Written by Avani Goswami
Harry Styles’ new album Fine Line is vulnerable, charming, and captures just how much Styles loves experimenting with his sound. The 12-track album showcases his rock and pop influences, and demonstrates how his talent has evolved from his One Direction days and his debut self-titled album.
The record opens with “Golden,” an exciting start to the album, one of the best parts being when he sings “I don’t want to be alone.” The singles Styles released like “Adore You,” along with “Treat People With Kindness,” an ode to the fans, are the most upbeat moments of the album other than “Golden.” Some of the most vibrant points include “Sunflower Vol. 6” and “Canyon Moon,” which is influenced by Fleetwood Mac. Styles said Stevie Nicks even claimed it as her favorite from his album.
He also said the record is about “having sex and feeling sad.” The most notable moments highlighting this are “Falling” and “Cherry.” “Falling” is a self-reflection on Styles’ feelings and is one of the rawest songs he’s released. Lines like “What am I now?/What if I’m someone I don’t want around?” feel like vulnerable confessions from how Styles thinks about himself and resonate with listeners. On “Cherry,” he includes many personal details, like how there is a piece of his ex in what he wears and how he misses his ex’s accent. There is even a voice note from a presumed past girlfriend speaking on the phone in French.
While these moments feel very personal, the most vulnerable comes at the conclusion of the album, with the title track “Fine Line.” The song includes an orchestra and chants “We’ll be a fine line / We’ll be alright,” which would sound epic being sung back by fans in an arena. It’s one of his most emotional and open songs, and shows his sadness contrasted by a feeling of hope. It’s a satisfying conclusion to an album full of varying emotions: love, heartbreak, fun, and yearning.
As a whole, Fine Line is an emotional, guitar-filled experience, and manages to stay fresh and relatable while being even more honest than his first album. It’s clear that Styles is making music he loves, instead of catering to pop radio, and it’s paying off. His fans love it, and even if you aren’t one, there’s something on Fine Line for everyone and every feeling.
