Album of the Month: Harry Styles

By Sidney Beckerich

On the devastating evening of December 13th 2015, One Direction took their final bow as a band. Fans everywhere were sure this was the last they’d see of the One D boys and said their goodbyes. However, singer Harry Styles has always been one step ahead of his fans. On April 7th, 2017 he released his debut single “Sign of the Times”, which started one of pop music's biggest stars’ careers. The song instantly became a hit and debuted at #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. 

"Sign of the Times" was a sneak peak into Style’s mindset for the album. The song tells a story written from the point of view of a mother who has been told she has five minutes left to live. The lyrics explain the mother’s advice to her newborn child, to "Go forth and conquer". The track features many musical layers that all help to tell the story. The raw emotion present in Styles's voice is heard with a mixture of soft piano, orchestral presence, and a beautiful backup choir. 

The album, as a whole, tells an intense story of the ups and downs of a romantic breakup; high-energy songs coupled with his sweet bird-like voice give this collection of songs a unique touch from tracks 1-10. 

I especially connect with ‘Two Ghosts' because it tells the story of two souls who used to live hand in hand but have become strangers to each other. The speaker misses this other soul and is desperately trying to remember a happier time when they were together. If you're new to the album, I suggest this song be your entry point. 

Since Styles' debut release in 2017, he released one other album titled “Fine Line”. This album pushed Harry's popularity and career beyond fans’ wildest imaginations. Harry Styles has charisma and style that many different audiences can relate to. Maybe a live album is in  his future considering how well his last tour was received. 

I hope you all love this album as much as I do. Have a wonderful February, and Treat People with Kindness!