Harry Styles Returns with Soulful "Fine Line"
Though I try to expand my range and vary the music I listen to, I have never listened to Harry Styles’ music—all I know is that he was once a member of One Direction. After they split up, I largely forgot about him. However, when he released his second solo album, “Fine Line,” last December, I was intrigued and wanted to give it a listen.
One of the most important tracks on this album is “Watermelon Sugar.” The simple guitar backgrounds increasingly overlap with one another as the song goes on. With an anchoring beat and lighthearted lyrics like “Strawberries on a summer evenin’, baby, you’re the end of June,” this piece is perfect for fun singalongs.
Next on the track list is “Adore You,” notable for its dreamy, romantic lyrics. Filled with powerful vocal riffs, the song speaks on the intensity of love with lyrics like “I’d walk through fire for you.” Meanwhile, background instrumentals develop a relaxing, intimate mood.
“Lights Up” is a unique addition to this album—it begins with dissonance and doesn’t feel quite put together. However, the music soon resolves, and the lyrics emphasize moving forward and self-reflection. The track is an empowering song that reminds you to get your life together.
However, the album takes a sadder turn with “Cherry.” A crescendo in the guitar background emphasizes the melancholy lyrics and beats. At the end, a woman—Styles’ ex-girlfriend Camille Rowe—speaks a line in French.
“She” is very passionate, and anyone listening to it can understand that the protagonist is madly in love. Very reminiscent of R&B, “She” features several high vocals. Long instrumental breaks give time to sway to the beat and really feel the music. It’s also interesting that Styles decided to use an electric guitar. Although the instrumental feels like it could be very relaxing, the guitar keeps you on edge.
“Sunflower Vol. 6” starts off as a very sweet and steady beat but quickly switches to a gospel-influenced, epic sound, clearly influenced by Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” As this loop continues, there are more glitchy sounds embedded into the instrumental, clashing with the sunny atmosphere. This contrast brings a lot of personality to the song.
Suddenly, we’re on a road trip with “Canyon Moon,” which features prominent guitar and lyrics relating to remembrance. I can’t say I’m a fan of this song because of how much it reminds me of the country genre, but it definitely feels a lot different from the last song.
Near the end of the album, Styles uses his song, “Treat People with Kindness,” to talk about, unsurprisingly, kindness. Almost church-like, the piece’s choir reminds me of a Sunday service that encourages you to clap along and feel empowered.
Finally, the album closes off with its title track and longest song, “Fine Line.” The song is very spiritual for most of its duration, staying relatively quiet with a slow beat. Eventually, at the end, it encourages you to look upwards in excitement for new beginnings and adventure.
Overall, this album was very well made. Through the dynamic lyrics and soundtrack, you can tell that Styles has spent a significant amount of time reflecting on how to best show this emotional story, and he has definitely earned my respect. I’m very excited for him to release new music and to see what else he has to offer.