January isn’t exactly known for being joyful. Winter feels endless, the pressure of “this is going to be my year!” is suddenly everywhere, and honestly, most of us have no idea what we’re doing. If you ask me, we could easily skip ahead to summer: brighter, longer, warmer days, sun on your skin, a soft summer breeze, late nights with your favorite people, and just enjoying life a little more.
If you’re anything like me and already counting down the days until summer, then Louis Tomlinson’s new album might be exactly what you need. “How Did I Get Here?”, released on January 23rd, sets the perfect tone for your future summer playlist.
This is the fourth album by the British singer and former One Direction member. While the band was very much focused in mainstream pop, Louis Tomlinson has continued to show a more personal and distinctive sound as a solo artist, exploring a rockier and indie-leaning sound.
The album was inspired by his trip to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, and co-produced by Nico Rebscher. Louis Tomlinson wanted to make a record that feels brighter and happier than his two earlier albums Walls and Faith in the Future–and you can really hear that intention throughout. He’s described it as “the album I always deserved to make,” and that confidence shows.
Tracks like “On Fire,” “Sunflowers,” and “Palaces” really capture that warm, summery feeling. They’re the kind of songs that instantly put you in a better mood and give off that light, carefree energy. At the same time, songs like “Last Night,” “Dark To Light,” and “Lucid” have a more sentimental side, but they still fit perfectly into the flow of the record. “Broken Bones” and “Jump The Gun” stand out with their sound and add some nice contrast to the record.
With How Did I Get Here?, Louis Tomlinson delivers a record that feels warm, confident, and genuinely fun to listen to. It’s the kind of album that makes winter feel a little less gloomy, and summer a little closer.