Music review: Harry Styles – 鈥楩ine Line鈥�
When the popular boy band One Direction went on hiatus in 2016, Harry Styles immediately took full advantage of the opportunity to show fans what he can do as a solo act with a strong self-titled debut issued the following year.
The stylish singer continues to take his sound in a new direction with the release of his sophomore effort.
鈥淔ine Line鈥� demonstrates the maturity of Styles as an artist and displays his willingness to distance himself from his band鈥檚 past accomplishments with new arrangements that possess a confidence that is effortlessly delivered.
鈥淕olden鈥� opens the set with a retro Crosby, Stills and Nash vibe that navigates a lush musical path by delivering a dreamy confessional with Styles facing the uncertainties of love when declaring, 鈥淚 don鈥檛 want to be alone when it ends.鈥�
鈥淏reathe me in, breathe me out/I don鈥檛 know if I could ever go without鈥� sings Styles on 鈥淲atermelon Sugar.鈥� The infectious number recalls the warm and wonderful feeling of a summertime romance and the yearning to experience those days once again.
鈥淎dore You鈥� continues to explore feelings of new love and making a direct connection to someone special with the 25-year-old confessing, 鈥淚鈥檇 walk through fire for you/Just let me adore you.鈥�
鈥淪he鈥� is a melodic ballad that floats along with a deliberate bluesy tone that is passionately punctuated by a blistering guitar solo and the singer-songwriter鈥檚 soothing vocals, displaying subtle hints of Pink Floyd through a younger generation鈥檚 perspective. It鈥檚 a delicious piece of songwriting that is hauntingly beautiful in its complex construction.
With 鈥淭reat People with Kindness,鈥� Styles offers an enthusiastic track more suited for the bright lights of Broadway. While it may come across a little cheesy at times, the feel-good message is one we can all get behind as we find our place in this world.
鈥淟ights Up鈥� finds Styles moving on from the past and turning a new page during a moment of self-reflection as he looks to the future and endless possibilities.
Now on his own and doing just fine, Styles embraces his new direction and the chance to shine in the spotlight all alone.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.