For the second entry in my week of reviews, we will take a look at One Direction's newly released song "Little Things" from their soon-to-be-released album, "Take Me Home".
Little Things
The first notable characteristic of this song is its noticeable lack of percussion. For a British boy-band noted for their thrilling and exciting "power pop", this is a unique turn for One Direction, one that I hope will continue.
Also, the guitar prelude into the song is slightly reminiscent of "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles. A sort of homage to the kings of British music? It also might pay to note that critics are calling the mass outbreak of "One Direction Infection" and the hype surrounding the Wanted and the Script a modern version of the 1960s "British Invasion". Perhaps One Direction, The Wanted, and The Script are our generation's Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Manfred Mann? Although American purists, if there are such people, may scoff at the influx of foreign acts, preferring Lady Gaga, Hot Chelle Rae and Pink (or P!nk); the many British and Irish bands coming to America are providing young Americans a way to learn about other cultures. This may be a remedy for the extremely culturally intolerant American people!
Back to the music!
The verses are very similar to the Harlem Renaissance style "spoken word", with a tune mixed in. This style of singing lends itself well to the lyrics of the song, describing the many meaningless things that comprise the object of the song's affection. However delicate and gentle the melody, the chorus is relatively weak in comparison. The message is understood, yet the way the lyrics are couple to the music is a little awkward.
The quiet yet pronounced plucking of guitar strings combined with this style of singing results in a very intimate love song. This mood has the effect of of melting the preteen girl's heart.
Finally, the lyrics:
This excerpt is taken from the chorus:
I won't let these little things slip out of my mouth
But if I do, it's you, oh it's you, they add up to
I'm in love with you and all these little things
Although literary content wise, the lyrics are nothing to hark about, I think that for the teenage girl, the lyrics speak to her. I can imagine that, with all their insecurities, hearing an exceeding adorable love song about a girl's minute quirks really comforts the millions of teenager girls listening. Also, the message "It's you they add up to" is very cute in that they imply that each seemingly small detail makes up the beauty of the person. This message can be augmented to state that inner beauty is more important than exterior looks. This, to me, is the most touching part if the song.
So, for touching lyrics, cute instrumentals, and mediocre melodies, this song has earned 3 stars.
