English singer-songwriter Harry Styles returns with his sophomore album Fine Line. Released on December 13, 2019 under Columbia and Erskine Records, the album debuted number one on the “Billboard 200” and his second consecutive number-one album in the US. It was the last number one in the 2010s and the first number one in the 2020s. Fine Line has its elements of pop rock, psychedelic pop, folk, funk and indie pop.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, the album contains his “toughest, most soulful songs he’s written yet.” Styles wanted to explore more and be adventurous with Fine Line compared to the production of his debut album. This album has elements of pop rock, psychedelic pop, folk, funk and indie pop tunes.

Here for a fine time

In October 2019, Styles returned with the single, “Lights Up.” The single’s 1970’s R&B and indie-pop influences take the album to a new direction. The gospel-like vocals with the pre-chorus, “All the lights couldn’t put out the dark, runnin’ through my heart. Lights up and they know who you are, know who you are. Do you know who you are,” delves into a much psychedelic vibe compared to the first album.

The second single, “Adore You,” is a pop, funk, disco and pop rock ballad. A song that will definitely make you dance to the beat and groove, Styles’ disco-induced single is a perfect way to capture the radio air waves. Accompanied by a fantasy-like music video, the song talks about the stages of a relationship. Sometimes all we can do is love even if we don’t get anything in return. The chorus goes, “Honey, I’d walk through fire for you. Just let me adore you.” Styles crafted a catchy love song you can dance to.

Of course, let’s not forget Styles’ song with a fruit in its title. The guitar-driven rock, funko pop track “Watermelon Sugar” talks about the excitement when you started seeing someone. Having butterflies in your stomach, the song takes heavy inspirations from sexual encounters and well, watermelons. “Tastes like strawberries on a summer evenin’. And it sounds just like a song.” Meanwhile, this took a year for Styles to co-write with guitarist and collaborator Mitch Rowland. Its noteworthy production, vocals, and lyrics will surely give you an energetic and cheerful feeling.

On the other hand, the album features sentimental and sorrowful breakup songs. One being the piano ballad “Falling” which questions one’s worth and drowning oneself in tears and pain after a heartbreak. The track starts off with, “I’m in my bed, and you’re not here…” With the song based on Styles’ own experiences, you can tell this is one that hits right in the feels.

As the verse goes, “You said you cared and you missed me, too. And I’m well aware I write too many songs about you,” depicting a bad breakup, Styles is really out here trying to make us emotional.

Supplementary recommendations

• “Cherry” features a voicemail audio from ex-lover Camille Rowe at the end of the track. “Don’t you call him “baby”, we’re not talking lately. Don’t you call him what you used to call me,” the song questions the aftermath of a relationship and wondering what’s life like without your past lover. After a breakup, we’ll always feel inferior if we’re the “dumpee.”

• One of the more feel-good songs off the album is “Canyon Moon.” A track for road trip, “You gotta see it to believe it, the sky never looked so blue. So hard to leave it, that’s what I always do. So I keep thinking back to a time under the canyon moon,” the upbeat melody and lyrics created one of the few joyful songs in the album.

• “Treat People With Kindness,” the album’s eleventh track, is also the mantra Styles has been advocating for since his return in 2019. The big gospel sing-along is a wonderful addition to the entire album as it serves as a light at the end of a dark tunnel. Whenever you feel down and out, this one’s a major uplifter and packs a lot of hope for a better future.

• The album’s titular track, “Fine Line,” is also the closing anthem. The heartfelt lyrics end the album on a powerful note. The repetition of the lyrics, “We’ll be a fine line…we’ll be alright,” gives a very emotional and heartfelt reassurance that life may be pretty hard but eventually, we’ll get through it.

Overall, Fine Line is an album which balances the struggles of heartache and finding happiness. Styles captured a near-perfect essence of his emotions with his second studio album, and this is only the beginning of his long musical career.

Out of all the One Direction members, Styles may be the one with the most potential. His showmanship, lyrical mastery, and musical talent will skyrocket him to success.

Rating: 4.5/5