Fine Line
by Harry Styles
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 3032 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,636 out of 3032
  2. Mixed: 66 out of 3032
  3. Negative: 330 out of 3032
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  1. Mekakritik
    Dec 13, 2019
    5
    Pretty weak album, Golden and Watermelon Sugar are the 2 songs that stand out in a relatively boring attempt of an album to come off as both sweet but weird at the same time.
    Love Harry but I'll wait for his next album
  2. Mcritique12
    Dec 14, 2019
    6
    Harry failed to step aside of his comfort zone in terms of exploring different themes on this album. Like his last body of work it seems like his writing consist of using the same phrases to try and explain his heartache about a certain breakup. In songs where he does try to dabble in some different teritory like TPWK he fails to lyricly bring out the essence of the song. There is also aHarry failed to step aside of his comfort zone in terms of exploring different themes on this album. Like his last body of work it seems like his writing consist of using the same phrases to try and explain his heartache about a certain breakup. In songs where he does try to dabble in some different teritory like TPWK he fails to lyricly bring out the essence of the song. There is also a lot of unecessary long outros and boring sequences of instrumentals. On the bright side his vocal arrengments are really nicely done and songs like Lights up make up for the lack of thematic diversitality on the album. All in all a solid album that has a lot to offer but it certainly isnt a record that will be remembered for a long time.… Expand
  3. musicreviews7
    Dec 15, 2019
    6
    It's a good pop one, but offers little more than that. Harry Styles is a decent songwriter with a decent voice, but there's nothing unique here I'm afraid.
  4. WyrdSister
    Dec 15, 2019
    6
    Fine Line is not a bad album, but it seems like Harry isn't quite sure of his musical direction (no pun intended). His surprising, self-titled debut album combined different influences and sounds as well, but they were held together by their similar instrumentation, consistent tone and high-quality, but understated production. The sound of Fine Line on the other hand seems all over theFine Line is not a bad album, but it seems like Harry isn't quite sure of his musical direction (no pun intended). His surprising, self-titled debut album combined different influences and sounds as well, but they were held together by their similar instrumentation, consistent tone and high-quality, but understated production. The sound of Fine Line on the other hand seems all over the place, there's not much common ground between the radio friendly, but lightweight pop songs, introspective, acoustic guitar songs, psychedelic reggae, campfire country etc. What's missing though are any good, fast rock numbers that were a highlight on his debut album (and in live concerts) or a timeless hit like Sign of the Times. Instead he included a track called Treat People With Kindness, that appears involuntarily comical in its Kumbaya anthem attempt.

    All in all there are some really good elements on this album, where Harry can definitely show his versatility and vocal prowess, but against his biggest competition - himself on his previous album - it appears confusing, of less consistent quality and falls ultimately (both musically and lyrically) short.    … Expand
  5. nonblonde
    Dec 13, 2019
    5
    The three pre-release tracks are way more interesting than anything on the album. They sound like they belong to a different project.

    You can hear him struggling in some tracks despite the autotune. He's definitely going to have to change the keys to perform this. Overall, it's not bad but it doesn't live up to the hype and over the top praise. It doesn't bring any emotional moments    The three pre-release tracks are way more interesting than anything on the album. They sound like they belong to a different project.

    You can hear him struggling in some tracks despite the autotune. He's definitely going to have to change the keys to perform this.

    Overall, it's not bad but it doesn't live up to the hype and over the top praise. It doesn't bring any emotional moments vocal or lyrics-wise. Some songs are too repetitive and they drag on. It's not different from his debut, which I didn't like but I give him some points for the production.    … Expand
  6. Dsros96
    Dec 15, 2019
    4
    A huge letdown since his debut. There are almost no songs worth it and Harry seems to have lost his different sound.
  7. tommyelv
    Dec 13, 2019
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Первые впечатления после прослушивания — не того материала мы ждали. Альбом радикально другой нежели предыдущая работа Гарри. Второе впечатление — очень достойно! Но, треков уровня Sign of the Times, больше нет и не будет:(… Expand
  8. Hek_hadley
    Dec 18, 2019
    5
    FINE LINE is not necessarily a bad album...there are some tracks that are actually good and are worth listening over again. The issues I encountered were the lyrics on some of the songs. They can come off vapid. I also don’t feel like he stepped outside of his comfort zone. Lastly, all of the songs sound almost identical, I really wish the production could have done a better job atFINE LINE is not necessarily a bad album...there are some tracks that are actually good and are worth listening over again. The issues I encountered were the lyrics on some of the songs. They can come off vapid. I also don’t feel like he stepped outside of his comfort zone. Lastly, all of the songs sound almost identical, I really wish the production could have done a better job at distinguishing them. Bottom line: FINE LINE is okay....definitely not a bad record but it’s also nothing groundbreaking. Fans of Harry Styles will enjoy it and because of them this album will make a fortune. Here’s hoping that his next album is a bigger step than this since he actually have a talented voice.… Expand
  9. froz3nfire
    Dec 21, 2019
    4
    A good album, overhyped by media and fans. For me, his debut album is better than this one.
  10. Goobersnot
    Dec 17, 2019
    6
    Pretty good sonically but lordt the navel gazing lyrics, which were probably the part Styles was responsible for.
  11. AEIOU57
    Dec 23, 2019
    5
    Great album. He has come a long way from his 1D days. He is proving that you can make sustainable music that grows with time. He shed the boy band image that his 1D fans were determined to keep him labeled with. He has matured and is finally finding his place in the industry
  12. Cherrysugar
    Dec 25, 2019
    5
    Except for the song Fine Line, which is definitely an ode Lucifer with intro that sounds like satanic ritual chants, all other eleven songs are classic earworms and pleasant to the senses. I heard that Fine Line is actually a Gematria code for Lucifer, which could be true because the creepy hand on the album cover art looks like that of a devil.
  13. kermie_the_frog
    Dec 28, 2019
    5
    This record is very unfocused and inconsistent. There are a couple good singles off the record but it lacks the cohesion and consistency in style needed for a complete sounding album. However, Harry Styles has certainly made the best music of the ex-one direction members and I am looking forward to his future releases.
  14. r4r3
    Jan 10, 2020
    6
    no importa cuando leas esto, te amo cada días más que el anterior, estoy orgullosa de todo lo que eres y se que vas a lograr más, brilla más que cualquier otra estrella.
    @JosDice

    #SuccessJos https://t.co/XayvR9GIk2
  15. DriaWoods
    Jan 27, 2020
    5
    Half the album is great (Golden, Watermelon, Lights Up, Fine Line, Falling, Adore You) but the other half is either okay or not good at all. Harry has voiced that he had more fun with this album than HS1 and I love that. I love that he had fun and enjoys this new 70s psychedelic-pop sound. However, for my ears and tastes it’s just not it. It’s not as good as his first record. The 6 songs IHalf the album is great (Golden, Watermelon, Lights Up, Fine Line, Falling, Adore You) but the other half is either okay or not good at all. Harry has voiced that he had more fun with this album than HS1 and I love that. I love that he had fun and enjoys this new 70s psychedelic-pop sound. However, for my ears and tastes it’s just not it. It’s not as good as his first record. The 6 songs I listed above are bops that I can jam to everyday. If he made an EP instead with those 6 songs I’d give this album a 10 review instead of a 5.… Expand
  16. Patriciabeag
    Jan 26, 2020
    4
    Overhyped and repetitive, every song is the same...his first album was better
  17. musicismylife24
    Feb 5, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. You cannot listen to She or Sunflower and not become addicted to this album. Harry’s high notes in She reminds me of an old school Prince song.… Expand
  18. LsSiel
    May 29, 2020
    5
    De veras que amo "Watermelon sugar" y "Adore You" y quizás sólo por ellas me atrevo a darle la calificación de 5. Sin embargo siento que el resto del disco no es ni remotamente tan bueno.
  19. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 11, 2022
    6
    It appears Harry has taken the best parts of his debut and improved upon them. This record feels truly like something only he could do which is what makes it so impressive and diverse. The lead "lights up" gives a Harry like never before seen,in the video he's shirtless, dirty in a orgy of ckose body's seemingly setting off the unbearable sexuality rumours. It felt like a perfume genius NoIt appears Harry has taken the best parts of his debut and improved upon them. This record feels truly like something only he could do which is what makes it so impressive and diverse. The lead "lights up" gives a Harry like never before seen,in the video he's shirtless, dirty in a orgy of ckose body's seemingly setting off the unbearable sexuality rumours. It felt like a perfume genius No Shape era influenced bop,the chorus is built up to in a cathartic message to be yourself. "Adore You" is a passionate longing for something that won't work so rather than commit to it he revels in enjoying it's luxury. His first number 1 with a chorus that smart it's no surprise it took over the charts. In what I see to be the only misstep "canyon moon" Harry still sounds good but the song is empty, just words set to song without the personality that reinforces the strength his performances. The fun self depreciating "to be so lonely " is a short lived groove bound for many shower karaoke's. But out of all this and maybe his discography is the grabd title track. Omg i cannot stress the tracks draw. It's lyrics guilt and regret feel grown up and the instrumental build up and eventual catharsis (with trumpets even!) comes exactly when you need it. Despite it's 6min runtime it doesn't overstay it's welcome. It's a beacon of hope for what Harry is capable of and a crown in his discography.… Expand
  20. Lazlo1
    Aug 28, 2020
    4
    Un álbum que si bien tiene singles muy buenos, algunos tracks dejan mucho que desear. Creo que no es lo que quería hacer el propio artista, y que hasta a él mismo le ha costado encontrar el sonido. Con ganas de saber qué nos trae en el siguiente álbum, porque sin duda este no me ha convencido nada.
  21. Sonalidabir
    Dec 24, 2019
    5
    Listening to Fine Line was such a pleasant surprise. Definitely one of the best albums of the decade.
    It is best to listen it from first to the last song. Of these, Golden, Falling, She, To be so lonely, Canyon moon and Fine Line are the best songs for me. The title track Fine Line is timeless and will live on forever as one of the evergreen songs.
  22. idvntmind
    Dec 24, 2019
    5
    harry is such a good and kind person, we are always hoping he’s going to do something that will surprise us. and he did. he really did. he’s an amazing singer, writer and musician in general. u should listen his album. it’s perfect. u will feel a lot of emotions while listening and maybe it’s my favorite thing. anywayssss stream fine line! bye
  23. sieb04
    May 11, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Fine Line is (as you can hear) heavily inspired by creative geniuses like: David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Fleetwood Mac etc. Every song has that something that makes it interesting and fun to listen to. But it's not Harry Styles, and he is not yet on the creative level as those other artist where they found what fits them. Harry still plays around a bit too much with the sounds of other artists (heavily inspired). He hasn't really found what fits him, yet. And even though both of his albums are good and fun to listen to, I had hoped he had found a bit of his own style/lane a bit more on this album. In the end it is still a good album, but we all know he can do better! And make his OWN music.… Expand
  24. kassus
    Oct 30, 2020
    6
    Totally did not get the hype this album is recieving. Only liked half of the song on the album. Maybe he should've spent more time on this album cause it's not clear to me what he wanted to even convey.

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Q Magazine
    Dec 17, 2019
    60
    Free of the shackles that hobbled his debut, Styles manages to show more of his personality here, especially on the Vampire Weekend-style Sunflower, Vol. 6. It's just a shame he can't quite keep up with his ambition. [Feb 2020, p.110]
  2. Paste Magazine
    Dec 17, 2019
    73
    Fine Line is entirely inoffensive, but it’s also open-ended, and maybe those questions are the reward. Maybe Harry Styles just wants to keep us guessing.
    Read full review
  3. The A.V. Club
    Dec 17, 2019
    83
    Fine Line proves that the musician has absorbed the best lesson passed down by California’s great musicians: Don’t be afraid to take chances within a folk- or pop-rock framework, as that’s how you create iconoclastic music that endures.
    Read full review
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