Niall Horan, No Judgement | Track Review 🎵

Niall Horan delivers a respectable single with “No Judgement,” but he fails to be truly dynamic, exciting, or exhibit innovative spirit. 

Transitioning from a boy band to a solo artist can be difficult.  As I’ve stated previously, more often than not, there is a chose superstar from a boy band.  Looking at One Direction, the purported chosen one is Harry Styles, who has two commercially successful albums under his belt (Harry Styles and Fine Line).  That said, ZAYN experienced success with his debut album (Mind of Mine), Louis Tomlinson debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 with his debut (Walls), while the artist at hand, Niall Horan, saw his debut album, Flicker, debut atop the Billboard 200.  The thing is, Niall, who has a pleasant voice, lacked that wow factor on Flicker.  Even beyond Flicker, Horan still comes off, well, boring and middle of the road.  Does the same fate befall him on “No Judgement”?

As much as I would like to NOT judge the handsome Irishman, well, I have to.  On “No Judgement,” Niall Horan delivers a respectable vocal performance.  As aforementioned, he has a nice singing voice.  That said, he doesn’t necessarily distinguish himself much.  With the relatively quick “No Judgement,” he works with a respectable backdrop, produced by Julian Bunetta and Tobias Jesso, Jr., BUT, it’s nothing particularly innovative or game changing.  The theme, matters of the heart, is relatable, and Horan’s chivalrous nature is appreciated too (“And we don’t have to prove nothin’ / When you’re with me, not judgement”), BUT, again, we’ve ‘been there, done that’ numerous times.

Final Thoughts 

Basically, Niall Horan, from my estimations, still has more to prove to be considered a truly compelling solo artist.  The biggest problem is that Horan just isn’t a dynamic artist.  Even when he sings about sex, for example (“Slow Hands” or “Nice to Meet Ya”), it still comes over as safe and doesn’t reach a really sexy level.  “No Judgement” is respectable – don’t get me wrong – but not particularly exciting.

Niall Horan • Heartbreak Weather • Capitol • Release: 3.13.20

Photo Credit: Capitol