Harry Styles, Sweet Creature | Track Review 🎵

Harry Styles returns with a second single, “Sweet Creature,” ahead of his debut album, ‘Harry Styles.’ “Sweet Creature” falls short of “Sign of the Times.”

Harry Styles returns with his second solo single, “Sweet Creature.”  Styles certain kicked off his solo career with a bang with the release of promo single, “Sign of the Times”.  He managed to get ‘everybody and his brother’ talking about his new music.  While the getting is hot, ahead of Harry Styles (May 12, 2017), he drops his “Sweet Creature.”

“Sweet Creature” sounds old-fashioned from the jump.  The rhythmic guitar lines are familiar, even though this is a brand-new song from Styles.  On the positive side, this resembles the folk music of the 60s and the 70s, with better sound quality.  Clearly, Styles seeks to channel the past, and he accomplishes this without question.  Vocally, he delivers a balanced performance that is poised when it’s supposed to be and features more grit and oomph in the appropriate places.  His musicianship isn’t questionable here – he clearly has an old soul, which isn’t a bad thing in 2017.

Still, “Sweet Creature” is imperfect. In some respects, Styles runs into a small problem he had with “Sign of the Times.”  On “Sign of the Times,” certain moments didn’t ascend to the next level – it was too static.  This was, to reiterate, a small rub on “Sign of the Times” thanks to the beauty of the record and Styles having a song where he could stretch his voice.  On “Sweet Creature,” he has less room for error.  This is a more stripped, acoustic cut, and there’s a lower ceiling for him to elevate this record.  He tries, showing off his range and adding a hint of excitement, but “Sweet Creature” doesn’t have the same potent ingredients as “Sign of the Times.”

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, “Sweet Creatures” doesn’t quite ascend to the high marks established by “Sign of the Times.” Styles’ love of vintage music is and always will be a pro.  However, Styles, despite nailing his first solo single, is in danger of not fulling developing his music.  That’s the case with “Sweet Creatures,” which has its sweet moments alongside its boring ones.

Harry Styles • Harry Styles • Columbia • Release: 5.12.17 

Photo Credit: Columbia