As soon as One Direction announced their hiatus in August 2015, speculation was made about the four singers’ futures. Since their final performance at the end of 2015, three out of the four boy-band members have released singles. Former band member Zayn Malik even released his own R&B influenced album, “Mind of Mine,” setting himself apart from his One Direction days. Now, however, it is Harry Style’s time to break out of his boyband past. His single, “Sign of the Times,” demonstrates his musical ability in sound, performance and execution, and is sure to be the start of a successful solo career.

A Coldplay-esque piano melody opens the song and eventually leads to powerful, enticing vocals by Styles. His vocals are the key facet of the song, and make the five minute and 42 second duration not boring, but meaningful to the very last note. His range of vocals go from deep, heavy undertones to perfectly executed falsettos, creating a moody atmosphere.

The song also contains multiple elements that prove Styles’ attention to details and production. Besides the simple piano riff that carries throughout, there is a twangy guitar that introduces the arena-rock portion of the song. The song also features space themed sounds that correspond to the lyrics, and a church choir enters at the fourth minute. Anything but simple, “Sign of the Times” shows Styles growth as an artist and what more listeners can expect from him throughout his career.

Styles worked with Jeff Bhasker on the debut single. Bhasker has also worked with artists such as Beyoncé and Bruno Mars. The partnership wrote and produced a song reminiscent of ‘70s power ballads from David Bowie and Queen. The mature sound isn’t for your typical pop song lover, or for some of Styles’ usual fan demographic, but instead is more suited for someone with a richer and higher appreciation for classic rock ‘n’ roll with a modern twist. The track is anything but happy, referencing that “the end is near” and to “stop your crying.” However, the melancholy song is the perfect song to blast in a pair of headphones and chill out to.

According to Billboard, Styles will be revealing another track from his upcoming album when he performs April 15 for “Saturday Night Live.” In the meantime, “Sign of the Times” can be purchased off of iTunes for $1.29, or it can be streamed on Spotify for free. And if the rest of Styles’s upcoming singles, and album include other songs that are anything like “Sign of the Times,” he is on the path to success.