Background

In “Lights Up”, Harry Styles was so bright. And he’s never gone back since.

“Lights Up” was released on October 2019, and served as the lead single for Harry Styles’ second studio album, Fine Line. It was written by Styles, Tyler Johnson, and Kid Harpoon, and produced by Johnson and Harpoon.

It’s far from Harry’s signature song. It’s definitely not his most commercially successful single. But I would rank the track as my personal favourite from Styles. The songwriting spoke to me then. It screams to me now.

The review delves into the song’s theme of enlightenment, its inherent replay value, and the high experienced by people who listenin to the track.

Do You Know Who You are?

In the span of three minutes, the energy from “Lights Up” transitions from fear to confidence. He begins with reservations and aversions to change. Things staying the same is convenient. But he quickly realises that embracing the light is liberating, and it is an experience that’s hard to walk away from. Truth can be easily weaponised by ourselves and people around us. But it also loses its power once everything is out in the open and there’s nothing to hide.

There are many moments in a person’s life where we are reminded of our fundamental truths. And having a companion in the form of a song always helps.

The track has a special place in my heart. I remember when I just relocated to Europe, and the song was playing on loop during a trip I had in the south of France. My decision to leave Asia was a reel that kept playing in my head. Questions linger, especially the decision to leave my family and friends behind. Despite also experiencing heartbreak within the first few months of moving, I still knew that the tradeoff was worth it. I was changing. I needed a place where I could be feel free to be myself. I was seeing more of the world, and consequently, rediscovering myself. And those realisations were my equivalents of “Lights Up”.

I’m Not Ever Going Back

Three minutes doesn’t seem to be sufficient listening time for “Lights Up”. A quick burst of energy appears, and before I have the opportunity to be bored, the track is finished. And to satisfy my craving, I end up listening to the song again.

The lack of structure in “Lights Up” is an interesting choice. In comparison to modern day pop songs, there isn’t a bridge. There is no climax. The song is a circle that goes around, instead of a straight line with a defined destination.

Harry also leaves an open question at the end. And it’s one without an easy answer. To reflect on whether I understand and I’m aware of my authentic self is difficult. So I go back and press replay. And now, I’m in an endless loop.

All the Lights Couldn’t Put Out the Dark

Styles confirmed that he was on psychedelic mushrooms while creating his sophomore album. And while I haven’t tried the substance, I can live vicariously through him and his music.

The track stays dreamy, and somewhat in a floating state. The production choices take me on a trip. The chants are inviting and urging me to let go. The choir is a community, enticing everyone to join in. His voice is stacked, and it sounds relaxed. The guitar note isn’t steady, and drifts as the song progresses. Nothing is too loud nor soft, and everything is just an amalgamation of different hypnotic elements that take me on a high.

And the music video helps build the imagery. It is one big hallucination (at least, in comparison to the life I live). He is in a dream state and is experiencing sensual overload. Sweaty bodies are pressing against each other. He’s seeing bright and vivid reds and greens. He’s floating on water, and also riding a motorcycle with wind blowing against him while he faces the opposite direction. He starts out smiling and aware, while seemingly loose and free from inhibitions at the end.

Conclusion

“Lights Up” is addicting. It’s worth repeating. And it gives a boost of courage.

Harry should be proud of the enlightenment he achieved when he released “Lights Up”. And while it means nothing to him, the song also helped me reached a similar state.