May 20th, 2022 was the day that I died and was reborn as Harry Styles entered his “Harry’s House” era. As an avid friend, I simply could not go without writing about it.
Styles had not released an album since his 2019 sophomore title Fine Line, an album full of smooth pop and slower, rhythmic ballads. With Harry’s House, Styles switches to 80s pop mixed with RnB elements that showcase many new styles for the artist.
And in the spirit of the new album, I thought I would go track by track and give my opinion on this new sound because, in all honesty, I have some thoughts I need to get out.
Music For a Sushi Restraurant
The opening track on Harry’s House has a spunky beat to it that may sound familiar to some. My friend first pointed it out when we listened to the album for the first time and many others have taken to TikTok and Twitter to express a similar note: It sounds exactly like the opening to A.N.T. Farm. Yes, I am talking about the Disney TV show starring China Ann McClain. McClain even poked fun at this similarity in a TikTok video. Don’t believe the songs are similar? Listen to the two side by side, and you will see what I mean. Regardless though, it is still a song that will energize you and make you want to groove to it.
Late Night Talking
“Late Night Talking” has an enamoring 80s pop beat, dragging you into the song with it. Styles first performed this song as a sneak peek during his Coachella set list and left fans like myself patiently waiting for the studio version of this song. The beat builds upon itself and makes you feel like you are stepping into an 80s dream sequence, getting ready to go out and have a night you will not forget. It is a song that you can listen to time and time again and not get tired of it.
Grapejuice
What I have loved about this album is that so many of the songs have such a unique sound and it is not a rinse and repeat of the same backing track. “Grapejuice” is a perfect example of one of these songs, as it is wildly different from the two songs that it follows. This song has a slow, bluesy rhythm that makes you feel the solace Styles is depicting. He hums out “There’s just no getting through the grape juice blues” and puts you in the same “blue” mind-state.
As it Was
I think I could write an essay on this song alone. “As it Was” was truly the ideal debut single for this album. It perfectly encapsulates the newer, high-speed funk songs that Styles has been testing out on this new album. Its fast and exciting pace also masks the dark undertones of the song, giving it new layers. On the surface, it is a fun pop song that people can dance along to, but at the same time, it digs into that deep feeling of things not being “As It Was,” which is a feeling many audiences can relate to as we navigate post-pandemic life. “As It Was” is a staple for this album and for any playlist.
Daylight
Daylight has a smooth sound that flows throughout the song. It is one of my favorite songs on the album because of how calming the song is. With lyrics like “If I were a bluebird, I would fly to you” and “Dip you in honey so I could be sticking to you,” it keeps a dreamy demeanor throughout the course of the song.
Little Freak
The title of this song is very misleading. Before listening, I was expecting a fast-paced, spicy sort of song, but as I listened I was immediately surprised. This song is slow, and beautiful, and talks about a former lover who you doesn’t want back, but you still think about them from time to time. For any former directioners, this song sounds like it could have come straight off of Four or Made in the AM, which is another reason I think it is one of my favorites. The way Styles layers his voice in the chorus provides a poignant effect that really makes this song stand out vocal-wise.
Matilda
Don’t listen to “Matilda” unless you want to ball your eyes out. That being said, it is a beautiful song that can strike a chord with many listeners. Styles discusses a girl who has struggled with her own pain and a lack of family support within her life and offers her his support from a distance. I will never recover from his lyrics, “You can let it go, you can throw a party full of everyone you know and not invite your family cause they never showed you love you don’t have to be sorry for leaving and growing up” which he changes to “you can let it go, you can throw a party full of everyone you know, you can start a family who will always show you, love, you don’t have to be sorry for doing it on your own.” It is a beautiful song that carries a lot of weight!
Cinema
“Cinema” is a swanky song, that twists the course of the album after you probably cried to “Little Freak” and or “Matilda.” It has a funky beat that is reminiscent of his Fine Line album and just makes you want to dance along, like many of the songs on this album. It definitely feels like it would belong in the cinema too.
Daydreaming
“Daydreaming” is one of the most fun songs on the album. With trumpets and a constant kick drum backing the track, it keeps on rhythm and makes you feel like you’re in a dance club. As he sings “Give me all of your love, give me something to dream about” and “Living in a daydream” he really lets his vocals shine, culminating this amazing track into a staple for any upbeat playlist
Keep Driving
“Keep Driving” almost sounds like a stream of consciousness piece. Many different thoughts from “swimming pools” to “maple syrup” run through the verses, while the chorus gives a catchy hook that makes you want to bop your head. Some of the lyrics are especially spicy in this one, but it is consistently a great song with great vocals. I absolutely adore this song and definitely is one of his best tracks on this album
Satellite
“Satellite” is the song to listen to. It starts with a slow calming verse, but when it comes time for the chorus and the beat drops, the song flips on itself and becomes the perfect pop song you can scream along to in the car. The song will “pull you in” and with moody lyrics like “I’m in an LA mood, don’t want to talk to you” it will make you feel like you are still in LA, even if you’re back home for the summer.
Boyfriends
This is another song that Styles previewed at Coachella, and this one is much slower. Interestingly enough, it comes from a male artist, but this song basically beards men for being bad boyfriends, and I am completely here for it. This song was originally made during the Fine Line writing sessions and was saved for this album since it fit the tone better, and I could not agree more. This ballad is the perfect one to listen to if your boyfriend is just getting on your nerves.
Love of My Life
The final track of the album and it is perfectly fitting for the title Harry’s House. This song was the first track to be teased when a teaser for the album came out, and many speculated if this track would be his first single. This song discusses his love for his hometown and his guilt for not getting to know it as well as he would like to because of his busy schedule as a musician since his teen years. It ties in with the overall themes of home and finding peace in it no matter where you may be in the world. It is the perfect way to close this album.
Harry’s House breaks new walls for Styles as he explores new sounds and allows himself creative freedom. His development as an artist is clear as he explores a range of his emotions through his songs and lyrics. Harry makes his home, our home, for the 41 minutes you spend listening to the album.