I wasn't sure what to make of this album, Four for me is their peak musically, I thought that album was pure perfection. Is this as good as that? On first listen. No.
Is it still a wonderful album? HELL YES.
Thoroughly enjoyed it actually, everyone has stepped their game up vocally obviously in an attempt to make up for Zayn not being there. And I think it worked, they sound amazing. I didn't even miss his voice. It didn't ever sound like there was someone missing.
The album itself is a little on the slow side, I would have preferred maybe a couple more upbeat songs to change the flow at times. But I won't complain too much about that.
I think the album is great actually, initial highlights for me are the singles so far, Hey Angel, End of the Day, What a Feeling and Never Enough.
If this really is going to be their last album then I'm glad its this one, it's wonderful.