10 One Direction hits soaring on Spotify after Liam Payne’s death

Photo from onedirection/Instagram

Mourning Liam Payne’s death last month, fans around the world turned to Spotify, sending One Direction songs to the top of the charts. 

Payne’s legacy lives on through these songs, which continue to capture the hearts of fans.

The day after Payne’s tragic death, the band achieved their highest streaming day ever with 57.5 million Spotify streams globally.

Here are the top 10 One Direction songs that soared on Spotify.

Top One Direction songs that soared on Spotify

Night Changes – 4.65 million streams

One of the band’s most emotionally resonant hits, “Night Changes” surged to no. 6 with its touching lyrics about life’s fleeting stages. It was a go-to tribute for fans mourning Payne.

Story of My Life – 3.99 million streams

A 2013 hit co-written by Liam Payne, this song delivers one of the most agonizing lines: “It seems to me that when I die, these words will be written on my stone.” It is one of the most meaningful songs for fans processing the singer’s death.

What Makes You Beautiful – 2.66 million streams

This 2011 track remains a fan favorite. Payne once described it as “perfect” and its cheery message about self-confidence and love continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.

Perfect – 2.55 million streams

Penned by Harry Styles, this track celebrates living in the moment – a lighthearted anthem that found a new life on the charts as fans reflected on Payne’s legacy of living an authentic life.

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Steal My Girl – 2.17 million streams

Co-written by Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson, this hit narrates the story of love that stays unshaken.

The lyrics fret over the potential for rivals to take the group’s girlfriends away from them.

You & I – 1.71 million streams

Featuring a remix created by Liam Payne, this ballad describes a strong bond between lovers.

“It’s saying that you’re inseparable or nothing can get in the way of you and your love,” explained Harry Styles.

Drag Me Down – 1.61 million streams

“All my life, you stood by me when no one else was ever behind me,” Liam Payne sang in this compelling anthem. 

“Drag Me Down” marked One Direction’s first single since Zayn Malik’s left the band in 2015. The announcement of the release, with no previous promotion or marketing, was done by Liam Payne on his Twitter (now X) handle.

18 – 1.53 million streams

Written by Ed Sheeran, “18” captures the innocence of young love.

Best Song Ever – 1.49 million streams

This promotional song for One Direction’s film “This Is Us” debuted and peaked at No. 2 on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100.

Right Now – 1.35 million streams

Written by Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles, this carefree anthem explores the themes of independence and longing. The song’s sentimental lines make it a perfect tribute to Liam Payne.