How Did I Get Here – Review 
Louis Tomlinson’s 3rd solo studio album was released on January 23rd 2026, and personally, he’s been on a winning streak ever since 2020.
Words by Nicole Dragos
It is not hard to spot how comfortable Tomlinson got with this record and how he is speaking straight from the heart to his fans and loved ones. Tomlinson kickstarted this exciting new era with his first single, “Lemonade“, giving fans a hint of what they’re in for. As an overall impression of the album, Tomlinson has displayed his confidence in his voice, which has immensely progressed in range since his previous album, and his lyrics, writing more freely and striving to bring fun back.
The atmosphere of this record mixes psychedelic pop with funk, synth, and indie rock, leaning into hazier atmospheric textures and grooves. Tomlinson has been more experimental and eclectic with this album, with the breeziness of a song like“Lazy” and the layered guitars and synths in “Impostor.” To draw comparison to his 2nd studio album “Faith in the Future” (2022), the instrumental focus was on guitars and punchy drums, as Tomlinson explored more pop-rock leaning sounds and rhythms. Whereas in his latest record, Tominson prefers synths and funky rhythms, experimenting beyond traditional instruments and enabling the creation of complex layers and melodies.
As for the sentimental side of the new album, it is in the title itself, “How Did I Get Here,” in which Tomlinson reflects on his personal journey as a musician, looking back at some of the key memories he has made through the years, and intertwining them into lyrics and stories. Some songs do explore romance and intimate connections, such as “Palaces,” whereas a song like “Imposter” explicitly examines the feelings of self-doubt and feeling like an outsider. Some fans speculate that this could be a nod to sexuality. Louis obviously let the music video of “Imposter” speak for itself, obviously.
Last, but certainly not least, the song “Dark to Light” hints at feelings of loss and grief, nodding at the loss of many important people in Tomlinson’s life, such as his One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, his sister Felicite Tomlinson and his mother Johannah Deakin. This display of grief adds dimension and depth to the album, echoing the sister song, as many fans have called it, titled “Two of Us” from Tomlinson’s 1st studio album. The linking element between both songs is the idea of looking a loved one unexpectedly, promising to live “one life for the two of us” (Two of Us, 2020), and the longing of wanting to bring someone “from dark to light” (Dark to Light, 2026).
Louis Tomlinson knows how to keep his audience wanting more every time he releases a new record. The special and devoted connection he holds with his fanbase and vice versa promises the success of any record, music video or documentary Tomlinson may put out. The loyalty of the fandom is that of a big family, as we feel closer and closer to Tomlinson as he becomes more comfortable as a solo artist to tell his stories through his lyrics. We are excited for this new era and all that it may bring. Welcome back, Louis Tomlinson.