Louis Tomlinson released his third solo album, How Did I Get Here?, and it’s fair to say that he’s finally found his place in the music industry – at long lastDaniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
22:18, 22 Jan 2026Updated 00:13, 23 Jan 2026
Louis Tomlinson’s third solo record proves he’s not to be messed with(Image: PR Pics)
Louis Tomlinson’s third solo album is finally here. Four years after the release of his last record, How Did I Get Here? was finally available at midnight.
And it’s fair to say that while Tomlinson has been experimenting with sounds since his time in One Direction came to an end, the 34-year-old is finally comfortable with his music. From crafting the record in the British countryside to heading out to Costa Rica for further inspiration, Tomlinson is finally being recognised for his artistry.
Tomlinson, from Doncaster, South Yorks, first teased his third record with the track, Lemonade, released at the back end of September, and it was quite frankly the perfect timing. The energy of the track certainly defines his album.
OPINION
Daniel Bird
OPINION
Daniel Bird
How Did I Get Here? is finally within touching distance(Image: PR Pics)
But despite being one-fifth of the world’s biggest band, Louis says that the song gave him the best chance of being played on mainstream radio, which had been a “f***ing fight” for him. Despite his obvious talent, only now are people giving Tomlinson the recognition he rightly deserves.
And despite previously getting little to no airtime on the radio, he could have easily gone down the classic pop route to favour being played. However, he stuck to his own guns, and that certainly shows on his care-free album. Sunflowers sees Louis sing about being “sick and tired” of smoking in the rain, so it made perfect sense that he was dreaming of “heaven” while working in Costa Rica.
Elsewhere, Imposter certainly cements Louis’ new edgy sound. “I tried to build a wall, but to you they’re paper thin,” he says, before adding that he’s “so in awe” of somebody “it hurts”. And the track is certainly one to get the heart beating a lot faster.
However, it also explores Louis’ feelings of imposter syndrome, which he certainly doesn’t need to have – he’s worthy of finally being recognised. His song Lazy, could certainly be worthy of an award with its catchy hooks and beat.
The record is easily worthy of an award(Image: PR Pics)
One track on the record, Dark To Light, touches on the topic of grief, something Louis has spoken about in the past, having endured the worst kind of heartache, the death of those closest to him. He sings: “There’s no phoenix from the flames, there’s only empty photographs.”
He goes on to explore whether more could have been done, adding: “I wish you could see how you look in my eyes… Would it make a difference? Would it make you smile?” Elsewhere on the track, Louis delves deeper into his rockier sound with the likes of Palaces, which hears him sing: “You can stay for the night in the palaces of my mind,” while reflecting on every battle being played out in front of millions.
Rolling Stone UK said of the record: “By album three – the sunny, electrifying How Did I Get Here? – Tomlinson seems to have finally found his voice away from the band.” Meanwhile, The Independent penned: “I doubt many listeners would be able to identify these as Tomlinson songs. But this is a likeable, grounded collection of sunny-side-up pop from a likeable, grounded guy.”
Clash Magazine wrote: “This is an artist unafraid to dig deeper, uncovering new layers of his craft as he moves forward as both lyricist and songwriter. In doing so, he confronts questions of identity, resilience, and the weight of the road behind him, not in search of reinvention for its own sake, but through refinement. ‘How Did I Get Here?’ finds its strength in cohesion, shaped by an artist confident enough to sit with complexity rather than rush toward resolution, and who understands that growth can be quiet, deliberate, and deeply personal.”
It’s no secret that Louis looks up to the likes of Oasis, Robbie Williams and The Fray, to name just a few. And it’s clear to see that this is where he feels most comfortable with his music.
How Did I Get Here? is released via BMG on January 23.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.