Harry Styles has already made quite a name for himself in the music industry. Besides being a member of arguably the world’s biggest boyband, One Direction, he has also starred in an Oscar-winning movie “Dunkirk,” become a familiar face in the fashion world by modeling for Gucci and claimed the number one spot with his debut self-titled album in 2017 followed by a world tour. For two years, fans have been eagerly awaiting his next release and Styles didn’t disappoint with his sophomore album “Fine Line” which dropped in December 2019.

With heavy 1970s influence and rock-and-roll esque sounds, “Fine Line” is full of dreamy melodies and honest lyrics paired with raw emotions. Unlike other mainstream music in today’s day in age, Styles truly stands out and continues to make waves within the industry. The album immediately soared to number one on the charts and held the spot for two weeks to be the last number one album of the decade and the first of the next. Between a mix of irresistibly upbeat songs and heartbroken ballads, it was no surprise the album saw its well deserved success.

The tracklist consists of a total of 12 songs and none of them are remotely similar. Opening with the lighthearted “Golden,” Styles pulls you right into the magic of the record with a whimsical feeling portrayed through music itself. Followed by the three catchy singles that were released leading up to the album’s debut including “Adore You,” “Watermelon Sugar” and “Lights Up,” listeners are exposed to the pop-rock element of his sound. Styles kept the vibrancy of the album alive in track nine, “Sunflower Vol. 6,” and track 11, “Treat People With Kindness,” where he singer encapsulated happiness in each word besides a powerful choir.

Styles has been known for his unique genre-blending ability in his music and he proves that again on “Fine Line.” Several of the ballads fall into the soft rock category while others, such as “She,” contains heavy electric guitar giving the song more of a soulful feel. Along with portraying emotions wondrously through well-written lyrics, Styles sings about the aftermath of a breakup that’s still haunting him on several tracks making the story behind each song resonate that much more.

The album comes to a close with the title track, “Fine Line,” as Styles croons the simple yet promising line “We’ll be alright,” giving every listener a hopeful note while featuring a strong presence of brass and drums.

Overall, the album is different from anything else being produced in the pop music industry today and Styles embraces the rockstar persona not only on stage but with the unmistakable vocals and incredible musicianship of this record.

With the use of many influences, raw emotions, upbeat melodies and Styles’ charisma, “Fine Line” is nothing short of an outstanding album. In a world full of mainstream music created by big name stars, Styles has gone in the complete opposite direction and continues to find unprecedented success. The sophomore album “curse” that most artists experience in their careers, seemingly didn’t apply to the well-loved pop star as this record outsold Styles’ debut and proved that he is only getting better with time.

On a path to stunning the globe again with his second world tour “Harry Styles: Love on Tour,” Styles has truly embraced his individuality and talent which is on full display in “Fine Line.” Give this album a listen because you won’t regret what you hear on his 12 track masterpiece. And in the words of Styles himself, “treat people with kindness.”