One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful” Released 5 Years Ago

Five years ago — yes, a whole five years ago, because time is a fleeting construct and we're all quickly hurtling toward the inevitable nothingness — One Direction gave us a gift. Well, another gift, besides their five precious and wonderful selves. They released their first-ever music video for their single "What Makes You Beautiful."

Its premise was simple and not that novel; there have been and will be music videos that feature people frolicking on the beach until the end of time. But the video was a major launching point. It was start of something very new. The little boy band that could, formed by Simon Cowell on X Factor, was suddenly destined to become a thing. No, better yet, the thing. We all followed in the same direction (sorry) shortly thereafter.

In honor of this auspicious occasion — like, this music video is old enough to start kindergarten — we've decided to look back and reminisce on this, one of the greatest music videos of all time. One Direction's first music video. And yes, it is still beautiful after all these years. Because that's what makes it beautiful.