Teenage heartthrob turned rock star Harry Styles released his highly anticipated second album “Fine Line” on December 13. Styles crafts a wistful dance between heartbreak and rejuvenation that crushes yet invigorates the soul. He explores genres in his new album including psychedelic pop and using classic rock influences from artists such as Fleetwood Mac and David Bowie. Influenced by his breakup with Camille Rowe, Styles pours emotion through the fabric of his album. 

His three singles, which were released closely together, perfectly summarize the rest of his album. “Watermelon Sugar,” “Lights Up” and “Adore You” encompass ideas of love, yearning and heartbreak. The sheer catchiness of lyrics such as in “Watermelon Sugar” leaves it running through your head all day, and not in a bad way. Not to mention, the music videos that accompanied Lights Up and Adore You are a work of art in themselves. Especially “Adore You” which featured an intro monologue from singer Rosalia that simply sends shivers down your spine. 

What Styles accomplishes is the ability to transport the listener. I’ve never been to California but Fine Line is what I envision it to be like. Tracks such as “Golden,” “Canyon Moon” and “Sunflower, Vol. 6” deliver an almost airy, warm sunshine sound if there is such a thing. Sweet yet gritty melancholy lyrics make them even better such as in “Sunflower Vol. 6:”

“Tired eyes are the death of me

Mouthful of toothpaste before I got to know you

I’ve got your face hung up high in the gallery . . . 

Your flowers just died, plant new seeds in the melody.” 

All I can say is it sounds like life itself, flawed yet beautiful.  

I usually dislike music inspired by breakups but Styles does so in such a tasteful, beautiful way, I couldn’t help myself. “Cherry,” for example, adds another layer of intimacy that is completely different from any other breakup song. The intro and outro are voice notes from Camille Rowe wistfully speaking in french which simply pulls at your heartstrings. 

Without a doubt, this album is wonderful and imaginative. However, because he is fairly new to the industry as a single artist, he hasn’t grasped his full potential just yet. “Fine Line” is but a stepping stone to Styles’s future as a transformed artist. Regardless, “Fine Line” is a work of art that tells a story of grief, heartbreak and the process of rediscovery.