Harry Styles. That’s it. That’s the story… just kidding!

Almost two and a half years after debuting his solo album, Harry Styles has made a beautiful comeback with the single released last Friday titled “Lights Up.” The former One Direction member broke the internet on National Coming Out Day, after releasing a music video for what could be the bisexual anthem of your lifetime. 

While fans have been anticipating new music for a long time, there was little speculation about the single, given the fact that he only began posting teasers on his social media just hours before the songs release. Additionally, these clues were his first posts in over a year. 

The new song and video shows a never before seen side of Styles and implies his transformation as not only an artist but as a person as well. 

“All the lights couldn't put out the dark runnin' through my heart. Lights up and they know who you are, know who you are, do you know who you are?" Styles sings during the chorus. 

Many fans speculate that Styles is finally addressing his sexuality with this song’s lyrics, although he has said on numerous occasions that he doesn’t feel the need to label it. However, he still leaves fans wondering and doesn’t discuss the topic directly. 

Nonetheless, he implies that he has finally found who he really is and won’t go back into the darkness of hiding his true self. “Shine, step into the light. Shine, so bright sometimes. Shine, I’m not ever going back,” Styles belts. 

While the song's lyrics alone may not be enough to show you that Styles is the new sexually fluid king, the video is sure to do it. It includes clips of Styles shirtless, being held onto by provocative dancers, who are both female and male.

There are also clips of Styles riding around the streets with someone on a motorcycle and ones of him sitting in the water in a beautiful sparkling blouse, giving off tons of David Bowie vibes.

Both the audio and visuals for “Lights Up” are unique and unlike anything his former band mates have been releasing. While most of them have stuck to mainstream pop, Styles has created his own indie rock-pop fusion genre that uses his soulful voice to its fullest extent. 

While I was never super into Styles or his band during the One Direction days, I fell in love with everything about him after he released the Harry Styles LP and I was able to see him live at Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit. This new project simply deepened the love I already had for the musician.

That being said, whether you have previously been a fan of him or not, you should definitely check out Styles’ music as soon as possible. No matter if you are in middle school or on your way to retirement, Harry Styles is an artist that everyone can enjoy and I cannot wait until he releases album number two.

The newest tune and music video shows that his talent can go far and I am sure it will grow even further as the years go on. 

Echo Grade: 8.5/10

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