Is 1D's New Album Coming Out This Week?

On Wednesday evening, a rumor began making the rounds online that One Direction's new album is coming out on Friday. "Wait, when is One Direction's new album coming out?? AHHH!" screamed fans everywhere. This whole thing appears to have started when a fan allegedly called Walmart this week and asked an alleged employee when the group's next project would hit the shelves. The alleged employee responded, "We're not getting that in until next week. It comes out Friday, but we're not going to get it Friday." Interesting. Does this mean the guys' fifth LP will be released digitally on Fri., Sept. 11, with physical copies arriving in stores a couple of days later? I suppose it's possible... but I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm going to be completely honest with you here: I don't put much stock in this rumor. Sorry, friends.

For starters, the aforementioned Walmart phone call (below) could have easily been faked by a couple of trolls with a little extra time on their hands. Further, if Walmart employees across the United States actually had the inside scoop on new 1D tunes, I have a feeling it would be all over the news by now. Let's face it, most people are terrible at keeping secrets. (Bustle's Michelle McGahan called multiple Walmart stores herself, but was unable to get a clear answer.) Then, of course, there's the fact that Sony Music denied One Direction has an album coming out on Friday. Bummer.

So, when is One Direction's new album really coming out?

Good question. My best guess is sometime in November. So far, One Direction have released all of their albums in November, so I think it's a pretty safe bet. They're creatures of habit. However, the band did sort of "break protocol" by dropping their latest lead single, "Drag Me Down," at the end of July (most of their previous lead singles debuted in September), which could suggest that their upcoming project is coming earlier than usual. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens!

Like I said, I'm not going to hold my breath... but I will be keeping my eye on the iTunes store tonight.

Image: Giphy