Harry Styles
by Harry Styles
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: May 12, 2017
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1530 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,229 out of 1530
  2. Mixed: 84 out of 1530
  3. Negative: 217 out of 1530
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  1. NHcat
    May 12, 2017
    1
    I give him credit for at least attempting to be different. However, going against the popular norm does not automatically equal good music. I could tolerate only one song, the rest I hated, thus a score of 1. Comparisons to Fleetwood Mac and Bowie are not only exaggerated but disrespectful. Never a One Direction fan, but I honestly expected way more given the hype from Rolling Stone etc.
  2. aysh81
    May 13, 2017
    0
    Derivative. contrived and pretentious album with a purpose to be a critical darling moreso than to actually cultivate a sound inspired by the 70's rock greats. Critics like Rolling Stone stop peddling PR paid drivel comparing this poser to rock legends of yore; your agenda is blatantly obvious. We can make up our own minds on what this lackluster effort is, thanks. I think most of theDerivative. contrived and pretentious album with a purpose to be a critical darling moreso than to actually cultivate a sound inspired by the 70's rock greats. Critics like Rolling Stone stop peddling PR paid drivel comparing this poser to rock legends of yore; your agenda is blatantly obvious. We can make up our own minds on what this lackluster effort is, thanks. I think most of the praise coming from people is that H has gone against the grain of mainstream music more than an actual analysis of the music. The actual music is plagiarized, blatant ripoffs from music done better and more authentic. In this album there is no sense of identity, or theme or conviction, just picking sounds from one rock great to another with the end result being pretentious drivel and blatant Grammy bait.… Expand
  3. johnkiratx2
    May 12, 2017
    0
    Sounds like any other 1d album. Listened to few bits of it...didn't like it all. Two Ghosts is an exception but other than that..meh. Very unoriginal.
  4. Davies1963
    May 14, 2017
    1
    The notes of his songs are really alike to those old songs which his album seems to basic and unoriginal. One song sounds like a commercial song which is funny. Mediocre vocals and repetitive lyrics. Not really impressed but nice try for a start of being a "rockstar". Old rock songs I've encountered are way better than this, in my opinion. I'm old and only listen for a bit on every songsThe notes of his songs are really alike to those old songs which his album seems to basic and unoriginal. One song sounds like a commercial song which is funny. Mediocre vocals and repetitive lyrics. Not really impressed but nice try for a start of being a "rockstar". Old rock songs I've encountered are way better than this, in my opinion. I'm old and only listen for a bit on every songs on YouTube because of the hype about this and I am not amazed. Also, yes he has different genre from nowadays genre but that doesn't define how bad or good the album is. It's the content and all which surely he didn't achieved.… Expand
  5. Malia
    May 12, 2017
    2
    Incredible production value on this. However, it falls short because he wears his influences on his sleeve too strongly. I have no sense who Harry Styles the Artist is, I am very clear on who Harry Styles the Fanboy of Rock Legends is. This isn't a bad thing but I'm not sure why i should care if he's not bringing something fresh to the table. If i wanted to hear Rolling Stones or RodIncredible production value on this. However, it falls short because he wears his influences on his sleeve too strongly. I have no sense who Harry Styles the Artist is, I am very clear on who Harry Styles the Fanboy of Rock Legends is. This isn't a bad thing but I'm not sure why i should care if he's not bringing something fresh to the table. If i wanted to hear Rolling Stones or Rod Stewart or Elton John or Beatles et al. covers, well, I wouldn't bother - I'd just go to the source. I'll check him out on the next one, maybe he'll have found some identity by then.… Expand
  6. Bolt62
    May 12, 2017
    2
    this album was boring and it honestly felt pretentious.I tried to give it a listen bc of the hype around it but it definitely does not live up to it. disappointing.
  7. musiclo
    May 12, 2017
    0
    Was excited for this album but man I gotta say very disappointed. I wanted some originality. I will not compare his album to his former band member because both are different genre. My review is only based on what he has brought to the album and i personally expected more since I was excited for his album the most.
  8. Nina62
    May 12, 2017
    0
    while listening to this album I felt like listening to a compilation of covers of sole other old songs. there is nothing original about this album. plus, the lyrics are bad, some of them really made me cringe (e.g. kiwi). for me, as of now, Harry is just a copycat. he has nothing to say and he has yet to find what he wants to be as an artist.
  9. GuiLiar
    May 12, 2017
    0
    Esse é definitivamente o pior álbum que eu ja escutei na minha vida, eu nunca sai de um álbum sem gostar de pelo menos uma música, mas todas são ruins de mais, sem contar todos os plágios do Harry, é impressionante que ele ta começando agora mas só ta vivendo pela superestimação e mijo por toda parte, pq sozinho ele nao faria sucesso sendo que mesmo com tudo isso ele nao faz, so sei queEsse é definitivamente o pior álbum que eu ja escutei na minha vida, eu nunca sai de um álbum sem gostar de pelo menos uma música, mas todas são ruins de mais, sem contar todos os plágios do Harry, é impressionante que ele ta começando agora mas só ta vivendo pela superestimação e mijo por toda parte, pq sozinho ele nao faria sucesso sendo que mesmo com tudo isso ele nao faz, so sei que boa sorte harry na sua jornada em encontrar um dia a originalidade, pra nao continuar ganhando dinheiro a custas do trabalho dos outros… Expand
  10. ScottyS
    May 12, 2017
    0
    Absolutely shocked at how bad is Harry's debut album. It still sounds like One Direction but with Harry only vocals which can't be a good as he was not the best singer of the band. He always needed Liam and Zayn's support.
  11. Lanii
    May 12, 2017
    0
    It's boring as hell thank god it was only 10 song god only knows what would happened to me if it was more...i felt i aged 15 years listening to it is THAT bad...i won't even recommend it to am enemy....love yourself and save your time in something worth...if there's a mark less than a 0 it would be given to this album....
  12. Ultraviolenxe
    May 12, 2017
    0
    Completely boring, lifeless, and slow. This isn't rock music at all, and I expected much better. Not only that, but half the songs are complete rip-offs of classic songs released in the 70s and 80s.
  13. sassymah
    May 12, 2017
    1
    Mediocre to the point if being hard to listen through. It is generic, forgettable, and lacking in any emotional resonance. He claims his album is about social matters or childbirth and there is no sense to that. His voice shows signs of strain. Not one song could be described as great. There are decent background instrumentals but that is it. Any critic who praises this to high heavensMediocre to the point if being hard to listen through. It is generic, forgettable, and lacking in any emotional resonance. He claims his album is about social matters or childbirth and there is no sense to that. His voice shows signs of strain. Not one song could be described as great. There are decent background instrumentals but that is it. Any critic who praises this to high heavens when they were being dismissive towards a better album with actual great vocals and depth, is going to be side-eyed.… Expand
  14. mr_good
    May 12, 2017
    1
    such a boring album, nothing special.. david bowie rip off.. the only good song is "the signs of the times" , i expected a lot from harry as he was the main guy from 1D but i am disappointed
  15. ladiesweflawles
    May 13, 2017
    0
    I really wanted to like this. I think with all the hype surrounding him I was expecting something amazing. What I found was that it was generic, art student borrows his dad's old records and tries to piece together songs and sounds he likes. The production is ok, you can tell they spent a fair bit of money, but the lyrics are trite and just boring. They're repetitive and don't really haveI really wanted to like this. I think with all the hype surrounding him I was expecting something amazing. What I found was that it was generic, art student borrows his dad's old records and tries to piece together songs and sounds he likes. The production is ok, you can tell they spent a fair bit of money, but the lyrics are trite and just boring. They're repetitive and don't really have any meaning beyond him interchanging the different women he's slept with. I honestly thought he would have more to say, considering he's been constantly pushed into the limelight at such a young age, but I left the record feeling like I didn't know who he was. Maybe he'll find his voice down the line, but this honestly sounds like a tribute band, something you'd find on garageband and while pleasant as background music, not anything you'd actually remember.… Expand
  16. Ryan08
    May 12, 2017
    0
    I wish Harry's album was as good as Zayn's. I am kinda disappointed, he should have stayed in One Direction. Harry's album lack originality and good vocals, it feels like he is trying too hard to be Bowie.
  17. BranGali
    May 12, 2017
    0
    Disguisting as F. Zayn album is better & i dont like him. Aftet all this hype this is a very dissapoinment for a 1D boy with 80 million record deal. Tragic
  18. annielymaria
    Dec 11, 2019
    0
    this album is amazing! i loooooove it so much, harry is a legend ♡ stream FINE LINE DEC 13TH!
  19. Itheking
    Oct 24, 2017
    0
    This is just cheap rip off of David Bowie, every classic rock band and then some more poppy fillers. It's nothing new, we've heard it all before, from million times better artists. Just seems Styles wants to show, that he knows rock, but on the way plagiarizes everyone and everything.
  20. AmyMed
    May 20, 2017
    0
    I don't think Harry has what it needs to be successful. I was really upset about the fact that I bought the music of him because my friends told me it would be good and I just believed it, sadly I can't get a refund from Harry or his label. Anyway the music was boring and it sound to me like a copy of music who has been released years back. I hope Harry tries his feet in acting and doesI don't think Harry has what it needs to be successful. I was really upset about the fact that I bought the music of him because my friends told me it would be good and I just believed it, sadly I can't get a refund from Harry or his label. Anyway the music was boring and it sound to me like a copy of music who has been released years back. I hope Harry tries his feet in acting and does there well.… Expand
  21. Lizaerbert
    Oct 22, 2017
    0
    It's "NO" from me. This album is over hyped and overrated. I honestly don't understand why everyone act like he's a rockstar. He's not. There's a couple good songs. Lyrics are horrible, some of them are sexiest. Biggest disappointment
  22. NETMUSIC
    Jun 18, 2017
    2
    Although there are certain songs that I really liked such as 'Sign of The Times', it doesn't really get going from there. I found myself on many occasion wanting to skip to the next track. But every time I did, it felt like some of the songs never really got me in the mood to listen further than a few seconds.

    Best Song(s): Sign of the Times Kiwi Worst Song(s): Carolina Two    Although there are certain songs that I really liked such as 'Sign of The Times', it doesn't really get going from there. I found myself on many occasion wanting to skip to the next track. But every time I did, it felt like some of the songs never really got me in the mood to listen further than a few seconds.

    Best Song(s):
    Sign of the Times
    Kiwi

    Worst Song(s):
    Carolina
    Two Ghosts
    Ever Since New York    … Expand
  23. AmalikYoaz
    Jun 5, 2017
    0
    i feel like i've heard the tunes before, i get that you're inspired by your idols but the sound is recycled
    from old rock tunes... like look for your own sound kid.
  24. Naima
    May 20, 2017
    0
    Ich habe mehr erwartet und vielleicht dachte ich ja auch Harry würde Origineller sein als sich es letztendlich gekommen ist. Ich dachte er würde neue Musik kreieren und nicht alter Musik hinterher hopsen. Ich hätte es besser wissen müssen letztlich ist er ja auch nur in einer boy band gewesen. Vielleicht sollte man keine Erwartungen haben von dieser generation. Die Songtexte sind nurIch habe mehr erwartet und vielleicht dachte ich ja auch Harry würde Origineller sein als sich es letztendlich gekommen ist. Ich dachte er würde neue Musik kreieren und nicht alter Musik hinterher hopsen. Ich hätte es besser wissen müssen letztlich ist er ja auch nur in einer boy band gewesen. Vielleicht sollte man keine Erwartungen haben von dieser generation. Die Songtexte sind nur Geschwafel und die Hintergrund Musik kopiert.… Expand
  25. LilyKotze
    Oct 24, 2017
    3
    Did not enjoy it. But that is on me. I do not enjoy songs with lyrics where women are objectified. There is, after all, a difference between sexy and sexist. Many of the songs are in a higher register than Harry sung in 1D, and my concern is that he will utterly destroy what is left of his voice on this tour.

    His lyrics are repetitive, and too many of the songs feel lifted from    Did not enjoy it. But that is on me. I do not enjoy songs with lyrics where women are objectified. There is, after all, a difference between sexy and sexist. Many of the songs are in a higher register than Harry sung in 1D, and my concern is that he will utterly destroy what is left of his voice on this tour.

    His lyrics are repetitive, and too many of the songs feel lifted from other artists, as opposed to inspired by other artists.    … Expand
  26. rainbowbear
    May 13, 2017
    0
    how dare this boy compare himself to the likes of rolling stones front man? kid you have so much to learn. be thankful you have these equally young fan base of yours who'll buy any crap you put out there. Jagger is a **** GOD. no one can duplicate his success. think twice before you try comparing your poor attempt of an album
  27. Laylaa
    May 13, 2017
    0
    I didn't even know who one direction was i only knew a harry styles thats all the media talked about so i had very high expectations for this young man yet it was a complete dissapointment.
    It sounded like a 70's parody album, or an amateur who is trying to imitate their favorite rock bands.
    Now that thats been said, ill go check his peers i heard they came out with solo material as well    I didn't even know who one direction was i only knew a harry styles thats all the media talked about so i had very high expectations for this young man yet it was a complete dissapointment.
    It sounded like a 70's parody album, or an amateur who is trying to imitate their favorite rock bands.
    Now that thats been said, ill go check his peers i heard they came out with solo material as well i don't even know their names because i was expecting harry to be the "beyonce" with all that talk in the media.    … Expand
  28. BryceLB
    May 13, 2017
    0
    This is album is probably best for background noise. It doesn't make you feel any kind of way. It doesn't invoke strong emotions. It doesn't make you wanna dance. It doesn't put you in a contemplative mood. It's something playing in the background at a diner. It's not offensive. It's not pretty. It's not smooth, It's not grimy. It's nothing. It's a guy singing some words that you'll forgetThis is album is probably best for background noise. It doesn't make you feel any kind of way. It doesn't invoke strong emotions. It doesn't make you wanna dance. It doesn't put you in a contemplative mood. It's something playing in the background at a diner. It's not offensive. It's not pretty. It's not smooth, It's not grimy. It's nothing. It's a guy singing some words that you'll forget as soon as the verse is over. There are no songs of 'indefinite repeat' status. No songs that will make you tell your friends, you gotta hear this one. It's filler music. Something you visit with once or twice. If you're a diehard fan you buy it just because. You'll never admit it, but you won't reach for it very often. It's not that kind of album. It's forgettable and quintessentially unremarkable.… Expand
  29. numfar
    May 14, 2017
    0
    It's like he's trying to emulate all of his favorite 70s rockers, but he's not bringing anything new, so the songs mostly feel like cheap bowie knockoffs. Also some pretty misogynistic lyrics from a man so many think is a feminist. Most of the lyrics are vague and non-personal (a song from the perspective of a mother dying during childbirth?? Why not write about some of your actualIt's like he's trying to emulate all of his favorite 70s rockers, but he's not bringing anything new, so the songs mostly feel like cheap bowie knockoffs. Also some pretty misogynistic lyrics from a man so many think is a feminist. Most of the lyrics are vague and non-personal (a song from the perspective of a mother dying during childbirth?? Why not write about some of your actual experiences, dude?) and the few that aren't are kinda creepy (like that song about the underage girl he was apparently obsessed with?). I was really disappointed in this album; I liked a lot of the stuff he wrote when he was in One Direction, but I think now he's trying too hard to appeal to everyone and seem mature and it just...doesn't work.… Expand
  30. danielitamv
    May 26, 2017
    0
    Mi sentimiento general al escuchar este disco ha sido de un aburrimiento total. He sentido ganas de pasar las canciones a medio escuchar del aburrimiento que estaba sintiendo. Supongo que este disco será maravilloso para las adolescentes pero a mí me ha dejado un sentimiento de creer que he perdido una hora de mi vida al escucharlo. Nada recomendable.
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2017
48
#48 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. Q Magazine
    Jun 6, 2017
    60
    Despite Styles' self-conscious references, his debut avoids indulgence. [Aug 2017, p.110]
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    May 23, 2017
    80
    Ultimately Harry Styles feels comfortable and readily worn-in.
    Read full review
  3. Consequence
    May 18, 2017
    58
    The missteps don’t detract too much from this ambitious, if slightly unfocused, debut.
    Read full review
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