This year has been an extremely busy year for newly solo artist Niall Horan. With his first album “Flicker” being released on Friday, Oct. 24 and his announcement of 2018 tour dates, he is keeping his career relevant in the music scene.

Horan surprised fans back in 2016 with the seemingly random release of his single “This Town.” So when Horan announced he would be releasing a solo album, fans were ready for the singer’s debut.

His album, “Flicker,” consists of 10 songs, with three extra songs on the deluxe version. Throughout his entire album Horan’s soft-crooner style showcased itself for what seems like the first time. Despite this, it is now apparent that Horan’s style had a large impact on One Direction’s last album, simply because “Made in the A.M.” consists of the same alternative acoustic-based sound.

Even though Horan already had great success with his two pre-released singles “This Town” and “Slow Hands,” the rest of the songs maintain the catchy theme. Most of the songs feature a chorus that is slightly repetitive, similar to most of One Direction’s songs.

But Horan surprises fans with a left-field song featuring country artist Maren Morris who’s best known for her hit “80s Mercedes.” This song, titled “Seeing Blind,” maintains a classic country beat, simple easy harmonies and melodies. This songs displays Horan’s ability to adopt traditional sounds and still maintain his individuality.

Each song on the album helps to complete a love story; from initial attraction, heartbreak, to the straining healing process. Even though the album is arranged in a random order it’s easy to follow along with Horan’s emotions as the songs progress due to his innate ability to convey his feelings.

He successfully envelopes a pleading tone in “Fire Away.” Horan’s voice takes on a sad strained tone and the quiet demeanor of the song itself completes the message. The lyrics of the heart-wrenching song push the feelings onto his audience, and by the end of the song the listeners become compelled to let out any feelings they may be holding onto.

In contrast to the overall depressive tone that overtakes this album “On My Own” and “On The Loose” offer a upbeat alternative to the heavy sound. Both songs help keep listeners interested in sitting through the album because without them the album would sound overwhelmingly negative.

Horan’s title track “Flicker” is easily his next big hit. Even though it is a slow moving song, the melody is catchy and emotionally moving much like the rest of the album. The song has the capacity to carry the album, but with the help of his already hit songs, it helps complete the powerful tracklist.

Overall the album isn’t one that a listener can jam out to on a daily basis due to the repetitive nature of each song, but if the songs were listened to separately they would showcase Horan’s varying abilities. This album is a solid first start for the seasoned vet and allows room for Horan to grow tremendously.