Harry Styles, born on February 1, 1994, in Redditch, England, initially gained fame as a member of the immensely popular boy band One Direction. Following the group’s hiatus, Styles embarked on a solo career that showcased his musical versatility, fashion-forward style, and charismatic persona.
One Direction formed on the British television show “The X Factor” in 2010, and their global success was unprecedented. Styles, with his distinctive voice and boy-next-door charm, played a significant role in the band’s appeal. The group released five albums, including “Up All Night” (2011) and “Midnight Memories” (2013), before going on hiatus in 2016.
In 2017, Harry Styles released his debut solo album, simply titled “Harry Styles.” The album featured a departure from the pop sound of One Direction, incorporating elements of rock and folk. Hits like “Sign of the Times” showcased his vocal range and songwriting abilities.
Styles’ influence extends beyond music; he has become a fashion icon, known for his bold and eclectic style choices that challenge traditional gender norms. In addition to his successful solo career, Styles ventured into acting with a notable role in the film “Dunkirk” (2017).
His second solo album, “Fine Line” (2019), continued to receive critical acclaim and included hits like “Watermelon Sugar.” Harry Styles’ ability to seamlessly transition from pop to rock, coupled with his undeniable charisma and individuality, has garnered him a dedicated fan base and established him as a prominent figure in contemporary music and culture.
1. Golden
“Golden” by Harry Styles is a radiant and upbeat track from his critically acclaimed second solo album, “Fine Line” (2019). The song is a celebration of freedom, joy, and the thrill of new beginnings. With its infectious energy, catchy melody, and Styles’ soulful vocals, “Golden” encapsulates a sense of carefree optimism. The lyrics, filled with vivid imagery, paint a picture of chasing the sun and savoring moments of pure bliss. It’s a standout in Styles’ discography, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend pop and rock influences while creating a sound that resonates with a diverse audience.
2. Late Night Talking
“Late Night Talking” reportedly was the first song Styles wrote for the record alongside one of his songwriting partners, Kid Harpoon. “First day, we were setting up and it was just me and Tom,” Styles told Apple Music. “We got there early and we wrote ‘Late Night Talking.’”
Kid Harpoon played all the instruments on the track: synthesizer, bass guitar, drum machine, drums, electric guitar, and tambourine.
The lyrics center on Styles missing his lover while being away from them. After a couple of days of separation, they are already missing each other and their bedside conversations. Styles promises to follow them anywhere and through everything as long as they can keep their pillow talk up.
3. Fine Line
“Fine Line” by Harry Styles is a captivating and introspective track from his second studio album of the same name, released in 2019. This song stands out for its emotional depth, heartfelt lyrics, and the raw vulnerability conveyed through Styles’ soulful vocals.
“Fine Line” explores the complexities of relationships and the delicate balance between love and heartache. The lyrics paint a picture of the highs and lows within a romantic connection, capturing the fragile nature of love and the challenges that come with it. Styles’ introspective approach in the song delves into the intricacies of navigating through a tumultuous relationship, acknowledging the fine line between joy and pain.
Musically, the song is richly layered, featuring a blend of soft rock, pop, and folk elements that create an atmospheric and emotive soundscape. The sweeping melodies and poignant instrumentation, combined with Styles’ impassioned delivery, amplify the emotional impact of the song.
“Fine Line” showcases Harry Styles’ evolution as an artist, demonstrating not only his vocal prowess but also his ability to craft deeply personal and resonant music. Its introspective nature and raw honesty make it a standout track that resonates with listeners navigating the complexities of love and relationships.
4. Adore You
“Adore You” by Harry Styles is an infectious and upbeat song from his second solo album, “Fine Line,” released in 2019. This track stands out for its catchy melody, playful lyrics, and its whimsical storytelling.
The song narrates a tale of an individual who feels an overwhelming affection for someone and is determined to make them happy, even if the rest of the world might not understand. Styles’ vocals exude warmth and sincerity, adding depth to the sentiment of adoration expressed in the lyrics.
Musically, “Adore You” combines pop sensibilities with a touch of funk and a catchy rhythm, creating an instantly engaging sound. The song’s lively and buoyant energy, coupled with its charming narrative, makes it a standout track that resonates with audiences.
One of the song’s highlights is its ability to blend catchy hooks with heartfelt storytelling, making it both radio-friendly and emotionally resonant. “Adore You” showcases Harry Styles’ versatility as an artist and his knack for crafting infectious tunes while maintaining a sense of authenticity and sincerity in his music.
5. Matilda
For those who might relate to the song’s subject matter too closely, the song does listen and create a space of refuge and understanding for anyone suffering from “parent issues.” But the most moving aspect of the track comes from its lyrics and suggestion of a chosen family, once again broadening the album’s exploration of what, and who, makes up a home.
The start of “Matilda” paints an unassuming scene of her childhood, “riding your bike to the sound of ‘It’s No Big Deal’/ And you’re trying to lift off the ground on those old two wheels,” Styles sings. Though he hints at trouble in her interior life with the line: “So you tie up your hair and you smile like it’s no big deal.”
When the song’s first chorus comes in, growing with additional sentiments as the song goes on, it’s clear that this is the backbone of the song. “You can let it go/ You can throw a party full of everyone you know/ And not invite your family ’cause they never showed you love/ You don’t have to be sorry for leavin’ and growin’ up,” he sings directly to the subject of the song. The lyrics already begin to suggest that family goes beyond blood relations and offer the possibility of a life that doesn’t include people who may be toxic to you, whom you’d otherwise feel you’re obligated to be around given societal expectations.
6. Cherry
“Cherry” is a song by Harry Styles from his second studio album, “Fine Line,” released in December 2019. The album showcases Styles’ versatility and musical evolution beyond his One Direction days. “Cherry” is noted for its dreamy and reflective atmosphere.
In “Cherry,” Styles explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The lyrics are introspective, and the song is known for its emotional depth. Styles’ vocals, combined with the laid-back instrumental arrangement, contribute to the overall atmospheric and contemplative mood of the track.
As with many of Styles’ songs, “Cherry” has been well-received by both critics and fans, appreciating its musical artistry and the sincerity in its lyrical content. It’s a notable part of the “Fine Line” album, which further established Harry Styles as a solo artist with a distinct and mature musical identity.
7. Kiwi
“Kiwi” is a high-energy, rock-infused track by Harry Styles from his debut solo album, self-titled “Harry Styles,” released in 2017. This song stands out for its raw and powerful sound, diverging from some of Styles’ more pop-oriented tracks.
“Kiwi” features gritty guitars, pounding drums, and impassioned vocals, creating an electrifying and rebellious atmosphere. Lyrically, the song is open to interpretation, with vivid and enigmatic lines that have sparked various theories among fans. Some perceive it as a wild, chaotic anthem about a tumultuous relationship, while others interpret it as a broader expression of freedom and recklessness.
The infectious energy of “Kiwi” and its rock ‘n’ roll vibe have made it a fan favorite. Styles’ passionate delivery, coupled with the song’s high-octane instrumentation, creates an exhilarating listening experience.
Despite its ambiguity in meaning, “Kiwi” remains a standout track that showcases Harry Styles’ versatility as an artist, demonstrating his ability to delve into different musical genres while maintaining a sense of authenticity and passion in his performances.
8. She
Harry Styles’ “She” is a standout track in his discography, demonstrating his musical range and emotional depth. The song’s introspective lyrics and haunting melody create a captivating listening experience. Styles’ soulful and heartfelt vocals draw in listeners, allowing them to connect with the raw emotion of the song. “She” explores themes of love and longing, with Styles’ evocative storytelling painting a vivid picture of a complicated relationship. The atmospheric production and delicate instrumentation further enhance the song’s impact, making it a fan favorite and a testament to Styles’ talent as a musician.
9. Sign Of The Times
“Sign of the Times” is a poignant and powerful song by Harry Styles, released as the lead single from his debut solo album in 2017. It’s a compelling ballad that showcases Styles’ vocal range and songwriting depth.
The song is an emotive piece that addresses themes of hope, perseverance, and facing the complexities of life. Its lyrics explore the idea of grappling with challenges and trying to navigate through difficult situations, echoing a sense of urgency and a call for resilience. The line “We never learn, we’ve been here before” reflects a recurring struggle or cycle that humanity faces, underscoring the song’s relevance.
Musically, “Sign of the Times” is grandiose, with sweeping orchestration and a gradual build-up that culminates in a powerful chorus. Styles’ emotive vocals carry the weight of the song’s message, conveying a mix of vulnerability and strength that resonates deeply with listeners.
The track is praised for its maturity and departure from Styles’ previous work with One Direction, showcasing his growth as an artist. Its poignant lyrics, coupled with the soaring melody, solidify “Sign of the Times” as a standout song that captivates with its emotional depth and resonant message.
10. As It Was
“As It Was,” which was released on April 1, 2022, is the lead single from Harry‘s upcoming third studio album, Harry’s House, which will debut on March 20, 2022. The song, which is two minutes and 47 seconds long, was written by Harry and songwriters Thomas Hull and Tyler Johnson, who have also co-written songs like “Watermelon Sugar,” “Adore You,” “Golden” and “Falling” with the former One Direction member.
In an interview with Dazed in 2021, Harry—who has released two solo albums, 2017’s Harry Styles and 2019’s Fine Line, as well as starred in movies like Dunkirk, Eternals and the upcoming Don’t Worry Darling and The Policeman—talked about what it’s been like to balance both careers. “I like to challenge myself and do something different and movies are definitely where I feel most out of my comfort zone,” he said. “I’m coming from music where I don’t think anyone really knows how it works, but I am somewhat in my comfort zone! But in movies, when I show up, I’m the new guy. I haven’t been (an actor) for a long time and that’s really cool, I feel like I’ve learned so much and life is about learning.”
Edward Tomlin 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.
