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Surprise! One Direction Just Released Their First Single Without Zayn Malik

It's like Christmas in July, Directioners!

In a jarring move that’s given us heart palpitations and made us go from totally chill to “no control,” One Direction have released a brand new song, their first since Zayn Malik left the band in March.

While you were sleeping on Thursday night (July 30), 1D dropped “Drag Me Down,” an uptempo track that’s definitely in the vein of their latest album, Four, and a far cry from the ‘80s rock-leaning Midnight Memories.

All four boys promptly tweeted out links to the EDM-hinting song, and Louis Tomlinson added another sweet sentiment, thanking fans for their “constant support.”

The boys also released a short video in which Liam Payne (a.k.a. their unofficial spokesman) tells fans, “Hi guys! Our new single ‘Drag Me Down’ is out now. We hope you like it. It’s the first song from the new album that we’ve been working very, very, very hard on. We can’t wait for you to hear it. See you soon. Lots of love.”

The surprise track conveniently comes in the same week Malik announced he’s inked a deal with RCA Records to kick off his solo career — a move that he says will allow him to make “real music.”

Along with ushering in a new era of 1D with their sneaky new release, the band is currently working on their fifth album and touring the U.S. on their On The Road Again Tour. Their next show is tonight (July 31) in Indianapolis, and we’ll be watching closely to see if “Drag Me Down” slips onto their setlist.

In the meantime, the new song is available for purchase on iTunes and streaming on Spotify for your listening/obsessing pleasure.

Directioners, what do you think of “Drag Me Down?” Sound off in the comments!

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