When Harry Styles released As It Was back in April, I had high hopes for his upcoming album. But upon listening to that album today, I was a little bit…surprised.
We all know Harry Styles made his debut in One Direction, and has since created a gender defying, elegant image for himself – performing with the likes of Lizzo and becoming one of the most talked about people among a generation.
His new album, Harry’s House, seems to be a journey; a reflection of who Styles was and who he has become – which, in itself, is beautiful. I do think, however, that the album is very radio-friendly, listenable, and perhaps underwhelming for Harry’s fans who responded well to his upbeat single As It Was.
As It Was is undoubtedly a bop. Fast paced, upbeat, and with an indie-pop feel, it was obviously going to be a crowd pleaser. This energy, however, is not reflected in the rest of the album, which seems to be an attempt at bedroom-pop at a much slower pace.
Songs like Little Freak and Matilda are beautifully melancholy and both bring a juxtaposing sense of sadness and happiness, which, although not unusual in music, has been executed nicely.
Despite this, many songs are littered with funky basslines and synth parts which lift the overall mood of the album.
Yet, in Daylight, there are some jarring transitions between the very swung, pop-inspired first two verses and the second half of the song, which sees the lightness quickly overshadowed by the introduction of an intense guitar and drum instrumental.
From funk and disco to indie-pop, Harry’s House has perhaps not lived up to expectations, but delivers fans a broad spectrum of genres which will keep them on their toes, leaving them wondering what he will produce next.
Rating: 5/10