From strong vocal appearances on all five of One Direction’s albums, to his almost hauntingly chill debut album — not to mention stunning live performances — Harry Styles has continually demonstrated his remarkable talent, and “Fine Line” is no exception.
Now, I may be a little biased. I’ve been a Harry girl since my early One Direction-crazed days. But even my friends who never liked One Direction have a hard time denying the vocal talent (and of course the beauty and aesthetic) of Harry Styles.
In high school, my 2003 Hyundai XG350 was too old to have an aux cord, so I listened to all of my music on CDs. 2017’s “Harry Styles” was the first one I bought, and I adored it.
When “Fine Line” was announced, I just about cried and anxiously anticipated new songs until the final release — December 13. To the surprise of no one, Harry Styles has once again delivered an amazing album — for Directioners and non-Directioners alike — solidifying his spot as the ethereal king we all know he is.
Because the album put me through so many different emotions, I didn’t feel a general album review would do it justice. So, here’s a song-by-song recount of my fan-girlish feelings, complete with bop rankings:
Golden
“Golden” is a solid opening for the album, setting the stage for the energy and feelings in the songs to follow. It’s a bit repetitive, but the consistency makes it feel familiar and reliable, like you loved this song in a past life. A lowkey bop.
Favorite Lyric: “I can feel you take control / Of who I am and all I’ve ever known”
Watermelon Sugar
While this song has been out for a few weeks now, it just simply doesn’t get old. It’s the dead of winter, and yet this song makes it feel like summer. This is definitely one I’ll be blasting through my car radio with my windows down come summertime. A highkey bop.
Favorite Lyric: “I want more berries and that summer feelin’ / It’s so wonderful and warm”
Adore You
Okay, so the music video is a little weird. But it’s just as loveable as Harry is. The upbeat nature of this song masks some pretty sad lyrics — begging someone to let you love them even if they don’t reciprocate those feelings is simultaneously admirable and pitiable. Still a bop though.
Favorite Lyric: “Strawberry lipstick state of mind / I get so lost inside your eyes”
Lights Up
This is the first taste we got of “Fine Line,” and though it’s short and sweet, it packs a punch. Like “Golden,” it’s a little repetitive, but — especially when paired with the music video — it has an almost hazy energy that just makes sense. Yet another bop.
Favorite Lyric: “All the lights couldn’t put out the dark / Runnin’ through my heart”
Cherry
“Cherry” is the start of three successive tracks that really just put you through it. The song’s folk-ish style and Harry’s soothing voice make this song feel comforting, despite the clear heartbreak and betrayal portrayed by the lyrics. The woman’s voice at the end of the track apparently belongs to his ex-girlfriend Camille, and if she’s the one who caused the heartbreak behind this album I’d like to simultaneously punch her and thank her. Not exactly a bop, but a very, VERY good song nonetheless.
Favorite Lyric: “I confess I can tell that you are at your best / I’m selfish so I’m hating it”
Falling
Sorry, I can’t write anything about this one because I’m crying too hard. Don’t text. (Honestly kind of a bop if you’re in the feels though.)
Favorite Lyric: “What am I now? / What if I’m someone I don’t want around?”
To Be So Lonely
Don’t let the ukulele intro fool you, this is not a light song. We’re still going through this devastating loss right alongside Harry, though at this point I’m not sure whether we should be sad or angry about it. Probably both. Pretty low on the bop scale, but still there.
Favorite Lyric: “Do you think it’s easy being of the jealous kind? / Cause I miss the shape of your lips”
She
The smooth, classic rock vibes of this song give you a bit of a break from the sadness for a little while. I really have no better way to describe this song other than this: if Harry ever performs on Jimmy Fallon, I hope he performs this one because The Roots would absolutely kill it. Also this tweet. A smooth, groovy bop.
Favorite Lyric: “… the man drops his kids off at school / And he’s thinking of you, like all of us do”
Sunflower, Vol. 6
Honestly, at this point, we’re still recovering from “Falling,” but this song definitely helps. It has a good, chill, lowkey party vibe, and it’s somehow energizing and relaxing at the same time. Harry Styles is a wizard and you can’t convince me otherwise. A bop in anyone’s book.
Favorite Lyric: “I’ve got your face hung up high in the gallery / I love this shade”
Canyon Moon
“Canyon Moon” is as warm and happy as Harry’s smile, even if the lyrics are somewhat bittersweet. Remembering a time that was very dear to us is something we can all relate to, but this song makes it a peaceful nostalgia rather than a lonely or regretful one. Also, Harry harmonizes with himself and it’s the greatest. A light bop.
Favorite Lyric: “Gotta see it to believe it, sky never looked so blue / So hard to leave it, that’s what I always do”
Treat People With Kindness
This song honestly doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the album, but I think it’s something we all need to hear and it speaks so well to Harry’s character that I think I can let it slide. I can just imagine Harry having so much fun with the song on stage, and that’s all I want to think about for the rest of my life. A very cute bop.
Favorite Lyric: “Giving second chances / I don’t need all the answers / Feelin’ good in my skin / I just keep on dancin’”
Fine Line
Ugh. “Fine Line” is the perfect closing song and namesake because it talks about the highs and lows of love and life — all of which we experienced with him throughout the rest of the album. Not to mention, Harry ends the record reminding everyone that “we’ll be alright,” and that’s just the sweetest. His voice is just SO beautiful and soothing, I could fall asleep to this song for the rest of my life and be content. Almost a bop? I don’t know exactly, but a great song regardless.
Favorite Lyric: “Test of my patience / There’s things that we’ll never know / You sunshine, you temptress / My hand’s at risk, I fold”
“Fine Line” is available on all streaming platforms.