Track Review: Niall Horan, “Heaven”

The last time Niall Horan treated us to solo music, we were just about a week into the COVID-19 pandemic. Yes, it’s been that long. His last album, Heartbreak Weather, was part of a select group of records that came to be shaped by the pandemic, even though they were recorded and released before lockdowns became our new normal. Nonetheless, the One Direction alumnus is back with “Heaven,” the lead single from his forthcoming third studio album The Show.

Equally steeped in the influences of Michael Bublé and The Beach Boys, “Heaven” is yet another delectable slice of straightforward rock-tinged pop from the dark horse of last decade’s biggest boy band. “Strange light revolves around you / You float across the room /Your touch is made of something / Heaven can't hold a candle to,” he croons at the onset of the song. Niall is no stranger to love, but “Heaven” finds him glorifying a love so grand and powerful that it can change even heaven itself. In Niall’s version of “Heaven,” heralding trumpets are replaced by a choir of synths, a bouncy piano line, and a chugging melody that doubles as an arena-ready tour closer.

Niall’s voice is tender and sweet, particularly on the bridge, but when he implements a slide instead of a belt (which would be more predictable), he unlocks the whimsy at the core of not only this love song, but also the decidedly meta feel of his upcoming album. “Heaven,” which features a co-writing credit from Tobias Jesso Jr., finds Niall bushy-tailed and doe-eyed about the power of this love, but there’s a fire behind those eyes that’s driving all of the passion that colors his lofty lyrics. It’s Niall’s Show, and we’re all along for the ride.

Score: 70