Harry Styles, the British heartthrob turned global sensation, has transcended his roots as a member of the world-renowned band One Direction to become a musical force in his own right. With his mesmerizing voice, undeniable charisma, and a distinctive style that effortlessly blends pop, rock, and folk influences, Styles has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the very best that Harry Styles has to offer, counting down the top 10 songs that have left an indelible mark on his ever-growing discography.
From his solo debut in 2017 with the critically acclaimed self-titled album to his most recent ventures into uncharted musical territories, Harry Styles has consistently defied expectations and embraced artistic evolution. With his thoughtful and introspective lyrics, infectious melodies, and masterful craftsmanship, Styles has created a sonic landscape that resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
The songs featured in this exclusive countdown represent the pinnacle of Styles’ creative prowess, highlighting his ability to evoke raw emotions, tell captivating stories, and create timeless musical experiences. As we delve into each track, we will examine the unique qualities that set them apart, exploring the themes, musicality, and impact that have earned them a place among the very best of Harry Styles’ extraordinary repertoire.
Join us as we celebrate the artistry of one of the most beloved and influential figures in contemporary music, and discover the unforgettable songs that have solidified Harry Styles’ status as a true icon. Brace yourself for a musical journey that will leave you captivated, moved, and yearning for more.
1. Sign Of The Times
This track, known as one of Harry Styles' top songs, showcases the artist's ability to express complex emotions through a range of instruments. 'Sign Of The Times' combines piano, electric guitar, and drums with Styles' powerful vocals to create a hauntingly beautiful melody. With poetic lyrics that touch on themes of loss and acceptance, this song is a masterful musical journey through emotional turmoil.
In addition to its stunning composition, 'Sign Of The Times' has also been widely praised for its relevance to current social issues. The song reflects on political unrest and the feeling of hopelessness that can accompany it, speaking directly to the concerns of many listeners today. Overall, this track remains a fan favorite and stands out as one of the best examples of Harry Styles' unique talent.
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate the depth and complexity of 'Sign Of The Times,' consider listening to it in a quiet space where you can focus solely on the music and lyrics without any distractions.
If 'As It Was' doesn't make you want to hop in a vintage convertible and speed off into the sunset, you might want to check your pulse.
2. As It Was
Harry Styles' masterpiece, 2. As It Was, is a profound tune about finding love and belonging amidst struggles. This song showcases Harry's vocal range accompanied by soulful guitar riffs and enchanting percussion. This tune has become an anthemic concert staple for fans around the world.
As the second track off his sophomore album, 'Fine Line', 2. As It Was captures the intersection of vulnerability and power that represents Harry's musical style. The song presents a nostalgic perspective towards his past while simultaneously evolving into a brighter future.
What makes this song unique is its use of production elements, including reverb-heavy soundscapes and harmonious background vocals, creating an ethereal atmosphere within the listener's mind. Moreover, lyrically it strikes a delicate balance between introspection and universal appeal.
To fully immerse yourself in the experience of this song, one can listen to it on headphones or attend one of Harry Styles' concerts – where he performs it spectacularly live.
Harry Styles is living proof that all that glitters is indeed Gold-en.
3. Golden
The third entry on the list showcases one of Harry Styles' notable works, having garnered critical acclaim from various music publications and fans. Presenting the 'Shining', 'Radiant', or 'Glittering' track, it's time to dive into the details of the iconic song.
| Album | Year Released | Songwriters |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Line | 2019 | Harry Styles Silver Sircle Mitch Rowland Tyler Johnson |
In "Golden," Styles incorporates a mix of disco, pop, and rock genres that set it apart from his previous works. Furthermore, it highlights his vocal prowess and lyrical ability as he sings about escapism and adventure. This track has also spawned various interpretations from its listeners which prove its versatility.
As you continue reading this article, you'll discover other songs that have contributed to the impact and success of Harry Styles' illustrious career. So don't miss out on discovering new favorites or reminiscing classics by digging deeper into the rest of the list.
Late night talking may lead to heart-to-hearts and deep conversations, but let's be real, it's just an excuse to stay up and listen to Harry Styles on repeat.
4. Late Night Talking
It's the wee hours, and thoughts invade your silence. Music functions as an ideal solace in such solitary moments. One song that complements such contemplation is from Harry Styles: 'Normal Times' – a nostalgic tune about missing a former lover and returning to normalcy. Its melancholic tone creates an emotionally charged atmosphere while its lyrics add depth to it, resulting in a powerful song that can resonate with anyone who has missed someone they once cherished.
Continuing on the topic of late-night thoughts, Harry Styles' "From The Dining Table" enters with rawness. The song echoes the emotions of loneliness and heartbreak very well; it contains very few instruments that allow for the barest minimumism music can offer, making it unique for this British artist to do so.
In previous paragraphs, we discussed some of his introspective numbers. Nonetheless, Harry manages to capture raw emotion through upbeat tracks too! The prime example would be 'Golden.' It represents escapism: abandoning all distress and focusing solely on what's enjoyable – joyous times with loved ones or anything one loves doing.
Want to explore more night-time musings? In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine back in 2019, Styles admitted listening to Lionel Richie's "All Night Long" at two in the morning; it reminisces getting lost in carefree dancing throughout the night.
Fine Line proves that Harry Styles is not just a pretty face, but a talented artist who can make you dance and cry at the same time.
5. Fine Line
To delve into one of Harry Styles' best works, we take a closer look at "5. Fine Line". The album offers 12 tracks with an exquisitely balanced mix of upbeat and emotional ballads that leave fans swooning.
In the table below, we present our analysis of each track's popularity and critical reception:
| Song | Popularity (Out of 10) | Critical Reception |
|---|---|---|
| "Golden" | 9 | The opening track sets the tone for the entire album and has been praised for its upbeat sound. |
| "Watermelon Sugar" | 10 | The most commercially successful track on Fine Line, it won a Grammy and was praised for its catchy beat. |
| "Adore You" | 9.5 | An addictive bop with a unique sound that showcases Styles' versatility as an artist. |
| "Lights Up" | 8 | A slower song but still well-received; praised for experimenting with different genres. |
| "Cherry" | 7.5 | This heart-wrenching ballad was loved by critics but not as popular among fans due to its melancholy tone. |
On "5. Fine Line", Styles manages to reinvent himself while staying true to his unique sound. Fun fact – some songs were written in Malibu, where the artist found inspiration from nature to pen some unforgettable lyrics.
For those who want to listen to and appreciate this album in its true glory, it is suggested to create a comfortable listening atmosphere without any disruptions, allowing yourself to immerse yourself in each track's unique soundscape.
Harry Styles' 'Adore You' is the perfect love song, unless you're a fish trying to escape his creepy obsession in the music video.
6. Adore You
This iconic track from Harry Styles's sophomore album exhibits his unmatched talent and eclectic style. With stellar lyrics, captivating melody, and impressive production, this song truly showcases the artist's versatility and creativity. The charm of this sweet love song is difficult to resist, casting a spell on audiences worldwide with its playful yet compelling nature. Stylistically different from his previous work, Adore You further cemented Harry's place in the industry as one of the most diverse and innovative musicians of our time.
Beyond the catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm lies a deeper message about loving someone unconditionally, making it more than just a pop hit but an emotional journey. The music video takes the viewer through an imaginary world that strengthens the connection between Harry's music and visuals. It won multiple awards at prestigious ceremonies such as MTV Video Music Awards and Brit Awards for its groundbreaking concept. Adore You remains a fan favorite for being an exceptionally well-crafted piece of art.
Interestingly, before releasing his album Fine Line in 2019, Harry had tweeted about making an amazing album that he wished would be timeless. Whether or not he achieved that goal is up for debate; however, Adore You unequivocally lives up to it with its infectious tune and heartfelt lyrics.
Matilda may not have magic powers, but Harry Styles' song named after her sure casts a spell on us.
7. Matilda
Harry Styles' penultimate track, the soulful and romantic ode to the little girl 'Matilda', is one of his best songs of all time. With its poignant lyrics and heartfelt vocals, this masterpiece showcases Styles' storytelling ability and brilliant songwriting skills. Its slow start builds up to a mesmerizing crescendo that is sure to leave any listener feeling emotional and touched.
'Matilda' stands out for its beautiful imagery, comparing Matilda's innocence to the summer sun and her curiosity to the ocean waves. The song captures the essence of childhood with its mentions of hide-and-seek and crayons while also touching on more serious themes such as growing up and leaving behind childhood memories. This delicate balance of emotions evokes a deep sense of nostalgia in anyone who listens to it.
Styles wrote 'Matilda' during his time on tour with One Direction in 2013, drawing inspiration from a young fan he met at a meet-and-greet named Matilda. He later explained that he wanted to write a song for her that would make her feel special and loved by someone she had never met before. The result was an unforgettable ballad that has become one of his most-loved songs.
Cherry, much like Harry's elaborate tattoos, is a sweet and addictive treat that leaves a lasting impression.
8. Cherry
This entry in the list of '10 Best Harry Styles Songs of All Time' is a wonderful song called 'Cherry'.
- The opening guitar arpeggios immediately captivate the listeners and create an immersive atmosphere.
- The lyrics talk about heartbreak and lost love, but also convey a sense of solace and moving on.
- Harry's vocals are strong and emotive, particularly when he sings "Don't you call him baby/We're not talking lately/Don't you call him what you used to call me."
- The instrumental arrangement builds up beautifully towards the end with lush strings and percussion.
- 'Cherry' was produced by Thomas Hull and Kid Harpoon and released as part of Harry Styles' second studio album, Fine Line in December 2019.
- It has since been performed live during his Love On Tour shows to great reception from fans all over the world.
What sets this song apart from other tracks in Harry Styles' discography is its poignant lyrics that address heartbreak in an honest yet mature manner. The bittersweet melody combined with its vulnerable yet powerful vocals make it a standout track that showcases Harry's growth as an artist.
To fully appreciate 'Cherry', listeners should try listening to it on a high-quality sound system or headphones to fully immerse themselves in its atmospheric soundscapes.
Kiwi: the song that proves Harry Styles can make eating fruit sound badass.
9. Kiwi
The table for 'The Ninth Track, Kiwi' is as follows:
| Song | Artist | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Kiwi | Harry Styles | 2017 |
In addition to being the ninth track on the album, 'Kiwi' is also known for its rock-influenced sound and high energy performances during Styles' live shows.
Pro Tip: Add 'Kiwi' to your workout playlist for an extra boost of motivation.
Harry's crooning in 'She' could make anyone feel loved, even Voldemort (if he had a heart).
10. She
With its soulful melody and emotional lyrics, the tenth track 'She' from Harry Styles' album is an anthem of unrequited love. The song captures the heartache and longing of a person who loves someone they cannot have. The mellow electric guitar and soft drums create a melancholic vibe that perfectly complements Harry's smooth vocals. 'She' is a beautiful piece of music that stands out for its raw emotions and heartfelt lyrics.
The song begins with a slow-paced guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the track. Harry's voice is delicate yet powerful as he sings about his unattainable love interest. The chorus is particularly striking, with its catchy hook and poignant lyrics. As the song progresses, it builds up to a climax where Harry's voice soars high, conveying an intense feeling of longing.
What makes 'She' stand out from other love ballads is its honesty. The lyrics are simple yet profound, and they capture the depth of emotions one feels when in love with someone who cannot reciprocate those feelings. This track showcases Harry's versatility as an artist and his ability to create beautiful pieces of music that resonate with listeners.
For those looking for a song that evokes strong emotions, 'She' is a must-listen. Its understated elegance and heartfelt lyrics make it one of Harry Styles' best works to date. One can't help but get lost in the magic of this enchanting tune.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
