“How Did I Get Here?” is the third solo album by Louis Tomlinson. It features upbeat anthems and is thought-provoking. It further shows how he has evolved from his days in One Direction with meaningful lyricism and catchy songs.

Let’s now address some of the key tracks:

Lemonade:

Well, if you have not heard this, where have you been? It’s been played heavily across the airwaves. The opener features groove-heavy guitars and an upbeat, summer-vibe melody over breezy pop.

Palaces:

My absolute standout on the record. It’s packed with indie-rock energy, with reflective lyrics that address fame and relationships. You can tell how much indie influences his sound.

Dark Light:

The most emotional track on the album. This acoustic ballad discusses vulnerability, grief and loss.

Imposter:

This one reminded me of Empire of the Sun’s music. It addresses self-doubt and identity over atmospheric soundscapes and pulsating bass.

Sunflowers & Lazy (Two tracks):

Upon hearing these, I had to check to see who the producer was, because I was sure it was Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker. It wasn’t, but they had that bright psychedelic rock feel synonymous with Tame Impala.

Lucid:

The album closes with a gentle yet melancholic soundscape that ties back to the record’s title theme.

I prefer “How Did I Get Here” to his previous album. It shows another confident step forward, with its craft, varied emotions, new soundscapes, and meaningful lyricism. I didn’t see much mainstream pop on display, but indie rock, lo-fi, and psychedelia. Tracks like ‘Palaces’ show that he’s starting to settle as a solo artist. The album is a fine balance of uplifting and reflective tracks that keep the listener interested.

Song recommendations: ‘Palaces’, ’Sunflowers’, ‘Lucid’

8/10