Before today, former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson was the only one from the band who had yet to release an album of his own. Instead of celebrating a musical milestone like the rest of his bandmates, he has had to grapple with the loss of his mother and sister in the last four years. For him, Walls is a physical embodiment of the odds he has had to surmount, and proof that he is slowly building himself up again after hitting rock bottom. 

The album itself is an evocative and tender love letter so honest it is almost heartbreaking to listen to - especially when he sings of his mother's passing in 'Two of Us'. This sincerity seems to be characteristic of Tomlinson, who even handwrote a note of gratitude on newsletters announcing the release of his album. Above all else, this album is a culmination of his experiences, expressed in the simplest and truest way he knows how, with no frills or lofty aspirations attached to it. 

Listen to Walls below.