Fans have spoken. Louis Tomlinson’s new album How Did I Get Here? has been voted Best New Release of the Week in InMusic’s latest poll on X, winning by a landslide and underscoring the singer’s growing confidence as a solo artist. The project secured an overwhelming 82% of the vote, comfortably ahead of new releases from Harry Styles, XG, and Ari Lennox.
Released on January 23, 2026, How Did I Get Here? marks Tomlinson’s third solo album and his first since Faith in the Future (2022). Listeners have praised its lighter tone and melodic warmth, a notable shift from the heavier Britpop textures that defined much of his earlier work. The album leans into shimmering synths and pop-rock optimism, influenced in part by sessions recorded in Costa Rica. Tracks like “Lemonade” and the reflective ballad “Dark to Light,” dedicated to late One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, have resonated strongly with fans. The album’s debut day drew close to six million streams on Spotify.
Last New Music Friday carried a distinct One Direction nostalgia, as Harry Styles returned with his new single “Aperture,” which finished second in the poll with 16% of the vote. Despite the result, the track has already made history. “Aperture” delivered the biggest global Spotify debut ever for a solo male artist, surpassing 12 million streams in its first 24 hours. The song introduces a sleek future-disco sound and serves as the opening statement for Styles’ upcoming album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally., as well as his newly announced Together, Together world tour.
XG’s debut full-length album The Core (核) placed third with 2% of the vote. The project marks a bold artistic statement, blending house, R&B, and experimental pop while defining the group’s self-styled “X-POP” identity. Meanwhile, Ari Lennox’s Vacancy rounded out the poll.
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