Liam Payne’s tragic demise on the age of 31 on Wednesday (Oct. 16) has offered the pop world a sorrowful alternative to replicate on his legacy as a member of One Path and as a solo artist. Payne helped 1D conquer the world as an integral a part of the five-piece pop group, then moved on recording on his personal along with his debut single, “Strip That Down” that includes Quavo, which grew to become a high 10 hit on the Billboard Sizzling 100 in 2017.
Much less clear, nevertheless, is the standing of Payne’s unreleased solo materials — and whether or not a follow-up to his debut album, 2019’s LP1, was accomplished upon his passing.
Following One Path’s closing studio album, 2015’s Made In The A.M., Payne signed a solo cope with Republic Information in 2016, and “Strip That Down” streaked to a No. 10 peak on the Sizzling 100 upon its Might 2017 launch. Payne’s debut solo album, LP1, arrived by means of Republic in December 2019 and featured a big selection of collaborators, together with Zedd, J Balvin, A Boogie wit da Hoodie and Rita Ora.
This March, Payne launched “Teardrops,” a quick rhythmic pop observe with a booming refrain that allowed the singer to showcase his falsetto. “Teardrops” — which was co-written with Jamie Scott and *NSYNC star JC Chasez — marked Payne’s first single since 2021’s “Sunshine,” which he contributed to the soundtrack for the animated movie Ron’s Gone Improper.
“‘Teardrops’ is concerning the vulnerability of heartbreak and the problem of overcoming these moments,” Payne stated in a press assertion upon the brand new single’s launch. He added that the observe was “the beginning of a brand new starting,” with extra music deliberate for 2024.
Previous to the discharge of “Teardrops,” Payne had spent prolonged time within the studio with Scott, the British songwriter-producer who had contributed to One Path smashes like “Story of My Life,” “Evening Modifications” and “Drag Me Down,” and co-written hits like “Chilly Water” by Main Lazer and “This City” by Payne’s 1D band mate Niall Horan. In a press launch, Payne had described working with longtime collaborator Scott on new music as a “year-long means of self-reflection.”
“Teardrops” has earned 3 million official U.S. streams up to now, in accordance with Luminate, however didn’t chart on the Sizzling 100. Outdoors of an acoustic model of “Teardrops” launched later in March, no different materials from Payne had been launched in 2024, and an official follow-up to LP1 had but to be introduced.
Reps for Republic Information didn’t reply to requests for remark concerning the standing of Payne’s unreleased music, though the label did launch an announcement on Thursday morning (Oct. 17) honoring the singer: “We’re deeply saddened and devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne, a rare artist whose music touched hundreds of thousands. His legacy will reside on by means of the timeless work he created, and he’ll perpetually be remembered as an icon of his era. Our ideas and prayers are along with his household, associates, and followers throughout this troublesome time.”
In the meantime, followers have flooded the feedback of Payne’s official YouTube movies with remembrances and appreciations. “Liam Payne, You’ve gotten put smiles throughout billions of followers,” reads the highest-rated touch upon the clip for the “Teardrops” acoustic model. “I hope you relaxation in peace.”
