It looks like we’re in for a One Direction year as Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson are all bringing us new music.
Louis, 34, is first up with How Did I Get Here?, which is out on Friday, January 23 — the same day Harry is dropping his new single.
Aperture will be the first track off Harry’s Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally, which has been gaining huge attention online already.
It’s bound to shoot straight to number one, which is unfortunate for the Palaces singer if he’s hoping to get a double whammy of number one single and album.
Louis appears to be aware of the conundrum, posting a message asking fans for their help, which some have interpreted as subtle shade.
‘Going to need your help over the next few days to cut through the noise,’ he wrote on X. ‘Time to give this record the moment it deserves!’
The post ruffled some fans’ feathers as japanrry91 asked: ‘Is he trying to shade… Harry?’
‘Oh Harry Styles when I catch you,’ said Louis supporter Edeenzz, who posted a gif of a skeleton banging a drum.
Another directioner said the post should have ‘stayed in drafts’ as ‘good records speak for themselves’, declaring the post was ‘definitely shady as hell.’
As sides were drawn by fans, HSDaily became the voice of reason and replied: ‘This album is going to be incredible. ‘Lemonade’, ‘Palaces’ and ‘Imposter’ are already amazing! Be proud of yourself already 💛
‘To the people: We’re perfectly capable of listening to more than one thing at once, one after the other, and on repeat. “To cut through the noise” is a common expression in the music industry, not an attack.’
Louis hasn’t responded to accusations of making a dig at his former bandmate, but did post a ‘thank you’ to those who had supported him.
‘Let me take this moment to say thank you to every single person that has supported me over the years,’ he wrote. ‘You are throughout this record and everything I do.
‘This album would never have sounded the way it does without all the power and confidence you lot have given me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!’
Harry and Louis’ relationship has been a little complicated over the years, with plenty of rumours that they had fallen out in 2015 as the band split.
They denied the speculation, with Niall calling them all ‘brothers’, which they have all reiterated at various times in the decade since.
Some fans have also perpetuated rumours that Harry and Louis were romantically involved, with the ship name ‘Larry’, which the latter addressed.
Louis previously hit out at the baseless claims, calling it a ‘childish conspiracy theory’ but in 2024 said he had given up trying to deny the theories.
In an interview with Brazilian outlet G1, he was asked why the conspiracy is so famous and long-lasting, and he admitted it’s ‘tough’.
‘I’ve realised this some years ago, that there’s nothing I can say or do to dispel the rumours of that conspiracy,’ he said.
‘They are so intertwined with what they believe to be the truth now that they won’t actually see the truth for what it is. It does irritate me a little bit but it’s’ just kind of the nature of the job I suppose.’
As far as his album rollout goes, Louis has released three singles for his album How Did I Get Here?, titled Imposter, Palaces, and Lemonade.
Lemonade managed to crack the top 30 in the UK singles chart update upon release in September but follow-up single Palaces failed to make a splash.
He could be feeling the heat as not only is Harry’s new song out. Arctic Monkeys have got together to pen a new track for the charity War Child.
The song will feature on the album Help, but is set to be released tomorrow, Thursday, January 22.
Away from singles, the album charts are by no means an open goal as Robbie Williams is gunning for his 16th number one album with Britpop.
After surprise dropping the album on Friday, Official Charts revealed the former Take That star is in line for the top spot this week.
A$AP Rocky also released his first solo album in eight years, which has been making moves to climb up the chart, too.
Harry’s album is set to be released on March 6.
Metro has reached out to Louis’ team for comment.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
