Liam Payne, the former One Direction member who tragically passed away recently, continues to leave a lasting impact on the music world, as evidenced by the return of his music to the U.K. charts. The singer, who built a massive fanbase both as part of One Direction and through his successful solo career, has been deeply mourned by fans and the music community following his untimely death. As they cope with their loss, many of his fans have turned to his music for comfort, resulting in a surge of streams and sales of his songs in the weeks following his passing.
One of the most significant comebacks in this wave of nostalgia is his 2018 collaboration with Rita Ora on the track For You (Fifty Shades Freed). The song, which was released as part of the soundtrack for the movie Fifty Shades Freed—the third and final installment in the Fifty Shades of Grey film series—has reappeared on the charts in the United Kingdom. While it had already been a major success upon its initial release, its return to the charts following Payne’s passing underscores just how much fans continue to cherish his work.
For You has reentered the Official Singles Downloads chart at No. 86 and is also back on the Official Singles Sales chart at No. 93. These rankings may seem modest, but for a song that almost reached No. 1 on both charts when it was first released, this resurgence represents a powerful testament to its enduring popularity. The track, which was a commercial success both in the U.K. and internationally, remains Payne’s most significant solo hit to date in terms of chart performance, having peaked at No. 2 on both the Official Singles Sales and Downloads charts during its initial run.
When For You first debuted in early 2018, it was a smash hit. The song, which blended Payne’s smooth vocal delivery with Rita Ora’s powerhouse performance, was a perfect fit for the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack. The film was a major global release, and the song quickly became one of the most recognizable tracks tied to the franchise. At the time, both Payne and Ora were at the height of their pop careers, which helped propel the song to commercial success. The track charted highly in multiple countries and garnered millions of streams worldwide. Despite this, For You fell just short of reaching the coveted No. 1 spot in the U.K. charts, peaking instead at No. 2 on both the Sales and Downloads charts.
However, even in the years since its release, For You has remained a key part of Liam Payne’s solo discography. It continues to be his biggest hit on both the U.K. Singles Sales and Downloads charts. In addition to its success on these two charts, the song also made waves internationally, further solidifying Payne’s reputation as a successful solo artist following his time with One Direction.
Before his death, Liam Payne had experienced a solid solo career, earning multiple top 10 hits in the U.K. and worldwide. In total, he had several singles that broke into the upper echelons of the charts, including multiple top 10s on both the U.K. Sales and Downloads charts. For You stood out as a particular highlight, due in no small part to its association with the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack and the immense popularity of both the song and the movie at the time of its release.
The recent return of For You to the charts speaks volumes about the continuing love and appreciation for Liam Payne’s music. It highlights the deep connection fans still feel to the artist and his work, especially in the wake of his sudden passing. As more people stream his music and purchase his songs in the wake of this tragic loss, it’s clear that his influence and legacy will live on through his music.
In addition to For You, other tracks from Payne’s solo catalog have also seen a resurgence in streams and chart placements. While these songs may have experienced brief stays on the charts in the past, their recent returns are a reminder of Payne’s lasting impact on the music industry. For many fans, the mourning process is intertwined with revisiting the art that the artist created, and Payne’s music has provided them with solace during this difficult time.
For You (Fifty Shades Freed) is not only a reminder of Payne’s successful solo career but also a symbol of the high points of his time in One Direction. It’s clear that, even as a solo artist, Liam Payne was able to carve out a distinct identity and establish his place in the pop music world. As For You continues to chart, it serves as a fitting tribute to an artist whose voice and presence will not be forgotten by those who admired him.
In conclusion, the return of For You (Fifty Shades Freed) to the charts is a powerful reflection of Liam Payne’s lasting legacy in the music industry. The song’s success—both during its initial release and in the wake of his passing—demonstrates just how much his music continues to resonate with listeners around the world. Though Payne may no longer be with us, his work will remain a part of the soundtrack of countless fans’ lives, providing comfort and connection f
or years to come.
