Album review: Dinner Party

Niall Horan’s fourth studio album, Dinner Party, is lyrically his best album.

Released on June 5, the twelve-track album did not disappoint. With previous hit singles like “This Town,” “Slow Hands,” and “Heaven,” I had high hopes for the new release.

Horan’s phenomenal vocals and songwriting — evident through “End of an Era,” “Little More Time,” and “Tastes So Good” — make this album the summer hit it is.

“​Tastes So Good” is a song I can’t help but groove to as soon as it starts playing. This is the first song on the album, and I am already impressed.

The lyrics “I want you to stay” hold a long note, quiet down, and later we hear “it tastes so good to me.” I love the build-up of that particular part of the song. The drums are also a great added touch. This song exceeded my expectations, and I hope you add it to your summer playlist.

Immediately following “Tastes So Good,” we have Horan’s first hit single off the album, “Dinner Party,” getting the party started.

There’s a reason why this song is a single. It’s addictive and its meaning is the cherry on top. “Dinner Party” is about Horan running into his now longtime girlfriend at a dinner party. Great lyrics, great vibe, and a great story.

Halfway through the album, Horan’s next single, “Little More Time,” immediately blesses my ears. ​I don’t know what Horan put in this song, but it’s addictive in the best way. It’s the perfect summer anthem to roll down your car’s windows to.

​But as we get to the end of the album, the summer vibe fades with “End of an Era.” The song is a tribute to Liam Payne, Horan’s former One Direction bandmate, who died in 2024.

“End of an Era” hits hard. All the lyrics hit the right emotions, and the song title wraps it all up perfectly. My One Direction heart is crying.

While most of the songs on the album are of the indie-pop variety it works well. Some songs like “Die If I Don’t,” “Better Man,” and “Flowers,” are cute and show off Horan’s vocals perfectly, but they are a little slow and not my cup of tea.

​Overall, I’d rate Dinner Party an 8.5 out of 10. The indie-pop vibe Horan was going for is definitely there, but a few songs didn’t pull me in as much as I thought they would.

Whether you’re a One Direction fan or a new listener, I hope the album makes an appearance at your next dinner party.