All five 1D albums return to UK charts after Liam's death

Fans seek comfort in old songs after singer's untimely passing

In the wake of Liam Payne's tragic death in Argentina, all five albums from One Direction have made it back into the UK charts. Leading this resurgence is their third studio album, Midnight Memories, which has made a striking re-entry at number 13, as per BBC. According to the Official Charts Company, sales and streaming figures for the album have skyrocketed by 517 per cent compared to the previous week.

Alongside the album revival, three of One Direction's singles have also returned to the Top 40. Notably, Payne's last solo release, Teardrops, has made its debut on the charts at number 85. Payne passed away on October 16 at just 31 years old after a fatal fall from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires. He leaves behind a seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with ex-partner Cheryl.

In honour of their beloved star, fans, called Directioners, held vigils over the weekend and responded to this tragedy by streaming his music, propelling it back into the charts. Among the tracks that resonated the most with listeners is Night Changes. Though it wasn't the band's most prominent hit during its initial release - peaking at number seven in the UK and number 31 in the US - it has gained a deeper significance over time.

Originally released on November 12, 2014, as the second single from the album Four, Night Changes is celebrated for its maturity and lyrical depth. It explores themes of fleeting moments and the loss of innocence against the backdrop of a troubled romance. Harry Styles takes the lead in the chorus, poignantly singing: "We're only gettin' older, baby / And I've been thinkin' about it lately / Does it ever drive you crazy / Just how fast the night changes?"

Since the band's hiatus in 2016, fans have embraced the song's sombre tone, especially in light of recent events. Many have found solace in its themes of impermanence and regret, reflecting their collective grief over Payne's passing.

Tributes have poured in from family, friends, and fellow bandmates. Niall Horan expressed his devastation, calling Payne "the brightest [person] in any room." In a heartfelt statement, Payne's family conveyed their heartbreak, stating, "Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we'll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul." Zayn Malik, another of Payne's former bandmates, has postponed his upcoming US tour to process this "heartbreaking loss."