Harry Styles, the multifaceted artist who transitioned from boy band heartthrob to international solo sensation, has captivated audiences with his unique sound and magnetic presence. With a blend of pop, rock, and a touch of nostalgia, Styles has crafted an impressive discography that resonates deeply with fans around the world. From his catchy hooks to poignant lyrics, each song tells a story that embodies love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
In this article, we delve into the top 10 most popular Harry Styles songs of all time, celebrating the tracks that have defined his career and solidified his place in music history. Whether it’s the infectious rhythms of his upbeat anthems or the emotional depth of his ballads, each song showcases Styles’ evolution as an artist and his commitment to authenticity.
Join us as we explore the chart-toppers that have not only dominated airwaves but also left an indelible mark on pop culture. Get ready to relive the magic of Harry Styles through this curated list, where each track serves as a testament to his artistic brilliance and the profound connection he shares with his fans.
1. Sign of the Times
“Sign of the Times” was a stunning and unexpected debut for Harry Styles as a solo artist. Released in 2017, the song introduced a bold new direction that moved away from his boy band roots and leaned into a grand, cinematic sound. With influences from classic rock and Britpop, the track evokes the spirit of Bowie and Pink Floyd while feeling entirely modern. Lyrically, it’s a melancholic meditation on turmoil and change, addressing themes like mortality, hope, and escape from pain. Its epic six-minute runtime allows the emotion to build slowly, led by soaring piano chords, explosive guitar riffs, and Styles’ powerful, expressive vocals. The chorus—“Just stop your crying, it’s a sign of the times”—has become one of his most iconic lines. It’s a track that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant, connecting with fans across generations. More than just a hit, “Sign of the Times” cemented Styles’ credibility as a serious solo artist and set the tone for the genre-defying career that would follow. It was a brave and beautiful start, proving that Styles had much more to offer than just pop hooks—he had a voice, a vision, and something meaningful to say.
2. Adore You
“Adore You” is one of the most infectious and heartwarming tracks from Harry Styles’ second album, *Fine Line*. Released in 2019, this song blends pop with subtle funk and soul influences, creating a smooth and groovy sound that’s hard to resist. It tells the story of deep affection, almost bordering on obsession, as the narrator expresses a willingness to do anything for someone they care about deeply. The chorus—“Just let me adore you, like it’s the only thing I’ll ever do”—is delivered with sincerity and a gentle longing. What makes this track especially memorable is its balance between vulnerability and playfulness. The production, with its shimmering guitars and breezy rhythm, wraps around you like sunlight, making it both a radio-friendly hit and an emotional expression of love. The accompanying music video, set in the fictional island of Eroda, adds an imaginative twist, featuring Harry befriending a lonely fish—an unusual metaphor that surprisingly works. “Adore You” showed Harry’s ability to craft songs that are emotionally honest while still being sonically adventurous, and it quickly became a fan favorite, reflecting his knack for storytelling and artistic charm.
3. Watermelon Sugar
“Watermelon Sugar” is one of Harry Styles’ most irresistible hits—a sun-soaked, feel-good anthem that practically demands to be played in the summertime. Released in 2019 as part of the *Fine Line* album, the song is a celebration of sensual pleasure and nostalgia, wrapped in a retro pop-rock sound that nods to the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. With lyrics that flirt with double meanings and lush imagery, “Watermelon Sugar” captures a moment of joy, warmth, and sweetness that feels both carefree and intimate. The track’s production, with its bright horns, punchy guitars, and Harry’s relaxed vocals, makes it a standout. Though often labeled as a fun pop tune, there’s an undercurrent of emotional memory—of savoring something beautiful that didn’t last. The accompanying music video, filled with vibrant colors, laughter, and a touch of hedonism, enhances the song’s mood of liberation and tactile delight. Whether interpreted as a tribute to summer love or a more metaphorical exploration of desire, “Watermelon Sugar” became a global hit and even earned Harry his first Grammy Award. It’s a perfect example of how he blends catchy melodies with artistic flair to create pop music that feels both classic and fresh.
4. Falling
“Falling” is one of Harry Styles’ most vulnerable and emotionally raw ballads, taken from his 2019 album *Fine Line*. In this haunting piano-driven track, Harry lays bare the pain of regret, heartbreak, and personal failure. The lyrics—“What am I now? What if I’m someone I don’t want around?”—echo the torment of someone grappling with who they’ve become after the end of a meaningful relationship. The beauty of “Falling” lies in its simplicity. The stripped-back arrangement centers Harry’s voice, allowing every note and word to land with emotional weight. It’s a stark contrast to his more upbeat songs, showcasing his depth as a songwriter and his willingness to embrace vulnerability. Fans connected deeply with the song’s honesty, and many praised it for helping them process their own emotions. The accompanying music video, which features Harry sitting in a flooded room as water rises around him, perfectly captures the overwhelming sense of drowning in sorrow. “Falling” is more than just a breakup song—it’s a confession, a mirror, and a reminder that even in the spotlight, pain is real and human. It stands as one of the most introspective moments in Harry’s discography.
5. Sign of the Times
“Sign of the Times” marked a powerful beginning to Harry Styles’ solo career. Released in 2017 as the lead single from his self-titled debut album, the song defied expectations by leaning into classic rock influences rather than pop trends. With its soaring vocals and dramatic instrumentation, “Sign of the Times” calls to mind the grandeur of artists like David Bowie or Queen. Clocking in at nearly six minutes, the track is a sweeping ballad about saying goodbye, facing mortality, and holding on to hope in dark times. While its lyrics—“Just stop your crying, it’s a sign of the times”—can be interpreted in different ways, Harry has explained that it’s partly inspired by imagining a mother dying after childbirth, speaking her final words to her child. This profound theme, paired with the song’s cinematic sound, gave it a gravitas rare in modern pop. The release signaled Harry’s intent to break away from the boy band mold and be taken seriously as a solo artist. “Sign of the Times” earned critical acclaim and solidified his status as a bold, genre-crossing musician with something meaningful to say.
6. Adore You
“Adore You” is a shimmering pop gem from Harry Styles’ *Fine Line* album, released in 2019. With its bright production and infectious groove, the song showcases a more upbeat and romantic side of Harry. Lyrically, it captures the feeling of unconditional love and devotion—“I’d walk through fire for you, just let me adore you.” The track blends elements of funk, soft rock, and soul, offering a polished, radio-friendly sound while retaining Harry’s signature charisma. One of the most distinctive aspects of the song’s release was its elaborate music video, set in the fictional island of Eroda, where Harry’s character befriends a lonely fish. The quirky, heartfelt visuals gave “Adore You” a fairytale quality that resonated with fans and brought added depth to the song’s message of compassion and connection. Critically acclaimed for its slick production and catchy hooks, the track became one of Harry’s biggest hits, charting globally and earning heavy rotation across radio and streaming platforms. “Adore You” proves that Harry can combine creativity, vulnerability, and mainstream appeal in a single package—making it one of his most enduring and loved songs.
7. Kiwi
“Kiwi” is one of the wildest and most unexpected tracks in Harry Styles’ solo catalog. Released in 2017 from his debut self-titled album, this explosive rock song is packed with gritty guitar riffs, snarling vocals, and a chaotic energy that sets it apart from his other work. From the opening line—“She worked her way through a cheap pack of cigarettes”—it’s clear that “Kiwi” is a different beast: bold, brash, and unfiltered. The lyrics describe a wild, possibly fictional fling, complete with pregnancy rumors and tabloid-worthy drama. While Harry has kept the story behind the song somewhat ambiguous, its rebellious spirit and tongue-in-cheek delivery make it a fan favorite during live performances. The track channels classic rock influences like the Rolling Stones, showcasing Harry’s ability to push beyond pop boundaries. It’s a song meant to be cranked up loud, preferably in a crowd. “Kiwi” revealed a risk-taking side of Harry that thrilled fans and critics alike, proving he wasn’t afraid to lean into raw, unpolished rock and roll. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it leaves a lasting impression.
8. Satellite
“Satellite” from Harry’s 2022 album *Harry’s House* is a lush and atmospheric track that blends delicate vulnerability with space-age longing. While it starts off gentle and introspective, the song slowly builds into an emotionally rich crescendo, echoing themes of distance and desire. The lyrics speak of someone who feels like they’re orbiting a love that’s just out of reach—“Spinning out, waiting for ya.” The space metaphor creates a sense of isolation and yearning, yet there’s also a quiet hopefulness that pervades the song. Musically, “Satellite” is beautifully layered, combining dreamy synths, reverb-heavy guitars, and steady percussion to create a soundscape that feels vast and intimate at the same time. It’s a standout track not only for its sonic beauty but also for the emotions it captures—subtle, aching, and deeply human. The song’s rise in popularity after the album’s release shows how listeners connected with its relatability and mood. “Satellite” is proof that Harry doesn’t need flashy hooks or dramatic lyrics to make an impact; sometimes, quiet longing says it all.
9. Daylight
“Daylight,” from *Harry’s House* (2022), is a breezy, whimsical tune that captures the fluttery feeling of infatuation. With lyrics like “If I was a bluebird, I would fly to you,” Harry uses playful imagery and tender metaphors to express the joy and craziness of falling hard for someone. The song has a dreamlike quality, blending laid-back production with Harry’s effortless vocal delivery. It’s one of those tracks that sneaks up on you—not the loudest or flashiest, but quietly charming and full of feeling. “Daylight” gained extra attention after Harry joked about another song of the same name by Taylor Swift, but his own “Daylight” holds its own with a completely different tone and vibe. The music is light and floating, perfect for a long drive or lazy afternoon. What makes it special is how it mirrors the spontaneity of a crush—sweet, confusing, and exhilarating all at once. In a way, “Daylight” captures Harry at his most carefree and romantic, reminding listeners that love often arrives in simple moments and unexpected metaphors.
10. Music for a Sushi Restaurant
“Music for a Sushi Restaurant” opens *Harry’s House* with a blast of funky energy and colorful imagination. Released in 2022, the song is bold, playful, and unmistakably weird—in the best way possible. From its jazzy horns to its layered vocals and slick basslines, the track draws from funk, soul, and even a bit of psychedelic pop. It’s unlike anything Harry had done before. Lyrically, it’s full of strange food metaphors and flirtatious nonsense—“Green eyes, fried rice, I could cook an egg on you”—making it both humorous and oddly endearing. The title itself came to Harry after hearing the song in the studio and thinking it would sound perfect in a sushi restaurant. The song’s charm lies in its willingness to be fun and experimental without needing to make perfect sense. It shows Harry’s fearless creative instincts and his ability to take risks while keeping things light. Critics and fans loved its fresh sound, and it quickly became a highlight of *Harry’s House*. “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” reminds us that pop music doesn’t always have to be serious to be brilliant—it can just be a good time.
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.
