The British boy band has been all over the news for months, after one of its five members, Zayn Malik, famously left out of the blue without any previous known conflict with the rest of the gang - but is One Direction's new song, the first without Malik, revenge over his departure?
Earlier this week, Malik announced he'd signed a deal with RCA Records to produce his first ever solo album, heavily anticipated by fans of the band that turned him into a superstar, but just the following day, One Direction's new song unexpectedly comes out to the public, prompting many to wonder whether there's any bad blood between them.
According to The Guardian, One Direction's new song is called "Drag Me Down," and it's their very first single since last year's "Night Changes," one of the biggest hits of 2014, and definitely a big step now that they're four instead of five.
When Malik announced he'd signed a solo record deal, he went on Twitter to say he'd now be making "real music," indirectly throwing shade at his years' work with the band, which is why many are wondering if One Direction's new song without him is an attempt to steal his thunder - and if so, the single's title might be saying much more than the lyrics.
Time Magazine reports that One Direction's new song is the first single of the band's new album, due out next November, and on it Harry Styles takes the job of the main vocals, which Malik used to do.
As Malik moves on to a solo career, many (including the folks at International Business Times) wonder the path he'll be taking, as it's a rarity when singers who come from boy bands end up hitting mainstream success once they're going solo, with Justin Timberlake being the most obvious story of how to do things right.
In any case, you can listen to One Direction's new song here!
