Sophie Hefter
Circulation Editor
Following the split of One Direction, Harry Styles recently released his own modern pop album that make teenagers go wild.
This retro album gracefully gives off a rock and roll vibe due to Styles’ use of incorporating strong instrumentals, killer vocals, and catchy, yet meaningful, lyrics. Styles’ album appeals to many older fans and attracts a wider variety of listeners, but strays away from his traditional pop identity.
Harry Styles began his music career in 2010 when he and four former band members formed a band on the British television show, The X Factor. After the show the band, One Direction produced five hit albums with hit songs including “Story of My Life” and “Best Song Ever.” The band began to split following band member Zayn Malik’s departure in March 2015.
Harry Styles began his solo career in early 2016, After spending five years as a teen heartthrob. It was soon announced that he had signed a solo recording contract to Columbia Records. After a year of recording, Styles released his first single “Sign of the Times” on April 7, 2017 and finally on May 14 he finally released his first solo album“Harry Styles.”
The album is loaded with acoustic guitar, loud drums, and other instruments in songs such as “Kiwi” and “Woman,” capturing a soft rock feel. The loud, heavy instrumental beats created by Styles give the album old school vibe and tastefully nods to a David Bowie-esque style.
On top of his powerful instrumentals Styles uses bold lyrics such as “We’re not who we used to be. We’re just two ghosts standing in the place of you and me,” from the track “Two Ghosts.” Through emotional and heartfelt lyrics such as these, Styles is able to create a chorus that is both catchy and shares a story.
This album permits Styles to showcase his true independant vocal talent and strong voice which he was unable to share in a band. Through the song “Ever Since New York” and the other nine songs, Styles shares his voice’s broad range, proving he is able to hit any note.
The album meets a perfect balance between being too “poppy” and being too intense, appealing to a new, older audience. The album features a wide variety of both slow songs such as “Sweet Creature,” and fast songs such as “Carolina,” to fit anyone’s music preference. Each song has its own spin and creative sound leaving listeners wanting more.
Though Styles’s brave transition intro rock and roll may be a blessing to many, there are still some avid One Direction fans who may be disappointed by the album. Several teens and preteens may be been displeased to hear that the album does not have the classic “boy band” sound that was present on One Direction albums.
While “Harry Styles” may fail to please young fans, it does intrigue a wide variety of audiences due to its soft rock and roll vibe. Style’s talented instrumentals, flawless vocals, and interesting lyrics lead the album to success and proves he is the true rock star he claims to be.
“Harry Styles” is now available to stream on Spotify or Apple Music, or can be purchased on Itunes or in stores for $9.99.
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