Music

Review: Harry Styles’ debut solo single

7 April 2017

By Lauren E. White

Fans around the world this morning tuned into the many (many) radio stations playing former One Direction star Harry Styles’ debut solo single. It’s been two years since the boys announced they were taking a break from their hectic tour schedule to relax and focus on other projects.

It doesn’t seem like Harry has taken time to rest, though, as alongside his cameo role in summer blockbuster Dunkirk, his new five-minute single Sign of the Times is already at number one on the iTunes chart since its release at 8am this morning.

The song was written by Styles in Jamaica and has a very alternative rock vibe to it. There is a piano running throughout the verses, leading up to the drums and guitar ensemble for the chorus. Sign of the Times is an impressive alternative debut from Styles with a steady beat giving the song that ‘something’ to it.

“Just stop crying, have the time of your life,

Breaking through the atmosphere,

And things are pretty good from here.

Remember everything will be alright,

We can meet again somewhere, somewhere far away from here.”

Sign of the Times also has a lyrical depth to it – a factor that One Direction often failed to do in some of their biggest hits like What Makes you Beautiful and Best Song Ever. Its melancholic feel is something I certainly didn’t expect from Styles – it is much slower and softer, giving him the chance to showcase his lyrical vulnerability and truly brilliant vocals.

We look forward to the rest of Harry’s music and hopefully a tour too. It’s time for 1D fans to start saving again. Being a fan is a pricey habit…

You can purchase the single on iTunes here.

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