Soler pulls inspiration from several sources such as surf pop/rock, R&B, and folk music, with a touch of experimentation. The opener “Don’t Sleep” is a sombre love ballad with R&B/pop sensibilities and is underpinned by rich melodic runs and heartfelt lyrics that explore yearning for that intimate touch. This is followed by “Ya Es Domingo,” where Soler sings in Spanish. Over the summery, guitar licks and soft drum grooves, he delivers quite an engaging performance that taps into his Spanish roots. Musically, both tracks are rich and showcase layered and soul-stirring instrumentation.“In Dreams” is built on a dreamy soundscape comprising lush strings, bright, solemn piano riffs and plucky guitar licks. As the title suggests, it sees Soler pining for his lover as he goes through unbearable pain. This is followed by “Whalewatching (Interlude)” which serves as a break from the norm and uses audio clips of Soler and his girlfriend conversing over a nostalgia-inducing soundscape.

The album largely contains sombre tunes and a story arc that involves the dynamics of love, the struggles of youth and the emotional pain of potential loss. “Sit in Silence” is deeply melancholy on wax, and audiences are thrown in the mix of despair and introspection oozing from Soler’s mind. “Chicago” is a 6-minute-long emotionally epic tune that details the progression of his relationship. He pours his heart on wax and shows relief as he sees this love taking a whole new trajectory for the better. The project ends on a bright note with the aptly titled “Farm Stop (Natalia’s Song),” a folk-pop tune that is anchored on a sultry guitar arrangement with minimal percussions. Here, Soler and his girl have reached a sort of nadir in their lives, and it all turns out to be the beginning of it all.

Overall, How Did We Get Here? is quite cohesive and the love concept and storytelling are seamlessly threaded. As a debut project, it shows Soler’s brilliance as a songwriter and musician as well.