Liam Payne’s Five Greatest Songs With One Direction, From ‘Little Things’ to ‘Fireproof’

variety.com:

Thania Garcia In the early days of One Direction‘s world-dominating stardom, Liam Payne, who died Wednesday at the age of 31, was known as the ringleader of the teenage quintet.

As a teen, Zayn Malik was too shy to deliver the high notes he’s known for today, which made Payne the backbone of the emotive chorus lines on covers the band performed for competition in “The X Factor.” Payne’s vocal prowess was undeniable in his early on-screen cameos for the talent show (he first auditioned in 2008, and later returned in 2010 to form One Direction), singing a cover of Michael Bublé’s version of “Cry Me A River” while sporting a Justin Bieber-inspired haircut and a “swagger” that Simon Cowell famously endorsed as “on the money.” Indeed, Cowell wound up managing One Direction for much of their career, and Payne went on to deliver some of their most memorable musical moments.

His soaring vocals ring throughout the group’s early albums, their 2011 debut “Up All Night” and the following year’s “Take Me Home.” He and Louis Tomlinson also claim major songwriting real estate on the band’s five albums, most notably on their final efforts, “Four” and “Made in the A.M.” With a discography that defined pop music in the 2010s, One Direction’s legacy is defined by the contributions of its individual members.

Variety takes a look back at his best songs. “Fireproof” (2014) — A breezy song about maintaining the spark of a new connection, this single was the first indication that One Direction was pivoting towards a more mature and indie rock-leaning sound in their fourth studio effort.