MIDNIGHT MEMORIES

Midnight Memories is the third studio album by English-Irish boy band One Direction, released on 25 November 2013 by Columbia Records, Syco Music and Sony Music. The album was described by the band as edgier, and as having a "slightly rockier tone" than their previous efforts. It has become the fastest-selling album in Amazon UK's fifteen-year history, breaking the record set by their previous release, Take Me Home (2012). The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, making them the first group in history to debut at No. 1 with its first three albums. The album was preceded by the release of the singles "Best Song Ever" and "Story of My Life".

Upon the album's release, Midnight Memories received mixed reviews from music critics. Many critics praised the lyrical depth and musical composition on the album, as well as the group's level of involvement in the production process. However, others argued that the material was not as catchy as their previous work, believing it was "forgettable" and "not special" and felt the themes were not as mature as expected. The album was a commercial success, becoming the fastest selling in first-week sales in the UK.