ONE DIRECTION - MADE IN THE A.M.

THE fifth album by the world’s biggest boy band has been anticipated with perhaps even more hysteria than usual.

As their first record since the ‘mysterious one’ Zayn Malik left the group back in March, and also their last before they take their extended hiatus, some may say the remaining four-piece – Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson – have a lot to prove. But as always, this is sheer pop perfection.

Walking In The Wind is a dramatic goodbye ballad made for echoing around stadiums, while Temporary Fix is refreshingly different and full of raw, indie-rock riffs. What A Feeling has a slight element of 80s disco, and single Drag Me Down just goes to prove that Malik didn’t take their angsty edge with him.

It is to their credit that the boys helped write 14 of the 17 tracks, and their increasingly mature sound proves that perhaps they are ready to move on.

This is a suitably reflective and tear-inducing farewell, and it will leave fans desperate for their return.

9/10 — HARRIET SHEPHARD