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

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1530 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Jul 28, 2023
    10
    One of the best albums ever. Ever Since New York is such an underated song, but its the best one in the album. Thank you Harry Styles.
  2. Jul 25, 2023
    8
    Harry Styles is a king, beautiful debut definitely will like if you like soft rock, a must listen
  3. Jun 9, 2023
    9
    Incredible album, his best after Fine Line! From the dining table is absolutely gorgeous and one of his most underated songs as well. I also enjoyed his rock style a lot and he definitely should go back to a similar sound in his next record. This is how I would rank the tracks:

    1. MMITH= 7/10 2. Sign of the times= 10/10 3. Carolina= 10/10 4. Two Ghosts= 10/10 5. Sweet creature= 8/10
    Incredible album, his best after Fine Line! From the dining table is absolutely gorgeous and one of his most underated songs as well. I also enjoyed his rock style a lot and he definitely should go back to a similar sound in his next record. This is how I would rank the tracks:

    1. MMITH= 7/10
    2. Sign of the times= 10/10
    3. Carolina= 10/10
    4. Two Ghosts= 10/10
    5. Sweet creature= 8/10
    6. Only Angel= 10/10
    7. Kiwi= 9/10
    8. ESNY= 9/10
    9. Woman= 9/10
    10. FTDT= 10/10
    Expand
  4. Mar 30, 2023
    9
    What a debut album. Such a departure from the pure pop sound of One Direction. This is a mature and well-written introduction to Harry Styles as a solo artist
  5. Feb 1, 2023
    7
    The former One Direction member's debut album shows him in a completely different light.
  6. Nov 29, 2022
    5
    I think he has a kinda great voice but makes very boring music that's just generic and sounds like Shawn Mendes etc
  7. Nov 13, 2022
    10
    The best album of all the time every song is amazing, I love that you can go from songs like carolina, only angel to songs like meet me in the hallway or from the dining table
  8. Nov 11, 2022
    10
    This album is insanely amazing and totally out of the ordinary that anyone would imagine Harry Styles would go after leaving a boy band, deserved a much higher rating from critics.
  9. Oct 22, 2022
    10
    What a journey this album takes you into…starting from losing of all hope in meet me in the hallway…everything will be alright in sott…love and sunshine in sweet creature and rock n roll in kiwi and wrapping you in deepest melancholy in esny and from the dining table…man this is just great
  10. Jun 3, 2022
    10
    This is a truly underrated masterpiece where every song is good in it's own way.
  11. May 31, 2022
    7
    it's been a few years and i only listen to sign of the times, only angel and carolina. It's a great debut tho!
  12. May 26, 2022
    10
    It’s a warm album. Sign of the Times is exceptional. A great mixture of well-crafted songs
  13. May 21, 2022
    8
    I think it’s a great debut album, especially for a man that came out of a hugely comercial boyband. Most songs are great, lyrics are pretty good. “Sign of the Times” is his best song by far, hard to top it.
  14. May 20, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Best album my ears and mind are blessed after listening to this masterpiece Expand
  15. May 20, 2022
    10
    A vastly underrated album, but Harry's first as a solo act that shows his potential for the future.
  16. May 20, 2022
    10
    Great album with many fan favorites which create an incredible atmosphere in every arena Harry plays them in.
  17. May 20, 2022
    10
    a wonderful debut album. really showing his depth as a solo artist after the boyband era.
  18. May 19, 2022
    10
    to give an introductory start to its bases and the rock and alternative rhythms make this album a totally magical experience
  19. May 19, 2022
    10
    this album is it for me. Absolutely everything. Harrys house releases in 2 hours for me and I know it will slap as well but between fineline and hs1. hs1 is my favourite and holds a special place in my heart.
  20. May 18, 2022
    10
    Simplemente el mejor álbum debut de un artista masculino salido de una banda, tiene los mejores ritmos e influencias, suena tan melancólico y tan intimo
  21. May 16, 2022
    10
    immaculate album - all ten tracks were placed specifically to tell the ins and outs of a story ! favorites are from the dining table, ever since new york, and meet me in the hallway. sign of the times will remain a timeless classic.
  22. Nov 16, 2021
    6
    Harry's debut arrives unfinished and derivative. It's effectively a culling of muses to the point of nearly covering their songs. Instantly i heard the overwhelming influence of Beck's Sea Change on the entirety of the record with "since new york " basically being an outtake. Despite the albums absence of originality it's an interesting direction for the former pop boy band heartthrob. TheHarry's debut arrives unfinished and derivative. It's effectively a culling of muses to the point of nearly covering their songs. Instantly i heard the overwhelming influence of Beck's Sea Change on the entirety of the record with "since new york " basically being an outtake. Despite the albums absence of originality it's an interesting direction for the former pop boy band heartthrob. The lead single "sign of the times" despite it's heavy Bowie reference point is stunning. Showing off Harry's range like never before. It's moment's like these Harry is at his best when he let's go a little such as on the abrasive arrogance of "kiwi ". The heavy rock and roll is well executed sounding like an offshoot of the black keys,genuinely impressing . After this i was excited to see what he'll do once he fleshed out his own sound but even if he doesn't this record is solid enough to say that wouldn't be a train smash. Expand
  23. Oct 15, 2021
    1
    Get a personality, please. We already have one Bowie, we don't need his cheap impersonator who can't even write a song by himself.
  24. Sep 3, 2021
    0
    this **** is really bad ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏͏ ͏ ͏!
  25. Aug 20, 2021
    10
    Decided to give it a shot and Wow, it’s amazing. It’s been on repeat for days now!
  26. May 23, 2021
    10
    It's a different album, I loved it and I keep doing it. Its lyrics convey a lot like its sound. It really has unique sounds and amazing instrumental sounds too. I don't care about the opinion of supposed media, this album really should have been nominated for the grammys.
  27. Apr 18, 2021
    10
    Before the song:
    ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
    After the song:
    ( ͡⊙ ͜ʖ ͡⊙)
    Before the song:
    ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
    After the song:
    ( ͡⊙ ͜ʖ ͡⊙)
  28. Mar 21, 2021
    10
    perfect. perfect. perfect. perfect. perfect. perfect. perfect. perfect. perfect.
  29. Mar 20, 2021
    0
    Worst album by any 1D member. I don’t know how people actually like it. He didn’t put much effort in it clearly.
  30. Feb 25, 2021
    10
    fala nação rockeira! um debut de um rockstar inspirado no the rolling stones, merecia aoty
  31. Jan 16, 2021
    10
    THIS ALBUM IS A NO SKIP ALBUM. A masterpiece. I will never get over by how much creativity and talent harry has with lyrics. Beautiful
  32. Jan 16, 2021
    10
    really good, so soothing his voice, the middle tracks of the album are the most interesting, only angel is the most good track imo, it is lyricaly inspiring as well.
  33. Jan 15, 2021
    10
    A great album............................................................

    .


    .
  34. Nov 30, 2020
    8
    Harry's first album is good. Nice lyrics, amazing vocals. It's personal but with universal themes.
  35. Nov 28, 2020
    9
    This album made me fall in love with him. I love how he changed genre since 1D and experimented more with rock, that style really suits him! I wish every single album will be as good as this one
  36. Nov 24, 2020
    0
    The fact that he has so much promotion and appearances on tv or shows, it made me want to listen to his debut album. But this is just disappointing, I find myself skipping from every tracks.
  37. Nov 24, 2020
    10
    Harry Styles' debut album is a literal masterpiece, its the perfect mixture of pop and rock
  38. Oct 30, 2020
    10
    Brillante, talentoso y verdaderamente creativo se nota que Styles quiere dejar atrás sus años de chico boyband
  39. Oct 28, 2020
    10
    melhor álbum do mundoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
  40. Oct 18, 2020
    10
    sou completamente cadela desse álbum, harry styles faz absolutamente tudo sempre
  41. Sep 27, 2020
    10
    After listening to Fine Line, Harry Styles’s sophomore album, I had to check this one out and I wasn’t disappointed! The artist Harry has become is amazing and very interesting.
  42. Sep 20, 2020
    10
    Love this album! What an amazing introduction to Harry Styles solo music. It's clear Styles has been heavily influenced by legendary musicians and bands like Elton John, the Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd and and ultivated his own unique aesthetic. Not many male musicians today are doing it like him!
  43. Aug 31, 2020
    0
    the music is very boring. i literally fell asleep while listening to it of how boring it is.
  44. Aug 30, 2020
    10
    Iconic! Iconic! Im over the moon with this album, an incredible experience! I loved it
  45. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Very diverse album. Harry can go from ballads to hard rock on the same album and nail both. Very proud.
  46. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Hey harry i just want u to know that i would love to have a threesome with u and Shawn Mendes
  47. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. hs1 is a simply incredible album, with a sad and romantic sound. hs1 has a sound that refers to “big” names in the song. This album is a work of art from start to finish ❤️❤️❤️✨ Expand
  48. Aug 25, 2020
    9
    Un disco alucinante, que despunta en melodías, producción y, sobretodo, originalidad y desparpajo por parte de un Harry Styles completamente renovado y más maduro. Fantástico, uno de los mejores trabajos de pop que he escuchado nunca.
  49. Aug 23, 2020
    7
    Harry Styles delivers so much of himself on tunes that sound like they were written decades ago. Even though it often leans on too little newness and occasional bland melodies, it is an impressive, unexpected yet fitting debut.
  50. Aug 20, 2020
    10
    Excelente trabajo, posee una buena producción, gran carisma y mucha ambición y personalidad sin caer ni de lejos en lo pretencioso.
  51. Aug 12, 2020
    10
    It's amazing. A work crafted with love that makes me feel good every time I listen. MMITH and FTDT are my favorites.
  52. Aug 7, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The only thing that can be a hit or face reveal yourself or you are gonna was a great app and I couldn’t stop thinking it about the music I love it here and it has been so pretty good for me my kids and love it and it makes it fun and I wanna see how much I wanna is the I’ve seen Expand
  53. Aug 3, 2020
    10
    Amazing experience, you can feel the emotions as you listen to the songs. Really pure and simple album, but expressive and sensible.
  54. Jul 30, 2020
    10
    we stan, this album is amazing not like that **** of melodrama. harry deserves the world and one direction should get back together cause we stan all the 1D members
  55. Jul 25, 2020
    10
    Como álbum de estreia do Harry, vejo um álbum maduro, deixando a imagem de apenas um integrante de uma boyband, a potência vocal é bastante explorada nas faixas Sweet creature e sign of the time, pulando pro rock em only angel e kiwi e ate as mais melancólicas como from the dining table e meet me in the hallway, boas letras e bons sons.
  56. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Such a great album, no skips at all, you’ll want to listen to every song. Harry Styles is a very talented artist, and I’m glad the public is finally starting to see that.
  57. Jul 12, 2020
    9
    Sign of the Times is a MASTERPIECE. That on its own deserves to pull up the score. Kiwi, Woman, and Only Angel are phenomenal and they were practically made to be played live. This was his debut solo album and he differentiated himself from his typical One Direction pop. Obviously, he wasn't going to do an entire 180, but for the position he was in and the years he was in One Direction,Sign of the Times is a MASTERPIECE. That on its own deserves to pull up the score. Kiwi, Woman, and Only Angel are phenomenal and they were practically made to be played live. This was his debut solo album and he differentiated himself from his typical One Direction pop. Obviously, he wasn't going to do an entire 180, but for the position he was in and the years he was in One Direction, this album was revolutionary for him. It led him into making the INCREDIBLE music he makes now. I don't take criticism. Expand
  58. Jun 27, 2020
    7
    This is a good debut that shows that he can stand on his own after One Direction. The songs do feel overly simplified and studio controlled however it is cool to see him find his own voice.
  59. Jun 6, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album has all the right instrumentals and many different beats. The songs Only angel and two ghosts have extremely different sounds, but for me personally, it all makes sense because there’s a story to this album. Harry really worked hard to put this all together. Many of the songs on this album are perfect for a road trip, which I personally enjoy. Expand
  60. May 31, 2020
    9
    Harry Styles' debut solo self-titled album is one of the better types of debut records I have seen from a male artist. Each song is a lyrical piece of art and sometimes the production is too much for the songs, but the vocals are unfailing. I enjoy the length of the album because it ensures that the style doesn't become diluted and feel stale in the end. This is definitely one of the bestHarry Styles' debut solo self-titled album is one of the better types of debut records I have seen from a male artist. Each song is a lyrical piece of art and sometimes the production is too much for the songs, but the vocals are unfailing. I enjoy the length of the album because it ensures that the style doesn't become diluted and feel stale in the end. This is definitely one of the best male pop-rock albums I have ever come across.

    Album Track Ranking:
    1. Only Angel
    2. Two Ghosts
    3. Sign of the Times
    4. Sweet Creature
    5. Kiwi
    6. Carolina
    7. Ever Since New York
    8. Woman
    9. From the Dining Table
    10. Meet Me in the Hallway
    Expand
  61. May 29, 2020
    8
    Um excelente trabalho para desvincular a imagem de Harry Styles como garoto de boy band.
    Sonoridade com influências perceptíveis de rock britânico e vocais surpreendentes.
  62. Apr 24, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Achei o álbum mt bom, um álbum estilo folk, passa uma vibe The Beatles recomendo escutar n conhecia esse menino, tem muito talento. Hrdhfddttyuuiuffytfu Expand
  63. May 14, 2020
    10
    Really good, i love it!! I think it's really diferent that he used to do in one direction, but it's diferent in a good way!!
  64. Apr 2, 2020
    10
    Harry Styles is an album so we'll done with incredible vocalists and musicians all around. Perfect album.
  65. Mar 29, 2020
    10
    This album is literally Harry Styles experimenting his solo career, everything in this album screams the oldies good classics. Is a masterpiece.
  66. Mar 27, 2020
    10
    This album is a wonderful start for a solo career. Harry shows brightly how talented he are and how far can he go in the future. Sign of the times particularly is such an epic song, so perfectly composed and From the dining table is a perfect composition to show the sadness after a break up! Keep an eye on this guy... he’s going to win even more things in the future!
  67. Mar 27, 2020
    10
    ta perfeito porr4 uma obra de arte e eh um debut aindaaa, harry styles faz TUDO
  68. Mar 27, 2020
    10
    In matter of debut albums, Harry's and Billie Eilish's are the best ones out there. Great album, it simply aged like the finest wine.
  69. Mar 26, 2020
    10
    most talented human being on earth i said qhat i said and i’m totally right
  70. Mar 26, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Jdsssssssssssshdhddhdjdhdjdbdbbdjdjdhdbdhdhfhfjfhfjfjfjfjfjfjfjfjfjfjf Verry gooosd Expand
  71. Mar 25, 2020
    8
    I respect Harry Styles so much after hearing this album, which was his first. I think it's a pretty good album with an exception of two songs I didn't really like. Awesome lyrics but some rhythms and the music is pretty basic.
  72. Mar 24, 2020
    6
    Amazing Debut a little pretentious but nevertheless a great try at music already made.
  73. Feb 27, 2020
    10
    album perfeito, emocionante e com conceito parabéns harry agora o pop/rock depende de voce
  74. Aug 30, 2019
    10
    One of the best debut albums of the decade. Good writing and great melodies.
  75. Feb 17, 2020
    10
    It is definitely my favorite album ever, although I live and love fine line, this will always be the one.
  76. Feb 16, 2020
    10
    perfeito. harry é de longe o melhor ex one direction.
    todas as músicas sao incríveis. melodia, harmonia e composição estão perfeitas. Harry é um astro
  77. Feb 12, 2020
    6
    This is Harry Styles debut album after departing from one direction. It's not shocking to hear mixed reviews for a debut album. This album is ok. Some of the songs are confusing. However there are some pure bops in here.

    64/100
    64%
    6/10
  78. Feb 8, 2020
    10
    Love it really good very sentimental and some really spunky songs like Kiwi Only angel woman or Carolina
  79. Feb 8, 2020
    9
    Even though I like this album because of the rock influence, i think it was a little of a mix. But other than that it's a great album with good music
  80. Feb 6, 2020
    8
    Risky you came from a totally pop boy-band and release a debut rock/country album. And that for Harry Styles couldn't have worked better, the results of all aspects that came out of it were fruitful. The vocals are spectacular, and their compositions people, is obviously one of the best things to highlight in this album. Art is also probably one of the most beautiful works of art on theRisky you came from a totally pop boy-band and release a debut rock/country album. And that for Harry Styles couldn't have worked better, the results of all aspects that came out of it were fruitful. The vocals are spectacular, and their compositions people, is obviously one of the best things to highlight in this album. Art is also probably one of the most beautiful works of art on the album this year. Expand
  81. Feb 6, 2020
    10
    A very fresh pop kinda rockish album that you can’t find in mainstream artists nowadays. Very cohesive pice of work with a great display of vocal abilities.
  82. Feb 6, 2020
    10
    What can I say? This is already classics! Thanks for existing, Mr. Harry F*cking Styles!!!
  83. Feb 6, 2020
    10
    Exceeds expectations! Harry is clearly the breakout star of 1d and the one who will be making a name for himself as an icon. The Beyonce of 1d has shown himself!
  84. Dec 15, 2019
    10
    Brilliant. An album for a lifetime. And sign of the times is a masterpiece.
  85. Feb 5, 2020
    10
    GREAT album, enjoyed every single second of it. haven’t heard anything like that in years before. harry makes the music industry better, no doubt.
  86. Feb 1, 2020
    10
    This album is amazing, it's sounds perfect and has beautiful songs on it. Harry is an incredible artist for this generation.
  87. Feb 1, 2020
    10
    This is a brilliant album!! He is open and expresses everything he has felt. This rocky album is a must! I will continue to constantly listen to it!
  88. Jan 31, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A magnificent album, with wonderful songs and which in turn has lyrics. Carolina, Sweet Creature and Woman are the best songs and we can be sure of that! The half pop and half rock footprint makes everything even more perfect. A truly splendid album! Expand
  89. Jan 31, 2020
    10
    This album got me surprised in many ways. The first single "sign of the times", made me have another point of view about him, in the post one direction hiatus context. This album reminds me the 80s rock, and it feels like he was born for it. He's a superstar.
  90. Jan 30, 2020
    10
    O album tem um som vintage e navega por entre diferentes estilos musicais, incluindo muito folk e rock. Claramente podemos ver que ele pegou muitos artistas do rock clássico como inspiração mas isso não torna o album menos original. Em questão de letras podemos ver que Styles usou muita construção de cenário, fazendo nos, inconcientemente, imaginar a cena exatamente como ele queria.O album tem um som vintage e navega por entre diferentes estilos musicais, incluindo muito folk e rock. Claramente podemos ver que ele pegou muitos artistas do rock clássico como inspiração mas isso não torna o album menos original. Em questão de letras podemos ver que Styles usou muita construção de cenário, fazendo nos, inconcientemente, imaginar a cena exatamente como ele queria. Podemos, por esse album ver a evolução de um "simples" menino de uma boy band para um astro do rock, que trás sons orgânicos e desconhecidos na indústria musical atual
    .
    Expand
  91. Jan 27, 2020
    8
    Because of an album like FOUR from One Direction, I didn’t like HS1 from the first listen. It gave me FOUR vibes but I had to listen to it a couple times to understand the differences between the two albums. The rocky songs I loved from the jump along with ballads like Sign Of The Times. But the others needed more listens and by now, I love the whole album. It’s beautifully written, veryBecause of an album like FOUR from One Direction, I didn’t like HS1 from the first listen. It gave me FOUR vibes but I had to listen to it a couple times to understand the differences between the two albums. The rocky songs I loved from the jump along with ballads like Sign Of The Times. But the others needed more listens and by now, I love the whole album. It’s beautifully written, very mature, and vocally amazing. Harry did a good job with his debut. Expand
  92. Jan 25, 2020
    10
    This is such a good album!! All songs are amazing!! Great job. This is actually one of my favorite albums.
  93. Jan 10, 2020
    10
    Amazing album, his voice is perfect, the songs are perfect, BRILLIANT, congrats boy!
  94. Dec 30, 2019
    8
    A great beginning for the ex one direction frontman. The sound engineering is the best part of the whole LP that make it sounds more alternative and indie even if it’s still a good poprock job.
  95. Dec 27, 2019
    10
    This album will always be close to my heart! Every song tells a different story and yet they fit together perfectly!
  96. Dec 26, 2019
    10
    Such a refreshing album. Not your generic pop that you’d hear on the radio. You can tell he enjoys the music he makes.
  97. Dec 26, 2019
    10
    this album has done so much for me. there’s something special about it. it’s a perfect album.
  98. Dec 25, 2019
    10
    I haven’t stopped listening to it since it’s release over two years ago.
  99. Dec 25, 2019
    10
    Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 24
  2. 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. 80
    Ultimately Harry Styles feels comfortable and readily worn-in.
  3. May 18, 2017
    58
    The missteps don’t detract too much from this ambitious, if slightly unfocused, debut.