Fine Line: Styles comes back with a bang
December 18, 2019
After almost two years since the release of Harry Styles’ self-titled debut album, his highly-anticipated second album, Fine Line, recently came out. With hundreds of thousands of devoted fans staying up until midnight for the first listen, Fine Line released on December 13. Styles already released three extremely rhythmic songs off the album for fans to enjoy prior to its official release: “Lights Up,” “Watermelon Sugar” and “Adore You.”
Starting off with light chime-sounding beats, the album is introduced with indie song “Golden”. After the drumbeat takes off, Styles sings lightly; his voice and the soft background rhythms mix into a dreamy combination which makes it feel as if you could float through the clouds.
Next comes “Watermelon Sugar”: the song that definitely lived up to it’s exotic, happy title. He sings soulfully with the catchy guitar riffs:
“I want more berries,
And that summer feeling,
I don’t know if I could ever go without.
Watermelon sugar high,”
The tracklist placed singles “Adore You” and “Lights Up” right next to each other. “Adore You” became one of the more dance-inducing, energetic songs off of the album. Styles recently released a clever, almost comedic seven-minute-long music video for the song; it features Styles as the only person with a smile on the otherwise miserable island of Eroda, where he sings the song to a growing invasive fish species he carries along with him everywhere.
Months after the release of “Lights Up,” it does not fail to add that special power and touch to the entirety of the album.
“Cherry,” “Falling” and “To Be So Lonely” became the trio of sad songs off of the album. “Cherry” embraces vibes similar to “Sweet Creature” and “Two Ghosts” off of Styles’ previous album, while “To Be So Lonely” gives off powerful yet soft vocals with unique guitar riffs and violins playing the background. “Falling” becomes the classic, truly emotional track on the album. With nothing but a piano accommodating Styles’ vulnerable voice and lyrics, the song became a personal favorite among the singer’s fans.
“She” definitely marked the distinction of the album from any others. It reminded me of a subtle combination between the sounds of Pink Floyd and The 1975, with Styles incorporating a sense of originality within it. “Sunflower, Vol. 6” became my all-time favorite off Fine Line. Its originality, upbeat rhythms, and light, dreamy vocals embrace happiness and joyfulness. This song also lives up to its cutesy title, which captured the attention of not only my ears but my heart as well.
“Canyon Moon” earned a reputation as a song one would listen to on a long road trip with friends. Its presence in the album adds a touch of a classic, joyful guitar-based instrumental, enhancing Styles’ deep voice filled with emotion. One of the last songs on the album, “Treat People With Kindness,” was deemed the most unique, distinctive sounding track off of the album. It almost reminds one of “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen, with its touch of enthusiasm and optimism. The song not only sends a heartwarming message to listeners but does so in a dance-inducing way with a fun beat and a church choir backing up Styles’ powerful, energetic vocals.
Overall, Fine Line did not fail to impress with its creative mix of alternative, indie, and pop. Harry Styles has upheld his hype and fulfilled the previous anticipation of his fan base through this album that exposed Styles’ vulnerability at various points throughout his relationships. The album has sparked social media conversations and kickstarted even more excitement for his upcoming tour, Love On Tour. Fans can listen to Fine Line on Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube; fans can also purchase tickets to Love On Tour on Ticketmaster.