“With Aperture in particular, I think just wanting to have a lot of fun when playing it was a big part of what I ended up making.” He also credits joyous inspiration from both LCD Soundsystem and The Durutti Column.
With lyrics like “Dance halls, another cadence”, it feels like a clear nod to the track’s hypnotic pulse. It’s the kind of song that instantly makes me want to lose myself on the dancefloor. I’m ready to make out and dance, surrounded by friends and strangers having just as much fun. It’s the kind of night you don’t forget, and end up basing the next morning’s deep, meaningful conversation on.
2. American Girls
Abigale Coleman: “Sonically, I think it could be a very synth and electric guitar-heavy track that’s also a bit sparkly, but structured more like traditional pop, versus the Euro-dance pop direction from Aperture. Lyrically, I think it could be something along the lines of ‘American girls have me in a chokehold.’”
With Harry’s Americanised dating history, I wonder if that could be the inspiration? No judging on my part if true, I feel the same about American guys. Here’s to hoping for some Insta-worthy captions.
3. Ready, Steady, Go!
Charlotte Rollin: “There’s no other way to picture ‘Ready, Steady, Go!’ than upbeat, fast, and exciting. As the third track on the album, it feels likely we’ll still be firmly in disco-leaning, scene-setting territory. The exclamation mark feels very Panic! at the Disco coded, but I think it’s most likely an artistic choice that signals energy and vivaciousness.
“Harry has run a few marathons in his time off from touring — are we embracing sports and getting the perfect soundtrack to accompany our own parkruns?”
4. Are You Listening Yet?
Abigale: “I think this will be framed in a ‘love wins’ type of way, and I think it could touch on themes of grief, loss, and the collective melancholy of the state of the world. I’m anticipating ‘don’t you know that love conquers all’ type messaging. Sonically, very hopeful, like the climax of Fine Line, which we all know and love.”
5. Taste Back
Abigale: “This is giving ‘I had Covid, and I can finally smell again’ or ‘I’m getting my personality back’ type of energy. Similar vibes to when it’s been a while since you’ve felt like yourself, and you’re finally getting your taste back. I could anticipate this being drum and guitar-heavy, like the bridge in Satellite.”
6. The Waiting Game
Charlotte: “I’m desperate for this to build to the most perfect, scream-worthy bridge that’s a symbol of persistence finally paying off, with a perfect pop beat to accompany it.”
“When I read The Waiting Game, however, I also feel a sense of sadness or anxiety (am I projecting?). It feels like desperately holding out for something and not quite getting the outcome you hoped for. Will this be our big ballad? While it’s tempting to assume the record will lean fully into the addictive, synthy, LCD Soundsystem-esque energy, it wouldn’t feel like Harry without a sense of emotional balance, even if I’m not sure that I’m ready for it.”
7. Season 2 Weight Loss
As a Mounjaro girlie, is Harry about to sing about the struggles of GLP-1 users when we’re fighting for our lives to finish a succulent meal? Most likely not, but a girl can dream. I’m sure this will likely be a nod to his new era and new sound. Shedding whatever’s been holding you down, and raring to go with the weight lifted off your shoulders.
8. Coming Up Roses
We know that coming up roses signifies things going well, but all I can think of is “Everything’s Coming Up Milhouse” — will we get a Milhouse reference? I can already tell this is going to be such a feel-good song, and a vibe to listen to when I hopefully secure my Together, Together tour tickets.
9. Pop
Abigale: “Despite the title, I have a feeling this might be one of the most house-heavy tracks on the album. I can see it playing with the typical pop structure and stretching it out, similar to Aperture. Heavy synths, a fast BPM, a nasty bassline, with a sprinkle of camp.”
10. Dance No More
This either feels like it’s going to be all about the night being over, but the beat is still running through you, hence the name, or continuing to dance when someone tries to ruin the vibe. I’m hoping it’s just as catchy as Music For a Sushi Restaurant and basically the whole of Harry’s House.
11. Paint by Numbers
Charlotte: “It’s the year of analogue living after all, and perhaps Paint by Numbers is an homage to slowing down. Harry’s discography is the perfect example of duality, and maybe this track explores what it means to construct an image of someone from tiny fragments of information. Sonically, it feels like it could lean stripped-back.”
12. Carla’s Song
Charlotte: “Who is Carla? I was (and still am) completely broken by Matilda, so I’m really hoping for another emotional, hard-hitting ballad.
“Carla’s Song could also be a reference to the 1996 Ken Loach film, which makes it feel like it could land somewhere between haunting and hopeful. It’s also possible our resident fruit-loving king is referring to the Italian apple ‘Mela Carla’, and honestly, after cherries, watermelon, kiwis, strawberries and grapejuice, maybe apples are up next. Either way, Harry’s closing tracks always linger. Fine Line, you will always be famous.”
Are we reaching guys? We’ll catch you back here on the 6th March for a debrief.