be and how it wants to flow. The album holds inspirations from classic rock aritsts like Fleetwood Mac and Don Henley. But Niall Horan does a very good job of taking those classic styles and making it his own. The blend of modern pop and classic rock sounds works brilliantly on this album. Each song seems like a warm ballad even when the lyrical material conveys sadness and broken heartedness.

This song in particular is a sincere delivery of poignancy. Soft and affecting melodies weave through the song, creating a beautifully melancholy piece. Being the album's title track, this song has much to impress on us. And I have to say it is one of the stronger tracks on the album. A simple love song, Niall Horan delivers earnest and heartfelt lyrics Set on top of a swelling orchestra, this song is a moving and emotive song. There is a delicateness to this song as well, as Niall Horan gently serenades us. He evokes a more mature sound, trying to give us lyrics and melodies that we can not only relate to but also identify with.

The slight folksy sound we get in this song is also a beautiful touch. The track opens up with a soft guitar melody, after which the vocals whisper their way into the soundscape. The composition of this song brings in the subtlest drum work and the sweet tempered plinking of a piano. Eventually the chorus becomes set against the smooth and beautiful melodies of a small orchestra, focusing in on teh violin. The enjoyable simplicity of the track's background is one of the biggest wins in my opinion. Niall Horan sings with nothing but candor and tenderness in this song and I absolutely adore that. The vocal work is not necessarily impressively difficult or wildly bold. It is genuine and honest, a simple declaration of love and yearning. There is never a moment when I feel the vocals and accompanying instruments are out of sync. There isn't a moment when I feel like Niall Horan's vocals are too harsh or loud. This track has the heart warming and heart breaking warmth of aching love. It is so elegantly crafted to be a song for the heart.

Niall Horan's work in this debut album has been put to good use. While the album was a warm and cozy journey it wasn't perfect. I would love to hear Niall Horan go a little outside of his vocal comfort zone. But overall, this album is a fantastic start for a solo career.

Today's instrumental song is from the film Dragonheart. Unfortunately I have not seen the film, although I feel it is one that I should. But this is a piece that is a beautiful whim of melancholy sounds and motifs. There is something so spectacularly beautiful about it. With inspirational melodies, soft choral humming, and crescendos of sound, this is a composition that does not disappoint. I must commend Randy Edelman for creating a majestically powerful piece as this one. You tend to feel the piece run through your body and soul, evoking feelings that are absolutely moving and inspiring. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment!


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