Harry Styles has evolved from boy band heartthrob to genuine rock star, crafting a solo catalog that draws from classic rock, folk, and psychedelic pop with surprising maturity. His best songs showcase a vocalist unafraid to take risks, exploring vulnerability, sexuality, and self-discovery through rich instrumentation and thoughtful production. Whether you’re listening through premium audio gear or casual earbuds, Styles’ music rewards attention to detail—the layered harmonies, the vintage-inspired arrangements, the careful dynamics that shift from whisper to roar. These twenty tracks represent his journey from “Sign of the Times” to his most recent work, capturing an artist who respects musical history while carving his own distinctive path.
Watermelon Sugar: Euphoric Summer Anthem
Released as the fourth single from “Fine Line” in 2019, “Watermelon Sugar” became Styles’ first solo number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2020. Producer Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon crafted a breezy, guitar-driven track that feels simultaneously retro and contemporary, with its layered backing vocals and funky bassline nodding to 1970s soft rock. Styles’ vocal delivery balances sweetness with sensuality, never overselling the song’s suggestive undertones while maintaining radio-friendly accessibility. The production shines when experienced through quality headphones from options at revealing subtle percussion layers and the warm analog character that defines much of Styles’ output. This track earned Styles a Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance, cementing his transition from teen idol to respected solo artist.
As It Was: Melancholic Pop Perfection
The lead single from “Harry’s House” (2022) represents Styles at his most introspective, pairing an impossibly catchy synth-pop hook with lyrics about change, loss, and the impossibility of returning to previous states. Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon return as producers, creating a deceptively simple arrangement built around a pulsing bassline and minimalist percussion that allows Styles’ vulnerable vocal to sit front and center. The song dominated global charts, spending fifteen weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the most-streamed song on Spotify in 2022 with over 2.5 billion streams. What makes “As It Was” remarkable is how Styles transforms personal grief—references to his late friend suggest autobiographical pain—into universal pop music that somehow feels both devastatingly sad and irresistibly danceable.
Sign of the Times: The Epic Announcement
Styles’ debut solo single from 2017 announced his artistic ambitions with unmistakable clarity—this wouldn’t be another One Direction knockoff. Producer Jeff Bhasker helped craft a six-minute piano ballad that builds into a soaring rock anthem, drawing comparisons to David Bowie and Queen without feeling derivative. Styles’ vocal performance showcases impressive range and control, particularly during the song’s climactic final minutes where his falsetto cuts through layers of guitar and orchestration. The song’s production features live strings and a vintage recording approach that gives it warmth often missing from contemporary pop. “Sign of the Times” peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and established Styles as a serious artist worthy of critical consideration beyond his teen idol origins.
Golden: California Dreaming With Urgency
Opening “Fine Line” with propulsive energy, “Golden” captures the exhilaration and anxiety of new romance through uptempo folk-rock instrumentation. The song’s production by Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon features jangly guitars and driving drums that evoke Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” while maintaining contemporary polish. Styles’ vocal delivery conveys genuine nervousness—his voice occasionally cracks and strains in ways that enhance rather than detract from the performance’s emotional authenticity. The song’s lyrical content explores fear of vulnerability and the tension between self-protection and openness, themes that resonate throughout Styles’ solo work. Live performances of “Golden” showcase Styles’ growth as a performer, with his energetic stage presence matching the song’s infectious momentum.
Adore You: Tender Declaration of Devotion
The third single from “Fine Line” presents Styles at his most openly romantic, delivering a straightforward love song with enough musical sophistication to avoid saccharine territory. Producer Tyler Johnson creates a groove-oriented arrangement featuring funky guitar licks, handclaps, and layered harmonies that recall 1980s pop production without feeling dated. Styles’ vocal performance emphasizes tenderness and sincerity, particularly during the bridge where his falsetto creates moments of genuine beauty. The song’s accompanying music video—featuring Styles and a CGI fish on a fictional island—displayed his willingness to embrace whimsy and creativity in visual presentation. “Adore You” reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and demonstrated Styles’ ability to craft radio hits that maintain artistic integrity.
Late Night Talking: Conversational Intimacy
From “Harry’s House,” this breezy track captures the giddy excitement of early relationship texting and late-night phone calls. Tyler Johnson’s production keeps things minimal—a simple drum pattern, funky bassline, and clean guitar tones that never overwhelm Styles’ relaxed vocal delivery. The song’s chorus features an earworm melody that sounds effortless, though achieving that casual quality requires considerable craft. Styles’ vocal performance feels conversational rather than performative, as if he’s actually recounting these late-night talks rather than singing about them. The track showcases Styles’ growth as a songwriter, finding depth in seemingly simple domestic moments and transforming everyday relationship dynamics into compelling pop music.
Music For a Sushi Restaurant: Funky Experimentation
Opening “Harry’s House” with unexpected jazz-funk influences, this track represents Styles at his most playfully experimental. The production features prominent horns, a slapped bass groove, and Styles deploying a more affected vocal style that suits the song’s theatrical energy. Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon create a dense arrangement that rewards repeated listening—there are constant textural shifts, backing vocal surprises, and instrumental flourishes that reveal themselves gradually. The song’s title and lyrical content embrace absurdism while maintaining genuine emotional stakes, a balance Styles manages with increasing confidence. Live performances emphasize the track’s funkiness, with Styles’ band delivering tight, energetic renditions that showcase their musicianship.
Falling: Vulnerable Piano Ballad
One of “Fine Line’s” most emotionally raw moments, “Falling” strips away elaborate production to feature Styles’ voice accompanied primarily by piano. Producer Kid Harpoon allows space and silence to enhance the song’s impact, with subtle string arrangements entering only when needed for maximum emotional effect. Styles’ vocal performance conveys genuine anguish, his voice breaking at moments that feel unrehearsed and honest rather than calculated for effect. The song’s lyrical content addresses self-destructive behavior and relationship dissolution with uncomfortable specificity, suggesting autobiographical inspiration. “Falling” demonstrates Styles’ willingness to appear weak and flawed, a vulnerability that distinguishes his work from more calculated pop productions.
Matilda: Tender Ode to Chosen Family
From “Harry’s House,” this gentle folk-influenced track addresses someone who’s had to distance themselves from biological family to find peace and happiness. Styles’ vocal delivery maintains remarkable restraint, never pushing for emotional manipulation but trusting the material’s inherent power. The production features acoustic instrumentation, subtle strings, and carefully placed harmonies that enhance without overwhelming the intimate atmosphere. The song’s bridge and final chorus build gradually, creating cathartic release without losing the track’s essential gentleness. “Matilda” showcases Styles’ empathy and emotional intelligence as a songwriter, addressing complex family dynamics with compassion rather than judgment.
Cinema: Psychedelic Romance
This “Harry’s House” deep cut explores relationship dynamics through dreamy psychedelic pop production. Tyler Johnson crafts layers of shimmering guitars, analog synths, and processed vocals that create an almost hallucinogenic atmosphere. Styles’ vocal performance floats through the production, his melodic choices and phrasing suggesting influences from 1960s psychedelia filtered through contemporary sensibilities. The song’s arrangement features unexpected shifts—tempo changes, dynamic variations, and textural surprises that prevent it from settling into predictable patterns. “Cinema” represents Styles’ continued willingness to experiment with song structure and production approaches that prioritize artistic vision over commercial accessibility.
Satellite: Closing Reflection
The final track on “Harry’s House” provides perfect closure, combining introspective lyrics with expansive production that builds toward a satisfying crescendo. Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson create space for Styles’ most contemplative vocal performance on the album, his delivery suggesting acceptance and peace after the emotional journey preceding it. The production features layered guitars that recall Radiohead’s more accessible moments, with each instrumental element serving the song’s emotional arc. Styles’ falsetto work during the bridge showcases his technical growth as a vocalist, hitting challenging notes while maintaining emotional authenticity. “Satellite” benefits from attentive listening through proper audio equipment, revealing production details that enhance its impact.
Cherry: Brutally Honest Heartbreak
This “Fine Line” track features Styles at his most lyrically direct, addressing a former relationship with uncomfortable specificity. The production by Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon begins stripped-down before gradually adding instrumentation, mirroring the song’s emotional escalation. Styles’ vocal performance conveys genuine hurt and jealousy, particularly during verses where he imagines his ex-partner with someone new. The song’s controversial inclusion of voicemail audio from Styles’ former girlfriend sparked discussion about consent and artistic boundaries. Musically, “Cherry” demonstrates Styles’ willingness to create deliberately uncomfortable moments, trusting his audience to appreciate emotional honesty over polished positivity.
Treat People With Kindness: Exuberant Sing-Along
The penultimate track on “Fine Line” offers pure joy through 1960s-inspired pop production. Jeff Bhasker’s production features prominent horns, handclaps, and layered backing vocals that create immediate party atmosphere. Styles’ vocal delivery embraces theatricality, channeling influences from Kinks-era British pop while maintaining contemporary relevance. The song’s message of kindness and inclusivity resonated particularly with LGBTQ+ fans, and Styles’ accompanying music video featuring Phoebe Waller-Bridge reinforced themes of celebration and acceptance. Live performances turn “Treat People With Kindness” into audience participation events, with crowds singing the chorus back to Styles in displays of communal joy.
Boyfriends: Gentle Social Commentary
From “Harry’s House,” this acoustic-driven track offers surprisingly pointed commentary on toxic masculinity and relationship dynamics. Styles’ vocal delivery maintains empathy rather than judgment, addressing patterns of emotional unavailability and carelessness with understanding rather than condemnation. Kid Harpoon’s production keeps arrangements minimal—primarily acoustic guitar, subtle strings, and carefully placed harmonies that support without distracting. The song’s bridge features Styles’ falsetto delivering the track’s most cutting observations, creating tension between the gentle musical setting and the lyrics’ sharp insights. “Boyfriends” sparked significant online discussion about gender, relationships, and accountability.
Little Freak: Wistful Reminiscence
This “Harry’s House” standout captures the bittersweet experience of thinking about a past relationship without anger or regret. Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon create dreamy production featuring shimmering guitars, subtle synths, and atmospheric textures that evoke memory’s haziness. Styles’ vocal performance emphasizes vulnerability, his delivery suggesting someone still processing complicated feelings rather than pretending to have moved on completely. The song’s specific imagery—mentions of Venice, red wine, and particular moments—creates vivid scenes that feel pulled from real experience. “Little Freak” demonstrates Styles’ maturation as a lyricist, finding poetry in ambiguity and unresolved emotion.
From the Dining Table: Isolated Vulnerability
Closing “Harry Styles” (2017), this stark acoustic track presents the album’s most vulnerable moment. Jeff Bhasker’s minimal production features primarily Styles’ voice and sparse guitar, creating intimacy that contrasts sharply with the album’s more polished moments. Styles’ vocal performance conveys isolation and desperation, his voice occasionally breaking in ways that enhance the track’s raw emotional power. The song’s lyrical specificity—eating in the bathtub, calling without response—grounds abstract feelings of loneliness in concrete detail. “From the Dining Table” established Styles’ willingness to close albums with emotionally complex material rather than anthemic crowd-pleasers.
Lights Up: Self-Acceptance Anthem
Leading “Fine Line” in 2019, this single marked Styles’ return after a two-year absence with a song explicitly about self-discovery and identity. Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon create production that balances intimacy with scale, featuring layered vocals, funk-influenced bass, and atmospheric guitars. Styles’ vocal delivery emphasizes questioning and uncertainty rather than confident answers, asking “Do you know who you are?” in ways that feel genuinely exploratory. The accompanying music video’s imagery sparked discussion about sexuality and identity, with Styles embracing ambiguity rather than providing definitive statements. “Lights Up” peaked at number seventeen on the Billboard Hot 100 and reestablished Styles’ solo momentum.
Daylight: Closing Acceptance
The final track on “Harry’s House” offers resolution and peace after the album’s emotional journey. Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson create expansive production featuring layered guitars, strings, and vocal harmonies that build toward satisfying closure. Styles’ vocal performance conveys acceptance and forward movement, his delivery suggesting someone who’s processed difficult experiences and emerged stronger. The song’s arrangement features dynamic shifts that prevent it from feeling static, with instrumental breaks and vocal variations maintaining engagement. “Daylight” showcases Styles’ understanding of album sequencing and emotional pacing, providing the perfect concluding statement for his most cohesive solo work.
Grapejuice: Nostalgic Reflection
This “Harry’s House” track addresses aging, nostalgia, and lifestyle changes through deceptively upbeat production. Tyler Johnson creates an arrangement featuring jangly guitars and propulsive rhythm that contrasts with the song’s contemplative lyrics about giving up drinking and feeling disconnected from younger scenes. Styles’ vocal delivery balances wistfulness with humor, never wallowing in nostalgia but acknowledging its pull honestly. The song’s production reveals layers when experienced through quality listening equipment like those compared, with subtle backing vocals and instrumental details enriching repeat listens. “Grapejuice” demonstrates Styles’ ability to address universal experiences of aging and change with specificity and wit.
Sweet Creature: Gentle Love Song
From “Harry Styles” (2017), this acoustic ballad strips everything to essentials—voice, guitar, and emotional honesty. Producer Jeff Bhasker wisely avoids over-production, allowing Styles’ tender vocal delivery and the song’s simple chord progression to carry emotional weight. The lyrics address a relationship marked by both conflict and deep connection, acknowledging complications while affirming essential bonds. Styles’ vocal performance emphasizes gentleness and sincerity, his delivery suggesting vulnerability without performative fragility. “Sweet Creature” became a fan favorite despite never receiving single treatment, demonstrating Styles’ ability to craft affecting material that resonates beyond commercial expectations.
Kiwi: Raucous Rock Energy
Closing “Harry Styles” with deliberately messy rock energy, “Kiwi” showcases Styles’ ability to deliver straight-ahead rock music without self-consciousness. Jeff Bhasker’s production features distorted guitars, pounding drums, and Styles’ most aggressive vocal delivery, creating the album’s most visceral moment. The song’s chaotic narrative—involving babies, tequila, and New York—embraces absurdism while maintaining infectious energy. Live performances emphasize “Kiwi’s” role as concert closer, with extended instrumental sections and audience participation creating communal release. The track proved Styles could convincingly deliver rock music that felt genuine rather than calculated, expanding his artistic range beyond ballads and pop songs.
For listeners exploring these tracks, the sonic details become increasingly apparent through proper audio equipment. The vintage-inspired production choices, the carefully layered harmonies, and the dynamic range throughout Styles’ catalog reveal themselves most fully when experienced beyond compressed streaming through phone speakers. His evolution from “Sign of the Times” through “Harry’s House” demonstrates consistent artistic growth, with each album refining his vision while introducing new influences and experimentation. Styles’ willingness to embrace vulnerability, explore diverse musical styles, and prioritize artistic vision over commercial calculation has established him as one of contemporary pop’s most interesting figures. These twenty songs represent not just commercial success but genuine artistic achievement, proving that former boy band members can transcend their origins to create meaningful, enduring work. Whether you’re discovering Styles through these essential tracks or revisiting familiar favorites, his catalog rewards attention and reveals new depths with each listen, particularly when exploring the full range of material available and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harry Styles’ most successful solo song?
“As It Was” from 2022’s “Harry’s House” stands as Styles’ biggest commercial success, spending fifteen weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming Spotify’s most-streamed song of 2022. The track dominated global charts and earned multiple Grammy nominations while showcasing Styles’ ability to pair melancholic lyrics with irresistibly catchy production. Prior to “As It Was,” “Watermelon Sugar” had been his first number-one hit in 2020, earning a Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance. Both songs demonstrate Styles’ commercial appeal while maintaining the artistic integrity that distinguishes his work from more calculated pop productions.
Who are Harry Styles’ main producers and collaborators?
Tyler Johnson and Kid Harpoon have been Styles’ primary production partners since “Fine Line,” creating the sonic template that defines much of his solo sound. Jeff Bhasker produced significant portions of Styles’ self-titled debut, helping establish his initial solo direction away from One Direction’s pop sound. These producers brought experience working with artists like Adele, Kanye West, and Bruno Mars, providing Styles with sophisticated production approaches that honored vintage influences while maintaining contemporary appeal. The consistent collaboration with Johnson and Kid Harpoon across “Fine Line” and “Harry’s House” created sonic continuity while allowing evolution and experimentation within that framework.
What musical influences are most apparent in Harry Styles’ solo work?
Styles draws heavily from 1970s rock, particularly artists like Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, and Elton John, while incorporating elements of psychedelic rock, folk, and contemporary indie pop. His production choices favor analog warmth over digital perfection, with vintage recording techniques creating textures that evoke classic rock without feeling derivative. Styles has cited Shania Twain, Stevie Nicks, and Paul McCartney as influences, and these connections manifest in his melodic sensibilities and willingness to embrace both vulnerability and theatrical performance. The influence of Harry Nilsson appears in Styles’ more experimental moments, while traces of Prince emerge in his approach to sexuality and performance.
Has Harry Styles won any major music awards for his solo work?
Styles has won three Grammy Awards: Best Pop Solo Performance for “Watermelon Sugar” in 2021, and Album of the Year plus Best Pop Vocal Album for “Harry’s House” in 2023. He’s received numerous other accolades including Brit Awards, American Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards throughout his solo career. His Grammy wins, particularly the Album of the Year recognition, represented significant validation from music industry peers and positioned him among contemporary pop’s most respected artists. These awards acknowledged not just commercial success but artistic achievement, recognizing Styles’ evolution from teen idol to serious musician.
What themes does Harry Styles typically explore in his songwriting?
Styles’ lyrics frequently address vulnerability, relationship dynamics, self-discovery, and emotional honesty with notable specificity and nuance. He explores masculinity and emotional expression in ways that challenge traditional expectations, creating space for tenderness and uncertainty alongside more conventional romantic themes. Songs like “Falling” and “From the Dining Table” confront self-destructive behavior and isolation, while tracks like “Treat People With Kindness” embrace joy and inclusivity. Styles also addresses fame, identity, and the difficulty of maintaining authentic relationships within celebrity culture. His willingness to appear flawed, uncertain, and emotionally complex distinguishes his songwriting from more superficial pop narratives, creating work that resonates with audiences seeking substance alongside catchy melodies.