Commence freakout: One Direction just released a surprise single

 By   on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

One Direction fans everywhere are celebrating — because the 1D just surprised them with the release of a new single.

The much-tweeted-about song is called "Drag Me Down," and was announced by the band on Thursday night as a preview of what's to come on their new album. It'll mark the band's first recording since the departure of former bandmate Zayn Malik.

[seealso slug="zayn-malik-record-deal"]

HEY GUYS! So, #DragMeDown dropped earlier! Check out what the guys had to say about it. https://t.co/Z2E32BMjn1— One Direction (@onedirection) July 31, 2015

The band also tweeted a separate announcement from Harry Styles himself, because one just wasn't enough:

Harry's excited to share #DragMeDown with all of you! http://t.co/orEz8bKrm3https://t.co/mQ0Dp765Io— One Direction (@onedirection) July 31, 2015

The song in question, for those who are curious:

Shortly after, One Direction's Liam Payne tweeted the announcement to his fans ...

Bit of a surprise ! Check out our new single! It’s called Drag Me Down & I hope you love it as much as we do https://t.co/HPJn2Kij5M— Liam (@Real_Liam_Payne) July 31, 2015

... while Harry Styles preferred a more succinct, no-nonsense approach.

https://t.co/BFQSZwSfbF— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) July 31, 2015

Naturally, within a matter of hours, the hashtag #DragMeDown was trending on Twitter, as fans rejoiced about the news.

NO PROMOS NO PREORDER NO WARNINGS NO COUNTDOWNS AND IT STILL WENT #1 #DragMeDown pic.twitter.com/WxWftkhXPF— follow back pls (@amazedgilinsky) July 31, 2015

THIS IS SO ME #DragMeDown pic.twitter.com/BgQLz7LtNy— Bunita (@niallstilinskii) July 31, 2015

THE FANDOM RIGHT NOW #DragMeDown pic.twitter.com/ts9VDoN1C0— Zoe (@ZouiriNialll) July 31, 2015

Even Pizza Hut decided to (weirdly) capitalize on the action.

With your love, nobody can #DragMeDown... pic.twitter.com/pkG8P2z99a— Pizza Hut UK (@pizzahutuk) July 31, 2015

This news comes in the wake of former One Direction-er Zayn Malik's announcement that he will be working on his own solo album; some feel that the song's release may be a jab at the group's former bandmate, or an attempt to steal his thunder.

Regardless of the intention, the point is: There's a new One Direction single.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!