Harry Styles’ first album away from One Direction, last year’s self-titled record, had a greater classic rock influence than anybody probably expected it would. That said, it looks like he may be keeping his solo career One Direction-like in at least one respect.
The group put out albums very often, one per year between 2011 and 2015. It wouldn’t be surprising, then, to see Styles, used to this sort of schedule, put out his next solo album at some point this year to quickly follow up his 2017 effort. It looks like this might actually be happening, since at a show in Basel, Switzerland over the weekend, Styles decided to perform two brand new songs live.
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Fans are referring to one song as either “Anna” or “Oh, Anna” based on its title, and that track is a melodic and huge pop rock tune that samples a guitar hook from “Faith” by George Michaels. Styles sings on the song, “I don’t want your sympathy, but you don’t know what you do to me / Oh, Anna! / Every time I see your face, there’s only so much I can take / Oh, Anna!”
Then there’s “Medicine,” a more bombastic and anthemic song that, like “Anna,” falls in line with Styles’ new retro aesthetic. He sings, “Can I take my medicine, take my medicine / Rest it on your fingertips / Up to your mouth, feeling it out / Feeling it out.”
Watch some fan-shot footage of Styles performing “Anna” and “Medicine” above.
