Liam Payne’s Solo Music: What Is Its Future?
Liam Payne’s tragic loss of life on the age of 31 on Wednesday (Oct. 16) has offered the pop world a sorrowful alternative to replicate on his legacy as a member of One Direction and as a solo artist. Payne helped 1D conquer the world as an integral a part of the five-piece pop group, then moved on recording on his personal along with his debut single, “Strip That Down” that includes Quavo, which grew to become a prime 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2017.
Less clear, nonetheless, is the standing of Payne’s unreleased solo materials — and whether or not a follow-up to his debut album, 2019’s LP1, was accomplished upon his passing.
Following One Direction’s ultimate studio album, 2015’s Made In The A.M., Payne signed a solo take care of Republic Records in 2016, and “Strip That Down” streaked to a No. 10 peak on the Hot 100 upon its May 2017 launch. Payne’s debut solo album, LP1, arrived by Republic in December 2019 and featured a wide selection of collaborators, together with Zedd, J Balvin, A Boogie wit da Hoodie and Rita Ora.
This March, Payne launched “Teardrops,” a quick rhythmic pop monitor with a booming refrain that allowed the singer to showcase his falsetto. “Teardrops” — which was co-written with Jamie Scott and *NSYNC star JC Chasez — marked Payne’s first single since 2021’s “Sunshine,” which he contributed to the soundtrack for the animated movie Ron’s Gone Wrong.
“‘Teardrops’ is about the vulnerability of heartbreak and the challenge of overcoming those moments,” Payne mentioned in a press assertion upon the brand new single’s launch. He added that the monitor was “the start of a new beginning,” with extra music deliberate for 2024.
Prior to the discharge of “Teardrops,” Payne had spent prolonged time within the studio with Scott, the British songwriter-producer who had contributed to One Direction smashes like “Story of My Life,” “Night Changes” and “Drag Me Down,” and co-written hits like “Cold Water” by Major Lazer and “This Town” by Payne’s 1D band mate Niall Horan. In a press launch, Payne had described working with longtime collaborator Scott on new music as a “year-long process of self-reflection.”
“Teardrops” has earned 3 million official U.S. streams up to now, in keeping with Luminate, however didn’t chart on the Hot 100. Outside of an acoustic model of “Teardrops” launched later in March, no different materials from Payne had been launched in 2024, and an official follow-up to LP1 had but to be introduced.
Reps for Republic Records didn’t reply to requests for remark in regards to the standing of Payne’s unreleased music, though the label did launch an announcement on Thursday morning (Oct. 17) honoring the singer: “We are deeply saddened and devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne, an extraordinary artist whose music touched millions. His legacy will live on through the timeless work he created, and he will forever be remembered as an icon of his generation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, followers have flooded the feedback of Payne’s official YouTube movies with remembrances and appreciations. “Liam Payne, You have put smiles across billions of fans,” reads the highest-rated touch upon the clip for the “Teardrops” acoustic model. “I hope you rest in peace.”
