Harry Styles, “As It Was” | Track Review

Grammy-winning pop musician Harry Styles makes a strong return with “As It Was,” the promo single from his third album, Harry’s House. 

“I

want you to hold out the palm of your hand / Why don’t we leave it at that?” He’s back! Who?   Grammy-winning pop musician Harry Styles that is! Styles’ third studio album, Harry’s House arrives May 20, 2022. In advance of Harry’s House, Styles unveiled single “As It Was”, which finds him exploring a different musical direction: 80s synthpop/New Wave.  Ultimately, the results are as positive as they’ve always been.

“As it Was” was penned by Styles alongside Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson who also produce.  Thematically, Harry explores loneliness and likely, a break-up. “‘Harry, you’re no good alone / Why are you sitting at home on the floor?” he sings in the second verse, continuing, “What kind of pills are you on?’” Also, Styles seems to conclude he’s no longer the same as he was. Also, he could be referring to the defunct relationship in the chorus as he asserts, “In this world, it’s just us / You know it’s not the same as it was.” As always, Styles sings well, even if “As it Was” doesn’t provide the same vocal opportunities with its quick tempo and synth-driven backdrop as, say, “Sign of the Times”. It’s incredibly catchy, particularly the chorus.

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Final Thoughts

All in all, Harry Styles shines on “As It Was.” Despite a change of style from the past, Styles continues to show incredible musicianship.  He sings well, the songwriting captures authentic, relatable emotions, and the production is incredible. Harry’s House should be intriguing!

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Harry Styles • Harry’s House • Erskine / Columbia • 5.20.22

[: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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