How Did I Get Here? (Deluxe Italian Version)

On his bright and breezy third set How Did I Get Here?, English singer/songwriter Louis Tomlinson embraces the sunnier side of his usual pop/rock approach. The end product is a highly enjoyable and feel-good experience that is fit for lounging around on a warm weather day before heating things up on a sweaty summer night. Indeed, Tomlinson took inspiration for the album on a trip to Costa Rica, and that "pura vida" ethos is apparent here. The opening run of "Lemonade" to "Lazy" brims with warmth, while the sweet rockers "Last Night" and "Dark to Light" deepen the emotional impact. When he injects a bit more raw energy into the mix, the results are a thrill, as in the case of the single "Palaces" and the arena-ready "Broken Bones." Every song could be a single, but its the late-album cut "Imposter" that has the most potential to be a huge hit, a pulsing synth-laden pop jam that demands repeat listens. A sizeable shift in tone and emotion from 2022s excellent Faith in the Future, this equally enjoyable release finds Tomlinson on a winning 2020s streak. ~ Neil Z. Yeung