Harry Styles’ self-titled solo album is a bold and brave move entirely inspired by old-school rock classics

HARRY STYLES today releases his self-titled solo album – a bid to become a genuine music force for decades to come.

And in this world of computer-generated dance tracks dominating the charts, it’s a bold and brave move because this is entirely inspired by old-school rock classics.

11

The ten tracks are a bold mission statement from the 23-year-old who seems to be saying: I am a real musician and don’t care if you play my song on the radio.

It’s an impressive and powerful debut and here is my track-by-track review.

11

SUN RATING: ★★★★

MOST READ IN BIZARRE

HOUSE HINT

CBB host Will Best drops major housemate hint as he parties with AJ Odudu

BACK SABBATH

Sharon Osbourne reveals Ozzy can no longer walk as his Parkinson’s worsens

STARRY NIGHT

Iconic 90s boyband will perform one of their best known songs at 2025 Baftas

RAUW TALENT

Rauw Alejandro reveals he almost had different career before working with JLo

Meet Me in the Hallway

JUST how far Harry has moved away from his 1D days is starkly obvious on the opening track, a RADIOHEAD-esque love song where he promises a lover: “I gotta get better.”

11

Carolina

HARRY emulates THE BEATLES with a little BECK vibe, too, on the love song about a girl who has “got a book for every situation” and “gets into parties without invitations”.

11

Sweet Creature

HARRY shows off the true soulfulness of his voice on this clever guitar ballad. With lyrics “It gets harder when we argue” and “We’re both stubborn”, the song’s a grower.

11

Kiwi

HE’S on a roll now, this is the Harry I’ve been waiting years to hear. My guess is that this passionate rock number is about the New Zealand model Georgia Fowler.

11

Woman

THIS kicks off with a sexy soul vibe and shows of Harry's vulnerable side, as he sings: "I'm selfish I know, but I don't ever want to see you with him."

11

Sign of the Times

FOR the first single from the album, released last month, Harry delivered an epic, soaring rock ballad which sounds like a cross between LANA DEL REY and DAVID BOWIE.

11

Two Ghosts

AN incredible song, with JOHN MAYER sound. It’s my favourite on the album. It’s clear he’s talking about a relationship breakdown (“we’re just two ghosts sitting in the place of you and me”).

11

Only Angel

ETHEREAL intro transitions into old- school rock  as Dirty Harry emerges. He sings: “She’s gonna be an angel, just you wait and see. When it turns out she’s a devil in between the sheets.”

11

Ever Since New York

THE second song heard live from the album is so subtle. He strums on an acoustic guitar in the country-inspired tune, singing: “I’ve been praying, I never did before.”

11

From the Dining Table

THIS stripped-back ballad, with a soaring and searingly beautiful chorus at its heart, brings the album to a close on a thoughtful note.