2017 was the year of One Direction. Well, it was the year the guys of One Direction put out all new music as solo artists. They weren’t competing against each other, per se, but it’s hard not to compare. It’s hard not to see how their songs – no matter how different they all are – stack up against each other. So, let’s take a peak, you know just for fun because we all want to secretly know which heartthrob had the best single of the year.

Harry Styles

Harry Styles released his lead single, “Sign of the Times” on April 7, 2017, and it went to number 1 on the U.K. charts. Billboard reported that this single topped the charts at number 4 on the Hot 100 list. “Sign of the Times” also went to number 1 on the Billboard + Twitter Top Tracks chart in April. A little over a month later, Hazza released his debut solo album, Harry Styles, on May 12, 2017. It’s being reported that it beat Zayn Malik’s debut solo album sales in just one week. #IMPRESSIVE. It went to number 1 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart. Unfortunately, Harry’s next two singles, “Two Ghosts” and “Kiwi” didn’t reach the top spots on the charts, but he has been selling out his world tour.

He’s doing pretty well, to be honest. However, with his classic rock style with a seemingly deep David Bowie inspired sound behind it all, he hasn’t been as mainstream as some Directioners thought he would be after the hiatus. That title probably goes to another one of the boys. Looking at the hard statistics, Harry currently has 281 million streams on Spotify.

Niall Horan

Niall Horan released his solo debut album, Flicker, on October 20, 2017. His album went to number 1 in Ireland and the United States as well as charting in the top 3 in the U.K. and Australia. His singles, “Slow Hands”, “Too Much To Ask”, and “This Town” have been radio hits everywhere. Nialler’s track “Slow Hands” was the first song from the 1D guys to top Billboard’s Adult Pop Songs.

The Irish cutie went on tour and plans for a world tour starting in 2018, played a few of his hits during the Jingle Ball tour and made himself a household name this year. Not to mention, he collaborated with the ever so talented Maren Morris. In numbers, he currently has 292 million streams on Spotify.

Liam Payne

Liam Payne has yet to release a solo album, but have no fear because it is apparently coming in 2018. What he has done, however, is releasing a number of singles and tracks that have been total jams and topped the charts. “Strip That Down” made it to the number 2 spot on the charts but actually has the most streams out of all of the singles that the One Direction lads have produced. So, GO LIAM! The new dad gifted his fans with “Get Low” and “Bedroom Floor,” which were statistically less successful than the rest of the singles the boys have put out, but they still want to make you dance which is something to say. Fans are eagerly waiting for Liam to release his album in the coming year. He currently has 421 million streams on Spotify.

Louis Tomlinson

Louis Tomlinson also promises that his solo debut album is coming and our fingers are crossed that it happens sooner rather than later in 2018. His first single, “Just Hold On,” came out at the end of 2016 right after his mother Johannah Deakin passed away. He was highly praised for his performance of the song on the X-Factor just days after her death. In 2017, he released, “Back To You” featuring Bebe Rexha which topped the charts at number 8 in U.K. On Billboard + Twitter Top Tracks chart, this track of Louis’ went to number 1.

Later on, Louis came out with his track “Miss You” which was less successful. But that doesn’t mean we should be sleeping on Louis’ music. It has a bit of a different kind of sound, because of the music he grew up on and the inspiration he’s pulling from.His lyrics and raw and real and we can’t take that away from him. Fans can’t wait to see what he has in store for 2018. Currently, Louis has 301 million streams on Spotify.

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