If you’re searching for the best Niall Horan songs ever made, you’ve landed in the right place. From his early days as a member of One Direction to his critically acclaimed solo career, Niall Horan has crafted a musical catalog that spans genres, emotions, and generations. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his music, this list celebrates the greatest hits that define his artistry — from heartfelt acoustic ballads to upbeat pop anthems that dominated the charts worldwide.
Niall Horan, the Irish singer-songwriter born in Mullingar, Ireland, first rose to international fame after being placed in the group One Direction on The X Factor in 2010. After the group went on hiatus in 2016, Niall launched a solo career that has only grown stronger with each release. His music is a perfect blend of pop sensibility and genuine emotional depth, making him one of the most beloved artists of his generation. Browse through our curated song collections to explore more artists like him.
What Makes You Beautiful
Released as part of One Direction’s debut album “Up All Night” in 2011, “What Makes You Beautiful” became an instant global phenomenon that launched the careers of all five members overnight. The song’s infectious hook and feel-good message about natural beauty resonated with millions of fans worldwide, reaching number one in the UK and cracking the top ten in numerous countries including the United States. For Niall, it was the moment the world heard his voice in one of the most recognizable opening guitar riffs in pop music history, and the song remains a staple of his legacy to this day.
Best Song Ever
One Direction dropped “Best Song Ever” in 2013 as the lead single from their concert film “This Is Us,” and it delivered exactly what the title promised — an exhilarating pop-rock anthem that felt larger than life. The song was co-written by Wayne Hector and Ed Drewett, and its energetic tempo and stadium-ready chorus made it an instant fan favorite on the “Midnight Memories” album. Niall’s spirited vocal contributions shine throughout the track, making it one of those rare songs that captures pure youthful excitement in musical form.
Story of My Life
“Story of My Life” marked a more mature and introspective turn for One Direction when it was released from the “Midnight Memories” album in 2013, showing the world the band could deliver emotional depth alongside their pop hits. The acoustic-driven ballad spoke to themes of change, memory, and growing up, resonating deeply with fans who had followed the band from the very beginning. Niall’s warm vocal tone contributed meaningfully to the song’s nostalgic atmosphere, and the accompanying music video — featuring each band member’s family — gave the track an authenticity that elevated it beyond typical pop fare.
Night Changes
Taken from One Direction’s fourth studio album “Four” in 2014, “Night Changes” is one of the most beautifully crafted pop ballads in the band’s entire catalog. The song paints a picture of youthful romance and the bittersweet feeling of time slipping away, wrapped in a lush orchestral production that tugs at the heartstrings. Niall’s gentle vocal delivery perfectly suits the song’s tender theme, and the music video — which places each member on a separate date with the viewer — remains one of the most creatively conceived videos from their career.
This Town
“This Town” was Niall Horan’s debut solo single released in September 2016, and it immediately announced him as a serious solo artist with real musical substance. The acoustic folk-pop track is a heartfelt reflection on first love and the emotional connection we carry to the places where we grew up, drawing on Niall’s own Irish roots for authenticity. It debuted at number nine on the UK Singles Chart and showcased his ability to write and perform with raw, understated emotion — a quality that would define his entire solo career moving forward.
Slow Hands
Released in 2017 as part of his debut solo album “Flicker,” “Slow Hands” was a turning point that demonstrated Niall Horan’s ability to craft undeniably catchy, sensual pop music. The song features a bluesy guitar groove and confident, laid-back lyrics that contrast pleasantly with the more vulnerable acoustic work of “This Town,” showing his impressive range as an artist. It peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of his biggest commercial successes as a solo performer, earning him widespread critical praise for the stylistic shift.
Flicker
The title track from his debut album released in 2017, “Flicker” is a tender acoustic ballad that strips everything back to just Niall’s voice and a guitar, letting the emotional weight of the lyrics carry the song entirely. The track speaks to the fragile, uncertain feelings of a relationship on the edge, and Niall’s restrained vocal performance makes every word feel deeply personal and sincere. “Flicker” helped define the tone of the album as a whole and cemented his reputation as a singer-songwriter with genuine artistic vision rather than just a pop star riding on his previous band’s success.
Nice to Meet Ya
“Nice to Meet Ya” marked the beginning of a bolder, more upbeat era for Niall Horan when it was released in 2019 as the lead single from his second studio album “Heartbreak Weather.” The funk-infused pop track features a driving horn section, a swagger-filled vocal performance, and an irresistibly danceable groove that showed fans a fun, confident side of the artist they hadn’t fully seen before. It became one of his most streamed singles internationally and demonstrated his willingness to experiment with new sounds while maintaining the warmth and personality that makes his music so relatable.
No Judgement
Also from the “Heartbreak Weather” album released in 2020, “No Judgement” is an uplifting pop anthem that captures the feeling of unconditional acceptance in a relationship where both people feel free to be themselves. The song has a breezy, confident energy underpinned by a tight rhythm section and Niall’s characteristically melodic vocal hooks that make it impossible not to sing along. Its positive message and feel-good production made it a fan favorite during a time when the world needed music that brought warmth and joy, and it continues to be a highlight of his live setlist.
Put a Little Love on Me
“Put a Little Love on Me” is one of the most emotionally striking songs on “Heartbreak Weather,” showcasing Niall Horan at his most vulnerable and exposed as a vocalist and lyricist. The piano-driven ballad explores the pain of heartbreak and the desperate need for comfort and connection, drawing listeners in with its raw honesty and beautifully restrained arrangement. Niall’s vocal performance on this track is widely considered among the finest of his career, with a controlled intensity that conveys genuine feeling without ever becoming overwrought or melodramatic.
Heaven
“Heaven” was released in 2023 as part of Niall Horan’s third studio album “The Show,” and it quickly became one of the most beloved tracks from his new era of music. The song is an uplifting, emotionally rich pop track that blends personal storytelling with an anthemic chorus designed to resonate in arenas, and it represents a significant artistic evolution for the singer. Featuring co-writing credits alongside his longtime collaborators, “Heaven” demonstrates that Niall Horan continues to grow as an artist with each album cycle, delivering music that connects deeply with both longtime fans and new listeners discovering him for the first time.
Meltdown
“Meltdown” is a standout track from “The Show” album released in 2023 that explores the emotional chaos and vulnerability of a relationship reaching its breaking point. The song features a compelling dynamic structure that builds from intimate verses into an explosive, cathartic chorus, showcasing Niall’s continued growth as a pop songwriter who understands how to take listeners on an emotional journey. With its relatable themes and expertly constructed arrangement, “Meltdown” has been highlighted by music critics as one of the finest examples of his songwriting maturity and vocal range in recent years.
Science
Also from the 2023 album “The Show,” “Science” is a charming, romantic pop song that uses scientific metaphors to describe the inexplicable chemistry of falling in love, delivered with the kind of playful wit that has always been part of Niall’s personality. The track features bright, warm production with acoustic guitar textures that call back to his earlier solo work while incorporating more polished contemporary pop arrangements. “Science” became a fan favorite almost immediately upon the album’s release, with many noting how it captures the giddy, slightly confused feeling of new love with an authenticity that feels genuinely earned.
Drag Me Down
Released in 2015 as One Direction’s first single following Zayn Malik’s departure, “Drag Me Down” was a bold, rock-infused declaration that the band was not done and had no intention of slowing down. The song’s powerful production, built on driving guitars and thunderous drums, gave the remaining four members — including Niall — a platform to deliver one of their most vocally impressive performances as a group. It debuted at number one on the iTunes chart in more than 80 countries within 24 hours of release, making it one of the fastest-selling singles in the history of the platform.
Perfect
One Direction’s “Perfect,” taken from their final album “Made in the A.M.” in 2015, is an irresistibly charming pop-rock track that drew widespread comparisons to the work of Taylor Swift, with whom it was rumored to share lyrical inspiration. The song features a carefree, anthemic quality that captures the excitement of a casual but meaningful romantic connection, wrapped in a polished production that still retains the band’s signature warmth. Niall’s vocal contributions give the track a bright energy that helped it become one of the most streamed songs from the album, and it remains a crowd-pleasing highlight during live performances.
History
“History” from “Made in the A.M.” was One Direction’s heartfelt love letter to their fans, a song that acknowledged everything the group had shared together over five years and expressed genuine gratitude for the journey they had taken together. The anthemic ballad is emotionally resonant in a way that few pop songs manage to achieve, with lyrics that speak not just about romantic relationships but about the power of shared memories and loyalty. For Niall, who has always been vocal about his deep appreciation for the One Direction fandom, performing “History” in concert has been described as one of the most emotionally meaningful experiences of his career.
One Thing
“One Thing” was released from One Direction’s debut album “Up All Night” in 2011 and became one of the signature songs of their early career, capturing the breathless, irresistible pull of attraction with a hook that lodged itself into the global pop consciousness. The song was co-written by Rami Yacoub, Carl Falk, and Savan Kotecha, who drew on classic pop structures to create something that felt both timeless and immediately contemporary. Niall’s enthusiastic vocal delivery throughout the track contributes to its infectious, joyful energy, and to this day it remains one of the most recognizable songs from the One Direction era.
Live While We’re Young
Released as the lead single from “Take Me Home” in 2012, “Live While We’re Young” was One Direction’s rallying cry for youthful spontaneity and living without regret, wrapped in a gloriously energetic pop production that made it impossible to stand still. The song debuted at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in its first week, making it one of the highest-charting debut weeks for a British group on the chart in decades. It became a defining anthem of the early 2010s pop era, and Niall’s spirited performance throughout the track is a reminder of the joy and energy that made One Direction such a global phenomenon during their peak years.
Our Song
Niall Horan’s “Our Song,” released as part of his 2021 “Therapy” EP, is a tender, introspective track that reflects on the bittersweet nostalgia of revisiting music that once defined a relationship. The song explores the emotional complexity of hearing a familiar melody after a breakup and the way music can simultaneously heal and reopen wounds, delivered with the kind of lyrical nuance that has become a hallmark of his solo work. “Our Song” resonated strongly with fans who appreciated his willingness to explore emotional vulnerability in his writing, further establishing him as one of the most emotionally intelligent songwriters working in pop music today.
Therapy
The title track from Niall Horan’s 2021 EP, “Therapy” is a reflective, deeply personal song about seeking healing and emotional clarity after a period of difficulty, addressing themes of mental health with a sensitivity and openness that set it apart from mainstream pop. The stripped-back acoustic production allows Niall’s voice to carry the full emotional weight of the lyrics, creating an intimacy that feels like sitting with a close friend as they share something deeply meaningful. “Therapy” was widely praised for its honest engagement with mental wellness, arriving at a moment when open conversations about mental health in music were becoming increasingly important and resonating with a generation eager for authentic, meaningful art. For fans looking to experience his music with the best possible audio quality, it’s worth checking out a guide on comparing the best headphones to find the perfect listening setup.
Final Thoughts on the Best Niall Horan Songs
From the stadium-shaking anthems of One Direction to his introspective and evolving solo catalog, Niall Horan has consistently delivered music that connects on a deeply emotional level. His ability to blend vulnerability with charm, and acoustic warmth with contemporary pop production, makes him one of the most versatile and enduring artists to emerge from the boy band era. Whether you’re revisiting his greatest hits or exploring his newer releases like those from “The Show,” there is always something in his music that feels personal, genuine, and worth returning to again and again. To make sure you’re hearing every detail of his music the way it was intended, consider reading up on the best earbuds available today for an immersive listening experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Niall Horan’s most popular song?
“Slow Hands” is widely considered Niall Horan’s most popular solo song, having peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving massive streaming numbers globally. From his One Direction era, “What Makes You Beautiful” remains the most iconic and widely recognized track associated with his career.
How many solo albums has Niall Horan released?
As of 2024, Niall Horan has released three solo studio albums: “Flicker” (2017), “Heartbreak Weather” (2020), and “The Show” (2023). He also released the “Therapy” EP in 2021 between his second and third albums.
Did Niall Horan write his own songs?
Yes, Niall Horan is actively involved in the songwriting process for his solo music. He has co-written the majority of his solo tracks and has spoken publicly about the importance of creating music that reflects his own personal experiences and emotions.
What genre is Niall Horan’s music?
Niall Horan’s music spans several genres, primarily pop and folk-pop with influences from country, soft rock, and acoustic music. His debut album “Flicker” leaned heavily acoustic, while later releases like “Heartbreak Weather” incorporated funk and upbeat pop elements.
What was Niall Horan’s first solo single?
“This Town” was Niall Horan’s first solo single, released in September 2016 shortly after One Direction went on hiatus. The acoustic ballad was a commercial and critical success, setting the tone for his solo career and debuting at number nine on the UK Singles Chart.
Is Niall Horan still making music?
Yes, Niall Horan is actively making music. His third studio album “The Show” was released in 2023 and received strong critical reception, and he has continued to perform and tour internationally, indicating that new music is likely in development for future release.