As Harry Styles gears up to release his new single Aperture from his forthcoming fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco Occasionally., the pop star once again finds himself on the brink of reinvention. From boyband heartthrob to genre-fluid global icon, Styles has spent the last decade shaping a discography that blends vulnerability, flamboyance, rock bravado and pop perfection.
Ahead of this new era, here’s a look at five of his biggest hits. These are songs that not only topped charts but cemented his place as one of the most compelling artists of his generation.
1. Sign of the Times (2017)
The song that announced Harry Styles’ solo arrival remains one of his most powerful statements. Clocking in at nearly six minutes, Sign of the Times is a sweeping, piano-led ballad that wears its emotional weight unapologetically. Drawing comparisons to classic rock legends, the track revealed a depth and seriousness that few expected from a former boyband member. It truly detached his identity from his genre in One Direction and helped him come to his own. Its themes of mortality, fear and hope set the tone for an artist unafraid of grand gestures and emotional honesty.
2. Watermelon Sugar (2019)
If Sign of the Times showed Styles’ introspective side, Watermelon Sugar proved he could dominate carefree pop culture moments. Sun-soaked, euphoric and endlessly replayable, the track became a summer anthem. It went on to earn Styles his first Grammy win. With its tactile lyrics, the song captured joy in its purest form. The vibrancy from that song remains one of his biggest USP. A quality that has since become central to his musical identity.
3. Adore You (2019)
Gentler but no less impactful, Adore You showcased Styles at his most tender. Built around soft synths and heartfelt lyrics, the song celebrates devotion without irony. Its whimsical music video is set in the fictional town of Eroda, a gloomy town, which lights up when the protagonist finds a magic fish and eventually returns to the sea. The emotional openness reinforced his ability to balance pop accessibility with sincerity. This made Adore You one of his most beloved tracks among fans.
4. As It Was (2022)
A song deeply rooted in nostalgia of what life used to be, As It Was marked a turning point in Styles’ songwriting. The song’s pulsing beat contrasts sharply with lyrics about isolation, change and the cost of fame. Instantly viral and globally dominant, it became one of the biggest songs of the decade, proving that subtlety can still rule pop music when executed with precision.
5. Kiwi (2017)
Raw, chaotic and gloriously loud, Kiwi remains a fan-favourite for its unhinged energy. Rooted in garage rock influences, the track showcases Styles’ affinity for grit and unpredictability. It’s a reminder that beneath the polish lies an artist who thrives on edge and attitude. This song prompted fans to urge Harry to release a rock album since its release.
From introspective balladeer to pop superstar, unafraid of reinvention. As anticipation builds for Aperture, set to release at midnight on January 24, one thing is clear: Styles’ next era is poised to be just as defining as the hits that brought him here. His fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco Occasionally. is set to release on March 6 later this year.
Also Read: Harry Styles announces comeback with Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.
