Abby Campbell

Louis Tomlinson released his third studio album on Friday, titled How Did I Get Here. The title implies that the listener is reminiscing on the journey of Tomlinson’s life.

The album takes a pop/indie rock take, differentiating it from Tomlinson’s previous work. Walls and Faith in the Future, his first and second independent albums respectively, carry more of a melancholy style.

Fans of the 2010’s boyband, One Direction, have commonly labelled the singer as ‘lesser’ than the other members, despite being the biggest boy band to come out of the 2000’s.

It seems that the artist has approached his new album from a place of peace and confidence. He has thanked his fans for their continued support on his tour - Faith in the Future, during 2024.

The album kicks off with the single Lemonade, first released in September of last year.

The song begins with a lively beat that leans into psych pop, with an ambitious but distinctive personality. The track has been described by fans as being the perfect song for a festival stage.

Lemonade perfectly depicts Tomlinson’s development as a solo artist. Despite his earlier solo work placing him in the indie/alt-rock genre, this album has enabled him to add a breezier, pop sound to his discography.

Progressing through the album it's clear that Thomlinson has refused to stick with one genre, utilising a different theme in each track.

Jump the Gun captures a funk rock vibe, similar to Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Palaces is an emotionally raw and introspective track – one of the fan favourites.

Throughout the album, there are many pivotal points with bright disposition.

The eighth song on the album is titled Dark to Light. Tomlinson is said to be addressing his babysitter, who passed away from an overdose in 2019. The lyrics say: “I wish you could see how you look in my eyes.”

The restraint of the track helps bring out Louis’ soft vocals along with the muted electric guitar. Dark to Light also reminisces on Tomlinson’s mother, who passed away from cancer in 2016.

Fans are speculating that the track is also referring to his former One Direction band mate Liam Payne, who fell to his death in Buenos Aires in October 2024.

Lucid is the closing track, with mentions of the albums name in subtle whispers towards the end. This evokes a reflective feeling of personal tragedy and showcases the burden of having to create a separate identity from One Direction.

Even if Tomlinson had any feelings of insecurity when releasing this album, the fans who have followed him for over a decade will support him, no matter what.

Louis Tomlinson Takes A New Direction With His Music