“Aperture”
Tristan: This track is the lead single for the album, debuting on Jan. 23. Opening tracks are always a make-or-break for me, and I truly think “Aperture” was chosen correctly here. The synth sound is purposeful, bold and exploratory, showcasing a breakthrough and revelation of self-acceptance.
Although embarrassing to admit, I had to look up what the title meant. Aperture refers to an opening, hole or gap. Styles said it best here, “aperture lets the light in.” We have to be willing to open up in order for positive things to come into our lives.
Favorite Lyric: “I won’t stray from it, I don’t know these spaces / Time won’t wait on me, I wanna know what safe is.”
“American Girls”
Hannah: Styles explained that this song was about the loneliness he feels when he watches his friends fall in love and get married. I didn’t get loneliness from it, but I can pick up on that pettiness or shame that may come with being lonely while your friends are happy and in love.
This song would benefit heavily from a different bridge. It is short and it’s nothing we haven’t already heard before. The chorus is already repetitive, so instead of having a break for the bridge, we are simply listening to the same lyrics over and over again. It’s exhausting because the lyrics aren’t deep or entertaining. Obviously, his vocals are great, but they aren’t enough to make this song interesting.
Favorite Lyric: I don’t have a favorite lyric. I am sorry.
“Ready, Steady, Go!”
Tristan: I wouldn’t rank this track as one of my favorites, but it’s still not bad by any means. Although I think the lyrics fall short, the beat makes up for it tenfold. It packs a gnarly punch. Specifically, those broken parts throughout the song make me see strobe lights everywhere in my head. Such a disco rave, I just wish I could get behind the lyrics.
Favorite Lyric: “One time in the light, it’s two times as fun already.”
“Are You Listening Yet?”
Hannah: I read what he said about this song, but I don’t understand what he meant, so bear with me for a moment. This song is about self-awareness and self-reflection. People tend to ignore their thoughts and habits. Styles noticed that he did this as well. After this realization, he could no longer ignore these thoughts and patterns. Therefore, “Are you listening yet?” is a challenge to himself to ensure he listens to himself. Make sense? I hope so.
There are some very strong Gorillaz vibes, which made me wish that this was just a Gorillaz song. However, this song isn’t bad. Like the songs before it, it features a very strange theme of random techno noises. I understand this is a part of the disco theme or whatnot, but I’m not a fan. The lyrics are strange, which seems to be the point because these are thoughts and patterns Styles wished to ignore. The lyrics honestly make this a stand-out from the others. It is raw and real and clearly very personal.
Favorite Lyric: “You like the way she talks, but never what she says.”
“Taste Back”
Tristan: This track is one of my favorites on the album. I could practically visualize all of the fan edits the infamous TikTok editors were going to make to this song.
I get a whimsical-synth vibe from the opening, which automatically pulls me in. Styles is also utilizing his deeper register in each of the verses for a change in pace. It’s so fluid, I don’t know how else to put it. The chorus especially makes me want to visually play every main character moment I think I’ve ever had. I’ve already seen a few people creating a TikTok trend to the lyrics “you just need a little love.” Very wholesome and perfect for the springtime weather.
Favorite Lyric: “Must be lonely out in Paris if you talk like that.”
“The Waiting Game”
Hannah: Okay, we’re getting somewhere. The Waiting Game is about the feelings that can stir up when you avoid responsibility in a relationship. It dances around the truth and shares the frustration of waiting for something to change without taking any action.
This is good and, in my opinion, the best song on the album so far. (Future Hannah here! Pop is the best song on the album.) I know I keep saying this, but the choruses of these songs aren’t interesting enough to be repeated as much as they are. I’m missing a bridge to break up all the repetitiveness.
Favorite Lyric: “A personality, considering you’ve been a little over honest lately.”
“Season 2 Weight Loss”
Tristan: This one isn’t my favorite, but it’s still not a bad track. The synthesizer is a tad overpowering, which is a bummer because I do like the vocals and production of the backing track. I also just think the lyrics are a tad too repetitive.
After a few more listens, though, the chorus gets way catchier. I’ve been waiting the entirety of the album to get a glimpse of the iconic Harry Styles vocals, so I was thoroughly satisfied with the backing track and the impressive chorus.
Favorite Lyric: “You’re steaming in, swinging with your eyes closed / Let light come in once in awhile”
“Coming Up Roses”
Hannah: It’s like Styles looked into a mirror and saw all of his fears and dreams and shoved it into a song. There’s some hope and some doubt. Are we made for each other? He doesn’t know, but he does know that he loves them.
It is not a coincidence that the slow ballad with minimal techno noises is closer to the top of my favorites list. I’m actually a fan of this chorus, so I don’t mind that we didn’t get a bridge. We also got a very lovely instrumental break. I could see this being in an episode of Bridgeton, where the two lovers dance in a crowded room, but all they can see is each other. Anyway, this was the most old-school Styles to me. I could see this being on an older album.
Favorite Lyric: “But I’m scared if we’re both right, does that mean we’re not aligned?”
“Pop”
Tristan: Mr. Styles is back with an intimate song revolving around none other than intimacy. I love a good double meaning. We have a pop king singing about making a lover “pop.” Do with this what you will.
This beat is so sensual, yet so synth- pop coded. I didn’t really think that could ever be true, but it works so well in this song. It’s addicting, it’s danceable and it’s full of passion. Those three things will do it for me every time.
Favorite Lyric: “Am I in over my head? This could go anywhere”
“Dance No More”
Hannah: This song is about how Styles wishes he could be amongst everyone else for a change. He is tired of being the one to perform and not the one to dance in a crowd. There is a strong feeling of disconnection, like he isn’t getting the full experience as the performer.
The beat is fun. I don’t even mind the ad-libs. I think having one verse was the correct choice with a song like this, especially with the pre-chorus. We have a bridge as well, and it’s a good one. The whole disco theme actually worked well with this song.
Favorite Lyric: “There’s no difference between the tears and the sweat.”
“Paint by Numbers”
Tristan: Track 11 brings us the slowest song on the album. It also has the shortest amount of lyrics on the entire album, but I think the message is clear, nonetheless. Learning to “paint by numbers” refers to learning how to act, behave, or just show yourself in the face of society. Learning what’s acceptable, what’s frowned upon, what makes you happy, etc. We’re all just trying to find ourselves and how to fit into an overly complicated society.
Favorite Lyric: “It’s a little bit complicated when they put an image in your head, and now you’re stuck with it.”
“Carla’s Song”
Hannah: Carla’s Song is the last song on the album. It is seemingly about the joy of discovering nature and life. It feels very carefree and adventurous.
I don’t know what I don’t like about this one, but I really don’t like it.
Favorite Lyric: “Ignorance or innocence, call it what you wanna.”
