Singer and songwriter Niall Horan released his new single, “This Town,” on Thursday, September 28th. Horan, 23 years old, was previously a part of boyband One Direction. Horan was first of the four members to release a single and according to Tiger Beat magazine, fans calling it the biggest plot twist in One Direction history.

“I thought Niall’s song sounded better than I thought it would because it is just Niall and he wasn’t the star singer of the band,” says sophomore Emily Wood.

According to sophomore Mackenzie Rudy, One Direction fans have been anxiously awaiting a ripple in the One Direction pool of silence.

Horan’s new song is “the most beautiful song ever” according to Twitter fan page, @honestniall.

Ex band members Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne, support Horan through social media. “Ahh, a lovely tune my friend. Congratulations. H,” tweets former bandmate, Styles.

“I believe they support each other’s solo careers because they know they will not stay together forever and they are best friends so they will want each other to succeed,” says Rudy.

One Direction took a hiatus in March, 2016, that evolved into a breakup of the band. Former band member Malik quit the band March, 2015. One Direction performed the rest of their Where We Are Tour before going on a hiatus.

According to sophomore Nick Geason, the breakup of One Direction was very bad.

“I was so sad when I heard that One Direction was going on a big break for 18 months. I still can’t believe it. I think I will always be hoping for their return as a group,” says sophomore Natalie Purko.

For some fans like Wood, the separation of One Direction is not permanent.

“I don’t think Niall’s song is what confirms he break up but also with Harry being in a movie and Louis with more responsibilities as a dad, it shows that they are exploring other things in life than being in a band. They could just be having a little fun on their break and they could come back after the hiatus and continue to make music,” says Wood.

Malik launched his first solo album, Mind of Mine, on March 25, 2016. Mind of Mine contains 18 songs.

Malik was the first official member to create music out of One Direction. One Direction remained a band of four after Malik left making Horan the first out of the band of four to release music outside of One Direction.

Most students and fans like Rudy, Wood, and Purko, are excited and joyful over Horan’s new song.

Purko says she is impressed that Horan produced such a good song by himself.

Sophomore Maddie Kredell and Geason don’t feel as thrilled about “This Town.” According to Nielson and Kredell, Horans new song is somewhat depressing and the lyrics were boring.

“I was excited to listen to his song, but wasn’t impressed. I thought it was too slow and his voice didn’t sound great in it. I would describe Niall’s song as boring because I thought it was slow and repetitive,” says Kredell.