Album Review: “Fine Line” by Harry Styles
Harry Styles, the former member of the popular boy band One Direction, has made a name for himself as a solo artist with his unique blend of pop, rock, and folk music. After the success of his self-titled debut album, fans eagerly awaited his sophomore album, “Fine Line”. Released in December 2019, the album received critical acclaim and cemented Styles’ place as a respected musician in the industry. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at “Fine Line” and analyze its impact on the music scene.
Overview of “Fine Line”
“Fine Line” is a 12-track album that showcases Harry Styles’ growth as an artist. It features a mix of upbeat and slower songs, highlighting Styles’ versatility as a performer. The album was primarily produced by Greg Kurstin, who has worked with artists like Adele and Beck. Styles co-wrote all the songs on the album, making it a personal and intimate project for him.
Styles has described “Fine Line” as an exploration of different emotions and experiences. He stated, “I wanted to make something fun, but also honest and real. I think this album is really just me being vulnerable and emotional, but also having a good time.” This honesty and vulnerability can be heard in the lyrics and sound of the album.
Let’s dive into each track and see what “Fine Line” has to offer.
Track 1: “Golden”
The album opens with the upbeat and infectious track “Golden”. With its catchy chorus and groovy beat, “Golden” sets the tone for the rest of the album. Styles sings about the feeling of being in love and how it brings a sense of freedom and happiness. The song perfectly captures the joy and excitement of new love and is a perfect way to start the album.
How to use “Golden” by Harry Styles:
- Listen to it on a sunny day while taking a drive with your windows down.
- Play it at a party and watch everyone dance along.
- Add it to your workout playlist for some extra motivation.
Track 2: “Watermelon Sugar”
“Watermelon Sugar” was the second single released from the album and became an instant hit. The song has a funky, retro vibe that makes you want to dance. Styles’ smooth vocals and cheeky lyrics about indulging in summer love make this track a standout on the album. It’s a fun and flirty song that will have you singing and grooving along in no time.
Examples of “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles:
- In his live performances, Styles often adds a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” before transitioning into “Watermelon Sugar”, showcasing his appreciation for classic rock music.
- The music video for “Watermelon Sugar” features Styles enjoying the beach with a group of diverse and beautiful women, promoting body positivity and inclusivity.
Track 3: “Adore You”
“Adore You” is a dreamy and romantic ballad that showcases Styles’ vocal range and emotional depth. The song tells the story of two people falling in love despite the odds being against them. With its hauntingly beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Adore You” is a standout track on the album.
Comparisons to other songs by Harry Styles:
- “Sign of the Times”, the lead single from Styles’ debut album, also has a similar message of love and hope prevailing in difficult times.
- The music video for “Falling”, another ballad on “Fine Line”, has a similar dreamlike quality to that of “Adore You”.
Track 4: “Lights Up”
The lead single from “Fine Line”, “Lights Up” is a moody and introspective track that sees Styles questioning his identity and purpose. The song’s haunting chorus and vulnerable lyrics make it a fan favorite. It also showcases Styles’ growth as a songwriter, as he delves into deeper themes and emotions.
Advice for listening to “Lights Up” by Harry Styles:
- Pay attention to the lyrics and try to connect with the message of self-discovery and acceptance.
- Listen to it on a quiet night, preferably with a cup of tea, and let yourself get lost in the music.
Track 5: “Cherry”
“Cherry” is a slow and dreamy track with ethereal vocals and a melancholic melody. Styles sings about a past relationship and how he still holds onto the memories. The song’s title comes from the line “I just miss your accent and your friends,” referring to his ex-girlfriend who is French. “Cherry” is a raw and honest portrayal of heartbreak and nostalgia.
Comparisons to other songs by Harry Styles:
- “Falling” also deals with the aftermath of a breakup and has a similar somber tone.
- “Cherry” has a stripped-back acoustic version that was performed live during Styles’ Tiny Desk Concert, showcasing his vocal abilities without any production.
Track 6: “Falling”
“Falling” is another emotional ballad on the album that sees Styles taking responsibility for the demise of a relationship. With its piano-driven melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song tugs at the heartstrings and showcases Styles’ vulnerability as an artist. The rawness and honesty in his vocals make this track a standout moment on the album.
How to listen to “Falling” by Harry Styles:
- Set aside some time to fully immerse yourself in the song without any distractions.
- Pay attention to the instrumental breakdown towards the end of the track, which adds a powerful and emotional element to the song.
Track 7: “To Be So Lonely”
“To Be So Lonely” is a unique track on the album with its Spanish-inspired guitar melody and upbeat tempo. Styles sings about feeling isolated and wishing for someone to share his experiences with. The song’s catchy chorus and playful lyrics make it a fun addition to the album.
Examples of lyrics from “To Be So Lonely” by Harry Styles:
- “Don’t blame me for falling / I was just a little boy”
- “What am I now? What am I now? / What if you’re someone I just want around?”
Track 8: “She”
“She” is a rock-infused track that sees Styles embracing his inner rebel. With its heavy guitar riffs and energetic vocals, the song stands out as a departure from the rest of the album’s sound. Styles sings about a woman who captivates him, but he knows she is not good for him. “She” is a refreshing change of pace on the album and showcases Styles’ versatility as an artist.
Comparisons to other songs by Harry Styles:
- “Kiwi”, a track from Styles’ debut album, also has a rebellious and energetic vibe.
- “Carolina”, another track from his debut album, also mentions a girl that Styles can’t resist.
Track 9: “Sunflower, Vol. 6”
This track has a nostalgic and dreamlike quality, with its psychedelic instrumentals and ethereal vocals. Styles sings about wanting to run away with someone and escape reality. The song’s title is a nod to the popular indie band, Vampire Weekend, whose lead singer Ezra Koenig co-wrote the track with Styles. “Sunflower, Vol. 6” is a stand-out track on the album with its dreamy and transportive sound.
How to interpret “Sunflower, Vol. 6” by Harry Styles:
- Listen to the song with your eyes closed and let the music take you on a journey.
- Pay attention to the dreamy instrumentals and how they add to the overall mood of the song.
Track 10: “Canyon Moon”
“Canyon Moon” is a fun and upbeat track that sees Styles singing about a spontaneous adventure with someone special. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious beat make it a fan favorite. It also adds a touch of country to the album, showing Styles’ versatility as an artist.
Examples of lyrics from “Canyon Moon” by Harry Styles:
- “Oh, I’ll be gone / In a day or two / Save me a place / Down at the Canyon Moon”
- “Strawberry lipstick state of mind / I get so lost inside your eyes”
Track 11: “Treat People With Kindness”
This track is an uplifting and positive anthem that encourages people to spread love and kindness. With its upbeat tempo and sing-along chorus, “Treat People With Kindness” has become a fan favorite at Harry Styles’ live shows. The song’s message of spreading love and positivity makes it a standout track on the album.
Advice for listening to “Treat People With Kindness” by Harry Styles:
- Listen to it when you need a pick-me-up or a reminder to spread kindness.
- Play it in the background while getting ready in the morning for a positive start to your day.
Track 12: “Fine Line”
The final track on the album, “Fine Line”, is an emotional and powerful ballad that brings the album full circle. Styles sings about wanting to be with someone even if it means going through ups and downs. The song’s haunting chorus and raw vocals make it a perfect closing track for the album.
How to interpret “Fine Line” by Harry Styles:
- Pay attention to the lyrics and how they showcase the vulnerability and honesty of Styles as an artist.
- Notice the instrumentation, which adds to the emotional impact of the song.
FAQs about “Fine Line”
1. What inspired Harry Styles to write “Fine Line”?
Styles has stated that the album was influenced by his experiences and emotions. He also drew inspiration from different genres of music that he loves, including rock, folk, and pop.
2. How was “Fine Line” received by fans and critics?
The album received widespread acclaim, with many praising Styles’ growth as a musician and songwriter. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and has been certified platinum in multiple countries.
3. Did “Fine Line” win any awards?
Yes, the album won the Brit Award for Best British Album in 2020 and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album.
4. Does “Fine Line” have any collaborations?
Yes, the track “Watermelon Sugar” features backing vocals from indie artist Devonté Hynes, also known as Blood Orange.
5. Is there any significance to the album’s title, “Fine Line”?
Styles has stated that the title represents the thin line between confidence and arrogance, love and heartbreak, and joy and sadness – all themes explored in the album.
Conclusion
“Fine Line” is not just a collection of songs; it’s a personal and intimate journey through Harry Styles’ thoughts and emotions. From catchy and upbeat tracks to vulnerable and emotional ballads, the album showcases Styles’ growth as an artist and cements his place in the music industry. With its relatable lyrics and diverse sound, “Fine Line” is a must-listen for fans and non-fans alike.
