Louis Tomlinson, the former One Direction member, has candidly expressed his feelings about one of the band’s most iconic tracks during a recent interview. Speaking with Scott Mills on BBC Radio 2, Tomlinson revealed that he has “always” had a dislike for the 2011 hit “What Makes You Beautiful”, which catapulted One Direction into stardom.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/louis-tomlinson-one-direction-031826-e891316c8e3a47f4b3e2b9bb4a12ca41.jpg)
The 34-year-old singer explained that the song, known for its catchy pop sound, felt overly saccharine to him. He described it as “the most pop and most bubble gum pop moment” of their career. Despite Mills stating that it is a “good record”, Tomlinson responded with a light-hearted quip, acknowledging the song’s significance while asserting that his ambivalence towards it is rooted in personal experience.
Tomlinson elaborated on the discomfort he felt while performing the track during his teenage years. He recalled that at the age of 18, it wasn’t seen as socially acceptable to be part of a boy band, despite their soaring popularity. “Performing that always felt so eggy,” he remarked, reflecting on the challenges of navigating fame at such a young age. The lyrics, which famously declare, “Baby, you light up my world like nobody else,” felt to him reminiscent of something one might hear in a Disney film, contributing to his feelings of embarrassment during performances.
In stark contrast to his feelings about “What Makes You Beautiful”, Tomlinson shared that his favourite One Direction song is “Story of My Life”. He described it as a pivotal moment for the band, noting that it deviated from the typical boy band sound that preceded them. “That’s not the kind of record you expect from a band like One Direction,” Tomlinson said. He expressed pride in the fact that the song didn’t follow the danceable, upbeat mold that had defined many of their previous hits.
Released in October 2013, “Story of My Life” served as the second single from their third album, “Midnight Memories”. The track achieved significant commercial success, reaching number two in the UK and number six on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Tomlinson remarked on its importance in shaping their musical identity, suggesting it helped the band break free from the stereotypes associated with boy bands at the time.
Tomlinson’s journey with One Direction began in 2010 and extended until 2016, when the band announced a hiatus. During this time, he shared the stage with other prominent members including Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, and the late Liam Payne. Malik’s departure in 2015 marked a significant turning point for the group, but they continued to find success until their hiatus.
In January of this year, Tomlinson released his third solo album, titled “How Did I Get Here?”, demonstrating his transition from boy band member to solo artist. The album showcases his growth as an artist and storyteller, further distancing him from the pop boy band label he was often associated with.
Looking ahead, Tomlinson is set to embark on a world tour to support his latest project, giving fans the opportunity to engage with his new music firsthand. With such a rich history and variety in his musical journey, Tomlinson continues to evolve and redefine his artistic identity. As he looks to the future, his reflections on the past, including his complex feelings towards One Direction’s music, highlight the growth he has undergone since his early days in the band.
In conclusion, while “What Makes You Beautiful” played a critical role in One Direction’s success, it serves as a reminder of Tomlinson’s personal journey and transformation as an artist. His candid insights reveal not just the celebrity experience, but the nuanced feelings that accompany growing up in the spotlight.