BY ROSIE SPAGNUOLO
A Cultural Reset. The term “Cultural Reset” has been thrown around a lot recently, but Harry Styles' second solo album Fine Line is the perfect definition -maybe even a slight understatement- of the power it has. His album genre-bends, mixing pop, indie, and rock sounds throughout the track list, creating a unique masterpiece unlike any other. The album tells a story about the highs and lows of love, along with messages of self acceptance. Styles has mentioned in interviews whom/what many of his songs on this album are about, yet the songs are reinvented into something more personal to each listener and draws them not only closer to Styles, but to themselves.
Here is a track-by-track rundown:
Track #1: Golden
The perfect opening to this album; Styles begins to tell us about the relationship and journey he is about to take us on. The song reflects on feelings of being scared of love and jumping into a relationship. But with its up tempo beat, the song seems to have a happy facade despite its deeper meaning- making this song perfect for any mood.
“You're so golden, I'm out of my head and I know that you're scared because hearts get broken”
Track #2: Watermelon Sugar
Describes the initial high when a relationship begins and the feelings surrounding being with that person intimately. Styles mixes electric guitar riffs, a heavy bass and brass instruments giving the song a groovy summer vibe that will definitely become the song of the summer this year.
“Strawberries on a summer evening, baby you’re the end of June”
Track #3: Adore You
Similar to Watermelon Sugar, the song reflects on the “honeymoon phase” of a relationship. This song has had the biggest commercial success due to its pop sound and passionate lyrics. This song has put Harry Styles on the map as an artist and if he doesn’t receive a Grammy nomination (and win) for Record of the Year, the Recording Academy will hear from me.
“Walk through fire for you, just let me adore you like it’s the only thing I’ll ever do”
Track #4: Lights Up
The first single Styles dropped for this album that set the tone for this era. He reflects on self acceptance and becoming who you want to be- not the media’s perception. Back in 2011, Harry Styles did an interview where he said, “I’ve always wanted to be one of those people who didn’t really care much about what people thought about them...but I don't think I am.” Lights Up shows how much Styles has grown and is now truly himself, and his fans couldn’t be more supportive.
“Lights up and they know who you are, know who you are, do you know who you are?”
Track #5: Cherry
With a lighter sound, the song strips down and shows the heartbreak Styles felt after his relationship with Camile Rowe. He sings about how broken he felt after things ended and when Rowe had moved on. Styles incorporates recordings of Rowe’s voice throughout the song and concludes the song with a voicemail she had once left him.
“Don’t you call him baby/ were not talking lately/ don’t you call him what you used to call me”
Track #6: Falling
A piano ballad that shows off his powerful vocals. Styles wrote this song about when he felt himself falling back into a dark place where he feels sad, lost, and overwhelmed. In the music video for Falling, he is seen playing the a piano that overflows, eventually drowning him, showing that Styles is falling back into that dark place.
"What am I now? What am I now? What if I’m someone I don’t want around?”
Track #5: To Be So Lonely
Styles mentioned in a Rolling Stone interview that when he created Fine Line, he wanted this album to be listened through from top to bottom in order. To Be So Lonely begins with the line “Don’t blame me for falling, I was just a little boy,” referencing the previous song on the album, Falling. He also references Cherry in the chorus saying, “Don’t call me baby again,” expressing his life without his ex. Styles leaves the verses bare with just a ukulele while having the chorus include elements of electric guitar, creating a unique sound that is unlike anything we have heard. He also includes the sound of striking a match, then proceeds to sing, “I just hope you see me in a little better light.”
Genius.
Track #6: She
A six minute rock masterpiece. Shoutout to Harry’s guitarist Mitch Rowland for the iconic guitar solo. You just have to listen to She yourself- it’s an experience.
“She’s the first one that I see and I don’t know why, I don’t know who she is”
Track #7: Sunflower, Vol. 6
Oh how I wish this was a single- it radiates such good energy and is just so lovely. Some notable lyrics in this song are, “I couldn’t want you any more, kiss in the kitchen like it’s a dance floor,” and, “I’ve got your face hung up high in a gallery”- if that doesn’t make you fall in love with Harry Styles please let me know what will.
Track #8: Canyon Moon
A personal favorite, this song is an instant mood booster and is such a summer song. Styles reflects on the good times and memories that he has had, making this song very relatable to the listeners and gives an instant feeling of nostalgia. Throughout the track, Styles harmonizes with himself and it just sounds like the gates of heaven have opened.
“And I’m still thinking back to the time under the canyon moon”
Track #9: Treat People With Kindness
This song perfectly describes what Harry stands for. After all, "Treat People With Kindness" is Harry’s motto. It’s a feel-good song that I can easily picture myself having the time of my life to this song at a live show. You can hear the emotion in this piece and how much fun Styles is having and the joy this song brings. This song will give us world peace.
“Maybe we can find a place to feel good and we can treat people with kindness”
Track #10: Fine Line
The best song I have ever heard. Fine Line is the perfect way to wrap up the album- it starts out very mellow as Harry sings about regrets and pain, but the music takes a turn from the repetition of, “We’ll be a fine line,” into Styles belting out, “We’ll be alright,” as the trumpets begin to play even louder signifying hope and a positive outlook. If you take one thing away from this album dissect, it is to listen to this song. People always say how music is supposed to move you- Fine Line does that.
In conclusion, Harry Styles changed the music game with this album. He covers all kinds of emotions and sends the listener on a journey. Do yourself a favor and listen to this album from start to finish- it will be the best 46 minutes of your quarantine.
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