Louis Tomlinson’s third solo album finds him in a very comfortable, yet entirely new, place. Since the start of his solo career post-One Direction, Tomlinson has been searching for his personal sound and it is clear that he has found it. This album, as the name suggests, reflects exactly how he got here.
The opening track and lead single, “Lemonade,” introduces the record as a sugary-sweet summertime soundtrack, solidifying Tomlinson within the pop-rock genre. What’s new is the lightness and easy confidence that the One Direction alum stitched into each song.
“How Did I Get Here?” was largely recorded during a three-week session in Santa Teresa, Costa Rico, and the influence is clear. Tracks like “Sunflowers” and “Lazy” practically ooze sunshine, transporting the listener to a beachside vacation where they are “dreaming of a temporary heaven” alongside Tomlinson, as he sings in “Sunflowers.”
The bright new sound doesn’t erase Tomlinson’s previous work, though, as songs like “Palaces” — which is reminiscent of “Out of My System” from Tomlinson’s 2022 album “Faith in the Future” — and “Jump the Gun” retain the energetic bravado that is typical of his music.
Even as the record shifts darker on “Broken Bones,” Tomlinson succeeds in maintaining a clear tie to its overarching theme. He sings, “danger’s got a sweetness / and I’ve always loved the taste,” articulating the album’s goal of allowing oneself to enjoy life more.
This transitions nicely to “Dark to Light,” the most melancholic track with its slow climb to crescendo and gentle exploration of the questions that linger when grieving a loved one. Fans had speculated the song to be in reference to Liam Payne, Tomlinson’s former bandmate who died in 2024. The song highlights Tomlinson’s strength in lyricism and his ability to capture vulnerable emotions in a hard-hitting yet inspiring way.
The third and final single, “Imposter,” brings back the energy with its upbeat synth and guitar in a tune that is sure to be a pinnacle moment for fans when performed live. The final song is “Lucid,” a soft-rock tune on which Tomlinson delves into an almost dreamy view of reality. This track puts the whole record into perspective, inviting the listener into Tomlinson’s mind as he questions, “how did I get here?” In a grand moment of awed gratitude, the album comes to a close.
While Tomlinson’s confidence is refreshing and makes for a wonderful listen, it almost seems too comfortable. This record succeeds in everything it set out to do, though it leaves something to be desired when it comes to risk-taking. Despite lacking a distinctive greatness, the album remains fresh and energizing, a welcome listen and exciting step in Tomlinson’s career.
