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Harry Styles‘ 2017 debut single ‘Sign of the Times’ is experiencing a shocking resurgence on Billboard Global charts. The track surged to new peaks this week after its feature in the blockbuster film Project Hail Mary. This marks a stunning comeback for a song released over nine years ago.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Chart Debut: ‘Sign of the Times’ released April 7, 2017 as Harry Styles‘ first solo single
- New Peak: Song climbed to No. 48 on Billboard Global 200 after Project Hail Mary sync
- Global Reach: Hit No. 45 on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. this week
- Streaming Surge: Received 18.2 million U.S. streams in March 2026 alone
Project Hail Mary Transforms Classic Into Chart Winner
The blockbuster sci-fi film Project Hail Mary became one of 2026’s highest-grossing movies and turned Harry Styles’ oldest hit into a current sensation. The track features prominently in a pivotal karaoke scene performed by character Eva Stratt, played by Sandra Hüller. The placement proved golden for the streaming era.
Initially, ‘Sign of the Times’ appeared in the film’s June 2025 trailer. But the full theatrical release sparked immediate momentum. Styles fans and new listeners rediscovered the emotional ballad, driving it back onto multiple Billboard rankings. The timing coincided with Styles’ massive 2026 comeback following his fourth album release.
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Harry Styles’ ‘Sign of the Times’ surges to new heights on Billboard Global charts
Rising From No. 56 to Historic New Peaks
Styles’ debut single jumped dramatically from No. 56 to No. 48 on the Billboard Global 200 chart this week, establishing new career highs. Similarly, on Billboard Global Excl. U.S., the track climbed from No. 52 to No. 45. These represent the highest chart positions ‘Sign of the Times’ has ever achieved on those specific tallies.
The achievement matters for several reasons. Styles’ catalog remains remarkably active on global charts, yet ‘Sign of the Times’ had plateaued in recent years. The Project Hail Mary sync provided the perfect catalyst. Within Styles’ own discography, only newer tracks from his fourth album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally have performed better, demonstrating the song’s staying power.
Digital Sales Success and Streaming Dominance
| Metric | Performance |
| U.S. Streams (March 2026) | 18.2 million |
| Downloads (March 2026) | 6,000 |
| Digital Song Sales Peak | No. 19 for two weeks |
| Chart Return | First chart appearance since 2022 |
‘Sign of the Times’ achieved remarkable commercial success after the Project Hail Mary placement. For the first time since 2022, the track returned to Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart. The song hit No. 19 for two consecutive weeks starting April 11. This outperforms even Styles’ current single ‘American Girls’, proving the enduring appeal of his debut solo effort.
The 6,000 downloads in March represent remarkable momentum for a track that initially debuted in 2017. Combined with 18.2 million streams, the numbers demonstrate how soundtracks and film placements can revitalize legacy catalog. Styles continues filling multiple chart positions weekly, dominating global rankings across his four-album career.
A Nine-Year Journey From Solo Debut To Global Phenomenon
Harry Styles released ‘Sign of the Times’ as his debut solo single on April 7, 2017, marking his departure from One Direction. The track immediately established him as a serious solo artist, debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song topped charts in seven countries including the United Kingdom. Since then, Styles has achieved nine top-10 hits, including three No. 1s on the Hot 100.
Despite releasing multiple albums and newer hits, ‘Sign of the Times’ remains special in Styles’ career narrative. The track demonstrated his growth as a songwriter and solo performer after years in a boy band. Its emotional depth and stripped-back production shifted Styles’ artistic direction toward introspective, mature pop. The Project Hail Mary placement proves nostalgia and timelessness transcend chart cycles.
“After its sync in the box office giant Project Hail Mary, ‘Sign of the Times’ by Harry Styles climbs once again to new peaks on Billboard’s global charts.”
— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes Senior Contributor
Can This Momentum Sustain Past Project Hail Mary’s Box Office Run?
Industry observers wonder whether ‘Sign of the Times’ can maintain these historic chart positions beyond Project Hail Mary’s theatrical window. The film continues dominating global box offices, and streaming audiences will eventually discover it. Continued Project Hail Mary downloads and rentals should extend the song’s chart life.
Styles’ 2026 comeback also supports prolonged momentum. His fourth album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally (released March 6, 2026 through his label Erskine Records) has already generated four chart positions this week. With Styles embarking on a seven-city global tour and performing at London’s Wembley Stadium and New York’s Madison Square Garden, fan engagement should keep all his catalog active. How long ‘Sign of the Times’ remains on charts depends on sustained Project Hail Mary viewership and Styles’ touring momentum.
Sources
- Forbes – ‘Harry Styles Sees His First Solo Single Soar To New Heights’ by Hugh McIntyre
- Billboard – ‘Harry Styles Scores Top Movie Songs Chart Debut Thanks to Project Hail Mary’ by Kevin Rutherford
- Wikipedia – Song history and chart performance documentation
