Written by: David Williams
Score 8.3/10
The man who very rarely needs an introduction, English singer-songwriter Harry Styles, has released his third full-length LP Harry’s House. After two widely successful previous solo albums along with his time spent in the ever so popular boy band group, One Direction, his mass appeal status has been achieved for over 10 years now. Where there was once a teen-pop sound to his earlier music, now there is a hardened maturation in his sound. His new album demonstrates Harry’s progression from one end of the spectrum to the other; from a teenage heartthrob to full-fledge pop-star.
His previous record, Fine Line, had a wide variety of different types of pop elements much different than his earlier years which led to huge success across the Billboard charts and for fans and critics alike. The album had two monumental hits “Adore You” and “Watermelon Sugar.” The latter being a summer anthem of 2020. This song was on every playlist known to man. Seriously, you could be walking down the aisle at Target or a barbecue with friends, or even on a cruise ship playing shuffleboard with grammy and you would hear the sensual lyrics of “Tastes like strawberries/On a summer evening” superstar status was accomplished.
Photo Courtesy of Harry Styles.
Harry has also become a style icon in the last couple of years adopting an androgynous look that he likes to display from time to time. Of course, this has ruffled some feathers amongst conservatives, but this shows his advancement as an artist. He is not afraid to take risks with his music or his clothes. How does his comfortability within himself as an artist translate to his new record? Well let’s find out, shall we?
If Harry Styles was hosting a party at his actual house odds are he would have a top-of-the-line record player somewhere in his spacious living room so his guest can vibe out and have a good time. The tunes he would play would range from Indie Rock, Funk, Soul, and 80s pop which surely would keep the night going.
His influences are on full display during the entire album. If you listen closely you can hear a sprinkling of inspired music from Vampire Weekend to The Strokes, you also pick up on getting a dash of Prince along with some Quincy Jones who is also sampled on the song “Daydreaming.”
Photo courtesy of Anthony Pham via Getty
Photo Courtesy of Harry Styles.
The album starts off in the strongest possible way with the song “Music for a Sushi Restaurant.” The song came right out of the House that Prince built in the mid to late 80s, crom the horns section in the chorus to the silky smooth lyrics this record would hold its own on the album LoveSexy.
“Late Night Talking” is a fun, upbeat song about being absent in a love interest's life and doing whatever possible to make sure they are alright. Harry sings “If you’re feeling down, I just wanna make you happier, baby” he comes off as a super nice guy in the song, one that you would be proud to take home to your parents.
The lead single “As It Was” is an indie pop song with an addicting chorus that you want to play over and over again. Harry sings effortlessly, the extra inflection in his voice on the third time singing “was” in the hook it's subtle, but makes all the difference in what separates good artists from great ones. The music video visuals fit the feel of the record as well, as watching him parade around in a red glittery jumpsuit while trying to catch up to the female subject on a carousel.
Photo Courtesy of Harry Styles.
Harry is not afraid to show off his sensitive side in the three ballads on the LP. “Little Freak” is a song about a past relationship that didn’t play out the way he wanted it to, and he can’t get the person off his mind. It’s a song that gets the point across that he wants to deliver, but it’s missing that extra little bit of storytelling that can take the song to the next level.
Photo Courtesy of Harry Styles.
Photo Courtesy of Harry Styles.
“Matilda” is a somber song featuring acoustic guitar. Harry drives home his thoughts about a person being mistreated by their family., singing, “You don’t have to be sorry for leaving and growing up.” The songwriting is one of the more poignant and heartfelt tracks on the album.
His thoughts on “Boyfriends” are from afar, at a person being misunderstood and disrespected by their mate. The lyrics sound a tad judgmental since he is commenting on what he is seeing from a distance: “You, Feel a fool, you’re back at it again.” On the softer parts of the record,
Harry can make the listener feel like he is in their living room giving them their own personal concert even though these songs are meant for a much broader scale. It is quite impressive.
“Black and white film/Camera, yellow sunglasses,” Harry sings on “Keep Driving,” a tender, sentimental track well-done. This song came 5 years too late it would have fit in perfectly for the movie Baby Driver during a car ride montage scene. Maybe if there is a sequel to this movie (without the monster), this would fit like a glove on its soundtrack. One of the best pop indie records of the year is “Satellite.” The song has about a minute build, but by the time Harry sings, “I go round and round/Satellite,” the music explodes like a rocket.
Harry’s House is a strong pop album that has many highs and not a lot of lows. This is his most mature-sounding album to date leaving behind the dance-pop of yesteryear for music inspired by his indie predecessors. This vinyl record will not only be playing at the house of Harry Styles but should be on at yours too.