Liam Payne delays debut album, drops first EP

Former One Direction member Liam Payne released his first solo EP titled “First Time” on Aug. 24. The tracklist includes four songs: “First Time,” “Home With You,” “Depend On It” and “Slow.”

Payne intended to release his debut solo album this September, but the past year has come with many changes in the singer’s personal life, which has delayed the production of his first full-length album.

Payne still plans on releasing an album but stated that he has some work to do before that time comes. In a letter posted to Instagram, the singer explained the album delay.

“I looked at some of the songs on my album which were done a while ago and they felt from another age,” Payne said. “I’m determined for my debut album to truly represent me.”

Despite Payne’s new release being shorter than expected, “First Time” gives fans a taste of his music as well as a look into his personal life.

“First Time” is the title track and features rapper French Montana. This rhythmic, passionate and Latin-infused song makes you want to get out of your seat and dance. It is about having such a strong fascination with someone that you feel hypnotized.

The chorus includes the line, “I can’t stop thinking ‘bout the first time/ it’s like you put a spell on me.” This song may be giving us a look into Payne’s dating life, especially since he has repeatedly been seen with rumored girlfriend Cairo Dwek, an aspiring model.

“Home With You” has more of a mellow feel. It is directed toward that special someone you want to spend a little more time with and get to know better.

Payne sings, “Yelling to you over music/ isn’t the way I wanna do this./ Why don’t we find somewhere quiet.” Once again, the song leaves listeners wondering if the dating rumors about Payne and Dwek are true.

“Depend On It” brings us through the end of a relationship. It is questionable whether or not Payne is referring to his split with his ex, Cheryl Cole, but some of the lines suggest exactly that. Payne sings, “We used to be lovin’, touchin’, kissin’…” He then reacts to that line by saying, “How did we get to lyin’, cryin’, always fightin’/ like our lives depend on it.”

Similarly, “Slow” talks about trying to hold onto a relationship that has mentally and emotionally ended. Payne sings, “I know that your mind’s already made up/ but give me one more night now before we give up.” Once again, Payne may be giving his audience a look into his breakup with Cole.

Payne’s EP only included four songs but it definitely left audiences wanting more. “First Time” showed us what we should expect of the British singer. Needless to say, he set the bar high for his debut album.