Harry Styles’ “Fine Line” is the first number one album of the 2020’s

Harry Styles, a name most households are familiar with, so long as it accompanies a teenage girl, has just released his second solo album and it is more than what was expected. Former One Direction star and bandmates went solo back in January 2016, following the decision to take a break. Styles a year later released his first album titled Harry Styles which featured his single “Sign of the Times”, this album was a type of rebranding for styles where he ditched the teenage heartthrob and became what many deem as a 1970’s rock star. The first album heavily relied on many style idols including, Bowie, Pink Floyd, and Queen, however, it still had its own sense of originality. Now two years later Styles has seemed to found his own sound.
Dec. 13, 2019 was the release date of his second Album titled Fine Line, of which songs range from soft breakup ballads to old school rock and everything in between. The album in total contains 12 songs, featuring no one and all written by Styles. Three of the songs on the album were previously released as singles, before the entirety of the album came out including, “Lights Up”, “Watermelon Sugar” and “Adore You”.
“Lights Up” the first single contained what many thought of as Styles old sound giving off 70’s vibes, not bad but it wasn’t what everyone was hoping for. Then came “Watermelon Sugar” debuting this song on Saturday Night Live where he stared as both host and musical guest, it brings back that summer nostalgia. Finishing off the three singles was “Adore You”.
“Adore You” was not just promoted a little and then released, it was built up without anyone knowing it. Styles created a fake island calling it Eroda (adore backwards), and fabricated a storyline about this island that was featured in the music video. Styles deserves major props for this elaborate story and promotional success. The song itself is a story of self-acceptance and features funk rhythm guitar that makes you want to dance.
Now onto the album itself, Fine Line begins with “Golden”, a gem about infatuation with another person and becoming a better person because of them. The song features background harmonies and a quick beat accompanying Styles’ seemingly sad voice. It is quite a confusing song with the contrast of the beat and the lyrics however, it still makes you want to shimmy your shoulders.
The next two songs “Cherry” and “Falling” are the definitions of a sad breakup song. It’s the type of song you cry in your car while it’s pouring rain outside. Styles soft-sounding voice is accompanied by both a piano and guitar, and it makes for a perfect sounding heartbreak anthem.
The feast of the album features more upbeat sounding songs, all of which make you want to dance. I would highly recommend his album to anyone that’s looking for something new and fresh to listen to!