Louis Tomlinson Says He’s ‘Proud’ of Having the Most One Direction Writing Credits

Louis Tomlinson has always been more than just a former member of One Direction. Known for his sharp wit, grounded personality, and strong work ethic, Tomlinson has gradually carved a space for himself in the music industry as both a performer and a songwriter. In his upcoming documentary, All of Those Voices, the “Two of Us” singer opens up about one of the most defining aspects of his time in One Direction—his role as the band’s most prolific songwriter.

For Tomlinson, writing music was not just a creative outlet; it was a way to contribute meaningfully to the band and establish his identity within a global phenomenon. His words in the documentary preview underline how much his songwriting meant to him, not only as part of the group’s success but also as a personal achievement that gave him purpose and pride.

The Origins of Louis Tomlinson’s Songwriting Journey

From the very beginning, Louis Tomlinson felt that One Direction could be something more than the typical boy band. In the first look at All of Those Voices, he recalls how it always stayed in his mind that the group should be involved in creating their own songs rather than simply performing tracks written by others.

“It had always been in my mind that it’d be cool if we weren’t just the standard boy band who just got given songs and sang them. Like, maybe we should be writing our own songs,” Tomlinson said.

This early vision became the driving force behind his commitment to songwriting. While the band initially relied heavily on external writers to build their debut success, Tomlinson quickly realized that writing music could give them more creative control and authenticity.

By the time the group’s popularity exploded worldwide, he began to push for writing sessions and opportunities to collaborate behind the scenes. This dedication eventually paid off, making him the member with the most One Direction writing credits to his name.

Finding Control and Confidence in the Band

In the early years of One Direction, Tomlinson admitted to struggling with feelings of insignificance. While each member had their role, he often felt overshadowed and unsure of where he fit within the larger picture. But stepping into the role of a songwriter changed everything.

“All of a sudden, I felt in control again. The first two and a half years, I just felt like I wasn’t in control of myself or certainly had an influence on the band,” he explained in the documentary clip.

Songwriting gave him a sense of ownership that he had long been searching for. It wasn’t just about writing hit songs—it was about finally having a voice in the creative process and shaping the band’s identity.

Why Songwriting Made Louis Tomlinson Proud

As One Direction rose to become one of the biggest boy bands in the world, Tomlinson took pride not only in their collective success but also in his individual contributions. For him, the true highlight of his journey was the recognition that he had written more songs than any of his bandmates.

“When I think about how proud I am of One Direction, I think of us as a collective. When I think about what makes me most proud as me as an individual in that band, is definitely having the most writing credits. That makes me feel important to the band, and that’s all I ever wanted when I was a lad,” he shared.

This statement captures the essence of Tomlinson’s motivation. He wasn’t looking for the spotlight or to outshine his bandmates. Instead, he wanted to feel that his work mattered, that his contributions had an impact, and that he was truly part of something bigger than himself.

Songs That Showcase Louis Tomlinson’s Writing Talent

Louis Tomlinson’s songwriting influence can be felt across One Direction’s discography. Some of the band’s most memorable and beloved songs carry his name in the credits. These include:

• “No Control” – A fan-favorite anthem that became iconic among Directioners, praised for its energy and infectious chorus.

• “Night Changes” – A tender, reflective ballad that showcased the band’s more mature side.

• “Perfect” – One of the group’s biggest hits, with lyrics that blended youthful charm and playful confidence.

• “Last First Kiss” – A romantic track that highlighted One Direction’s early pop sound.

• “History” – A song that felt like a farewell gift to fans, filled with nostalgia and heartfelt emotion.

Each of these songs reveals Tomlinson’s ability to tap into universal themes—love, growth, nostalgia—while keeping the lyrics relatable and true to the band’s style.

All of Those Voices: A Documentary About Honesty and Growth

Directed by Charlie Lightening, All of Those Voices offers fans a deeper look at Tomlinson’s journey, both during and after his time in One Direction. The documentary promises to showcase never-before-seen home video footage, behind-the-scenes access, and a candid exploration of his world tour in 2022.

Unlike glossy, heavily produced portrayals, this documentary aims to capture the raw and authentic side of Louis Tomlinson, reflecting his down-to-earth personality and his desire to stay real with his fans. The focus on his songwriting journey within One Direction adds an important layer, helping viewers understand not just who he is today, but how he got there.

Louis Tomlinson After One Direction

Since the band’s hiatus, Louis Tomlinson has continued to build on the foundation of his songwriting. His debut solo album, Walls (2020), revealed his passion for alternative rock and britpop influences, while his follow-up album, Faith in the Future (2022), showed growth, maturity, and artistic confidence.

Much like his work in One Direction, his solo career emphasizes authenticity. Tomlinson writes about his life experiences, his struggles, and his triumphs. Fans connect deeply with his lyrics because they come from a place of honesty—a trait he carried over from his days in the world’s most famous boy band.

The Legacy of Louis Tomlinson’s Songwriting

When looking back at the history of One Direction, each member brought something unique to the table. Harry Styles often shone as a charismatic frontman, Niall Horan added warmth and charm, Liam Payne showcased versatility, and Zayn Malik delivered vocal strength.

But Louis Tomlinson’s legacy is undeniable: he was the songwriter who gave the band depth and direction. Without his push for creative involvement, One Direction might have remained a typical boy band reliant on external hits. Instead, they evolved into artists who could shape their own sound.

This influence continues to resonate today. Fans still celebrate the songs Tomlinson wrote as some of the best in the group’s catalog, proving that his contributions were not only important at the time but also enduring in their impact.

Conclusion: Why Louis Tomlinson’s Pride Matters

Louis Tomlinson’s pride in having the most One Direction writing credits is more than a statistic. It symbolizes his journey from feeling overlooked to becoming an essential creative force. It highlights the value of persistence, vision, and the courage to step forward when it matters most.

In All of Those Voices, fans will see a Louis Tomlinson who is reflective, honest, and proud of his role in shaping one of the biggest bands in the world. His story serves as a reminder that behind every global success lies countless hours of work, dedication, and a belief in one’s own worth.

Through his songwriting, Louis Tomlinson didn’t just make music—he found his voice, his confidence, and his legacy. And for him, that is something worth celebrating.