Live While We're Young
Firstly, we can all recognize the opening rift from The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go?". Although some critics dislike this opening, I can say that for a new anthem for a new album, the familiar rift acts as an instant draw. I believe that the critics who dislike this rift are the same who disliked "What Makes You Beautiful"'s opening rift from "Summer Nights". The music afterwards lacks a certain je ne sais qoui. Similar to Beyonce's "Single Ladies", there is a lot of excess noise included in the song. While listening, note the inclusion of a synthesizer once Zayn Malik begins his bridge. The synthesizer adds an element of fun to the song but, for a certain ear, detracts from the quality of the music.
The lyrics also add an element of fun
Let's go crazy, crazy, crazy till we see the sun
I know we only met but let's pretend it's love
And never, never, never stop for anyone
Tonight let's get some
And live while we're young
Woahhh oh oh oh
Woahhhh oh oh oh
And live while we're young
Woahhh oh oh oh
Tonight let's get some
And live while we're young
But, there is one aspect of the text that is somewhat questionable: "Tonight let's get some". This line shows the eternal conflict of boy bands: While the group is gradually growing older (Niall Horan was 17 at the birth of One Direction, he's now 20), the age-group that it's catering to seems to stay fairly constant. While a more pure mind wouldn't think twice about this line, a more mature audience hears a somewhat suggestive message from the seemingly innocent song. One Direction has encountered the "Awkward Boy Band Phase". Wanting to grow up, the boys have tried to branch out, without going as far as driving their younger audience members away.
However, this topic will be saved to talk about in detail at a later time.
Due to the infectious nature of the song, the carefree lyrics, and decent vocals, I give "Live While We're Young 3 1/2 stars.
