Niall Horan’s debut solo album, “Flicker,” was released on Oct. 20. Since the announcement of One Direction’s hiatus in 2015, two of the five original members, Zayn Malik and Harry Styles, have released solo albums. Following their lead, Horan said he wanted to create music that came freely to him, which wasn’t possible for him when he was in One Direction. 

Along with having more time to sit down and think about his music, “Flicker” has allowed Horan to create more music. Horan joked about not being used to singing for more than three minutes, an opportunity being a member of One Direction did not give him. Niall’s voice has always been my favorite out of One Direction, and because I was finally able to hear it, I had high expectations for “Flicker.” Those expectations have been met with Horan’s new sound which breaks free from One Direction.

“Flicker,” which brings a more country/indie feel, includes 13 songs. Three of the 13 songs include his singles: “This Town,” “Slow Hands” and “Too Much to Ask.” “This Town” and “Too Much to Ask,” two of my favorite songs off the album, have an acoustic sound that demonstrates Horan’s vocals I didn’t hear when he was in One Direction. These singles are an accurate representation of the varying styles Horan has brought to the album.

As the album continued, some of my favorite tracks were “Since We Were Alone,” “Paper House” and “Flicker.” All these tracks include the same soft, mellow guitar and harmonies as a contrast to the more upbeat and energetic songs, “Slow Hands” and “Seeing Blind.” The album had a variety of slow paced and upbeat songs, which I love. Because most of One Direction’s songs were upbeat pop songs, Horan’s new representation of himself impressed me.

Overall, “Flicker,” will impress listeners who want to hear something different than what One Direction has released. Horan has succeeded in bringing a new country/indie vibe. Whether you are looking for a sound different from One Direction or not, “Flicker” will impress listeners because it truly has it all.