Harry Styles is back and better than ever! The beloved One Direction alum has made a triumphant and long-awaited return to the music scene, nearly two years after the release of his self-titled debut solo album. News of the release was met with an outpour of excitement from fans all over the world, and this hype stayed prominent throughout the release of the album and beyond. On December 13, after what to many seemed like an eternity, the album was released at midnight and by 6 AM, it had already reached #1 on iTunes in 43 countries. 

  Prior to the release of his new album Fine Line, Styles released three songs off the album to radio stations and streaming platforms. The first, “Lights Up,” was silently dropped in October and received an overwhelming amount of support from fans all over the world within the first few hours of its release. The next single, “Watermelon Sugar,” was teased by Styles across many social media platforms for weeks before it was finally released during an episode of Saturday Night Live during which Styles served double duty, acting as both host and musical guest. The most recent single off the album, “Adore You,” was released exactly one week before the album dropped and was performed by Styles a few days later when he appeared as both the musical guest and guest host on The Late, Late Show with James Corden. 

  While the album may be a drastic change from his previous release, fans are enjoying the change of direction. Junior Daphne Bargeman said, “First of all, the album is impossible not to like. It is so different compared to his last one. It is sad and alternative as opposed to hard rock.” The album has been praised by critics and fans alike for its emotional content and 70s folk-rock sound. Many critics have also noted that the album is distinguishable enough not to be immediately associated with previous work Styles has done as a part of the boy band, One Direction. Musically speaking, many critics have noted the album for being outstanding, applauding tracks “Golden,” “Sunflower Vol. 6,” and “Lights Up,” in particular. 

  Accompanying the release of the album, Styles will embark on his second headlining world tour Love On Tour 2020. The tour begins on April 15 in Birmingham, UK. The show will be stopping in Raleigh at the PNC Arena on August 1, 2020, and tickets are already selling quickly. 

  Despite being released less than forty-eight hours ago, the album is already topping music charts worldwide and breaking records. Fans continue to enjoy the varying melodious sounds of the album and sing along to their favorite tracks. While Fine Line may be quite a transition from his previous self-titled LP, fans and critics alike have seemed to welcome the change, continuously supporting Styles’ work.