Niall Horan’s new album “The Show” is his strongest proclamation as an artist yet, combining the authenticity of his debut album “Flicker” with the full-bodied melodies of “Heartbreak Weather”.

Niall Horan’s third album, “The Show,” is a combination of the authenticity of his debut album and the full-bodied melodies of his sophomore album. The 10-track project explores themes of love and anxiety and features singles “Heaven” and “Meltdown.” Horan’s girlfriend has helped him with his soul-searching, as reflected in songs such as “Save My Life” and “You Could Start a Cult.”

Niall Horan’s third album, “The Show,” combines the authenticity of “Flicker” with the full-bodied melodies of “Heartbreak Weather,” making it his strongest proclamation as an artist yet.

Vivid Seats, the official ticketing partner of the New York Post, is proud to share that Niall Horan’s third solo album, “The Show,” is set to release on June 9, 2021. The album, which combines the authenticity of his debut album, “Flicker,” and the full-bodied melodies of his sophomore album, “Heartbreak Weather,” is Horan’s strongest proclamation as an artist yet.

The album starts with its lead single, “Heaven,” a festival-ready sing-along featuring Beach Boy-like harmonies and references. It acknowledges that a relationship can either “go up in flames” or blossom into pure bliss, a theme that is carried throughout the 10-track project about love, anxiety and what happens when the two intertwine.

At times, Horan feels like he’s “sinking, overthinking” on the cathartic “Science,” while the top-down groove “If You Ever Leave Me” warns a lover with one foot already out the door. This is a poignant theme throughout the album, with Horan singing candidly about his own struggles with overthinking and relationships.

Horan’s girlfriend of three years, Amelia Woolley, has helped with his soul-searching and is referenced in several tracks. He sings about the ecstasy of love at first sight on the synthy, The 1975-esque “Save My Life,” and takes infatuation to another level as he promises to follow his partner “’til there’s no tomorrow” on the raw, folky “You Could Start a Cult.”

The tender highlight “Never Grow Up,” finds Horan relishing the nirvana of romance, hoping that when he and Woolley are old, they “still drink” like they’re “back in the pub” and “fight over bands” they love. But even when things seem to be going his way, Horan recognizes he’s his own “worst enemy” on the introspective closer, “Must Be Love.”

Horan is taking “The Show” on tour in 2024. After One Direction disbanded in 2015, Horan aimed for solo stardom and has since found his sweet spot. His debut album, “Flicker,” was a success by all accounts, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and scoring Horan his biggest post-boy band hit to date, “Slow Hands.” Although the sophomore album, “Heartbreak Weather,” did not perform as well, Horan’s latest album, “The Show,” has him back on track and still figuring out the show of life before curtain call.

- Advertisement -