Two weeks ago, Harry Styles dropped his highly anticipated single as a solo artist and everyone lost their minds. Less than a week later, he announced his debut self-titled album “Harry Styles,” which is set to hit stands on May 12.
Styles’ rock infused power ballad “Sign of the Times” is his first song since One Direction announced they were on an indefinite break. Whether or not they will actually reunite at some point is still questionable. SOTT hints at David Bowie and Pink Floyd influences and rose straight to the top of the iTunes charts almost immediately following its release. Styles’ showcases his vocal range by alternating between a tender croon and an impressive falsetto throughout the song.
Stepping out of his boy band comfort zone, Harry Styles does not disappoint, allowing his fans to see him in a newly vulnerable and captivating way. Here are just a few of the fan reactions to the news:
Courtesy: Twitter
Courtesy: Twitter
Courtesy: Twitter
Styles’ plans to continue blessing our existences (and our ears) on May 12 when the full album is released. He took to Twitter and Instagram to reveal his album artwork:
Courtesy: Twitter
Along with shirtless photos of him in a pool of pink water, Harry also shared the track listing for his debut album:
1. “Meet Me in the Hallway”
2. “Sign of the Times”
3. “Carolina”
4. “Two Ghosts”
5. “Sweet Creature”
6. “Only Angel”
7. “Kiwi”
8. “Ever Since New York”
9. “Woman”
10. “From the Dining Table”
“Harry Styles” was executive produced by Jeff Bhasker, a songwriter who has worked with artists like Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift and the Rolling Stones. He also took home the Producer of Year Grammy Award in 2016. Multiple versions of the album will be released, including a white vinyl and a limited edition CD with a 32-page book that will include photos documenting Styles’ recording process, which he revealed took place in a private part of Jamaica for the most part.
In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Styles’ spoke to host Nick Grimshaw about what it like was to make an album he loves:
“In the least weird way possible, it’s my favourite album to listen to at the moment. I think if you put out something that you don’t stand behind and really love… Then if it doesn’t go well then you could regret not doing what you wanted to do. Whereas if nothing happens with it, I love it. You know? So, I think that’s what you should do. I think that’s been my favourite part to the overall thing is listening to the album and making all the changes – it has been fun to watch over it all.”
The album isn’t the only thing Styles has in store for 2017. He was photographed during what seems like a music video shoot for “Sign of the Times” and his big screen debut in Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” is right around the corner.
If “Sign of the Times” gives us any indication of what is to come from Harry Styles’ solo album, we’re in for a real treat come May 12.
“Harry Styles” is available for pre-orders in all formats now.