HARRY STYLES - HARRY'S HOUSE
At age 16, we first saw him on our screens lighting up the nation with Stevie Wonder’s ‘Isn’t She Lovely’. Back in 2010, were any of us really sure this would be the most popular member of a boyband whose success marked a generation?
When he announced he was to become a solo artist, did we know he would go on to produce one amazing studio album, but three? Did we honestly know Harry Styles could do this?
Last week many of us patiently awaited the release of Harry’s House, but none of us realised that upon release, it would shake the world quite like it did.
‘Music For a Sushi Restaurant’ guides us in by a sound that is rising with a consistent beat. When Harry’s vocals first appear, it is in the form of a more reserved tone. As Harry’s vocals increase “It’s cos I love you babe / In every kinda way / Just a little taste / You know I love you babe” so does the tension, and then we’re plunged into a sound reeking fun and celebration. A sound associated with the centre of a carnival.
The style, sleekness and swagger continues as we leap into hits like ‘Late Night Talking’ and ‘Grapefruit’; a showcase that flaunts all of Harry’s best qualities.
Honest, raw lyrics spiralling round an energetic sound is ‘As It Was’ defined. It is a juxtaposition; the relationship between lyrics like “Answer the phone / Harry, you're no good alone / Why are you sitting at home on the floor? / What kind of pills are you on?” and the vibrant, zestful music that makes you want to rush.
‘Daylight’ mirrors the album; Harry’s House is a combination of those drifting, pop tones felt throughout Fine Line and the irresistible brutality of prominent guitar riffs found in his debut album.
‘Little Freak’ orders the tissues to be rolled out, the first ballad on the album with more to come. ‘Matilda’ finally puts Harry’s vocals out for all to hear, rather than being disguised by funky beat. A blend of these stripped back chords paired with Harry’s voice, sedating listeners in a blissful way.
“I just think you're cool / I dig your cinema” sings Harry on arguably the best song on the album, ‘Cinema’. Every single beat is crafted with care and polished to unbelief. Has this song been made in heaven? ‘Daydreaming’ follows on perfectly from something as cool as ‘Cinema’ and that celebratory, explosive sound from the opening track brings us full circle.
‘Keep Driving’, ‘Boyfriends’ and ‘Love of My Life’ all have tremendous substance but do appear as this album’s more forgettable tracks, with relentless mentions of his extravagant, drug and sex heavy lifestyle. However, there is a diamond in the rough which shines through at the end in the form of ‘Satellite’ the layering is pristine, a song truly remarkable.
Laura Mills
★★★★☆