“Harry Styles,” the English singer-songwriter’s self-titled debut album, was released on March 12, 2017. The album was released through Columbia Records and Style’s own label, Erskine Records. Featuring a mix of Britpop, pop, soft rock, and rock elements, the album became the ninth global best-selling album of 2017 with over one million copies sold.

In 2015, after the release of One Direction’s fifth studio album, Made in the A.M. and the completion of “On The Road Again Tour,” Styles left the group’s management in February 2016 and signed a recording contract with Columbia Records. The album was recorded at Port Antonio, Jamaica, Los Angeles, Venice in California, and London.

On May 15, 2017, Harry Styles: Behind the Album, a 49-minute documentary chronicling the writing and recording sessions of the album in Jamaica and Los Angeles, was released exclusively on Apple Music. The documentary also featured Styles and his band performing songs from the album inside Abbey Road Studios in London. To coincide with the album’s release, Styles’ first embarked on his headlining concert “Harry Styles: Live on Tour,” September 2017 to July 2018.

Going in a different direction

“Sign of the Times,” Style’s debut single was released on April 7, 2017. With its musical mix of pop rock, soft rock, and piano ballad which shows influences from ‘70s British rock, the album’s icing on a cake track solidifies as its “complete album.”

“Just stop your crying, it’s a sign of the times. Welcome to the final show, hope you’re wearing your best clothes,” its opening lyrics gave the world a taste of what Styles has to offer.

The second single, “Sweet Creature,” is a folk acoustic ballad which is likened to a lullaby with Styles’ simple harmonies and relaxing melodies. Through its lighthearted tone and charming vocals, this is a perfect ode to one’s lover, “And oh we started, two hearts in one home. It’s hard when we argue, we’re both stubborn. I know.”

A track about cigarettes, one night stands, and sexual themes, “Kiwi,” is pure of energy and charisma. The heavy rock single brings us over Styles’ wild side as it exercises the roaring vocals and a sexy attitude.

A country-infused folk rock ballad, “Two Ghosts,” gives us heartbreak and despair. A song about an end of a relationship and the singer’s attempt to reclaim his humanity, this track is one of the album’s highlights. Styles works best with acoustic ballads being one of his best, lyrically and melodically. While not being vocal and open about his personal life, the lyrics, “Same lips red, same eyes blue. Same white shirt, couple more tattoos,” the song may be about Styles’ ex-lover, singer-songwriter superstar Taylor Swift. Nevertheless, we can all agree this song is one for the feels.

Apart from the singles, the album features heavy on sentimental lyrics, powerful vocals, and memorable liners which will give die-hard (and even new) fans something to feel about.

Supplementary recommendations

• The album’s opener, “Meet Me in the Hallway,” is slow-paced in terms of melodic progression. The lyrics’ sentiments, use of guitars, and a somewhat trippy experience makes it a noteworthy track.
• “From the Dining Table” is the album’s closing track. The calm and beautiful lyrics present a laidback and stripped down guitar session from Styles. This is a song you may want to listen to when it’s a rainy afternoon and the skies are blue. Seriously, Styles’ calming voice is definitely perfect.
• Unreleased tracks “Medicine” and “Oh Anna/Anna” were left off the album, but were performed on the Live on Tour setlist. These should’ve been part of the album and it would make the perfect album even better. The sweet vocals and melodies of these songs give off ‘70s rock vibes. Wish Harry would release studio versions of these, however, you can check live performances online.

Moreover, Styles embraced his identity as a solo artist as he experiments with the music he grew up listening to. The soft-rock vibes from the ‘70s from artists like Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, and legendary bands The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, shaped his debut album as a culmination of his inspirations.

Delving deep into the painful experiences of heartbreak, the joyous feeling of being in love, and being honest as a songwriter, Styles truly shines as a solo artist.

Rating: 5/5