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Liam Payne’s Five Greatest Songs With One Direction, From ‘Little Things’ to ‘Fireproof’
In the wake of Liam Payne's death, Variety revisits the singer's defining songs with the group that vaulted him to superstardom.
As a teen, Zayn Malik was too shy to deliver the high notes he’s known for today, which made Payne the backbone of the emotive chorus lines on covers the band performed for competition in “The X Factor.” Payne’s vocal prowess was undeniable in his early on-screen cameos for the talent show (he first auditioned in 2008, and later returned in 2010 to form One Direction), singing a cover of Michael Bublé’s version of “Cry Me A River” while sporting a Justin Bieber-inspired haircut and a “swagger” that Simon Cowell famously endorsed as “ on the money.” “ Fireproof” (2014) — A breezy song about maintaining the spark of a new connection, this single was the first indication that One Direction was pivoting towards a more mature and indie rock-leaning sound in their fourth studio effort.
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