Harry's House Album Review

MUSIC

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Harry Styles Is Strikingly Vulnerable and High-Spirited in Homey ‘Harry’s House’

Fresh off “Love on Tour,” Harry Styles delivers a knock-out album full of whimsical storytelling, tributes to his idols and more than enough psychedelic hits to add to that perfectly curated summer playlist.

Harry Styles invited us into his house; how could we deny him? The former boy-bander turned international superstar dropped his third studio album, Harry’s House, on May 20, 2022. This album gives us a glimpse not only into Harry’s house, but into his home. This album sounds like Styles has found his style. Gone are the days of merely copying trends; he is decorating his house in his own way. Styles says he found making this album the most “freeing,” and that this is the album he has “always wanted to make.” With the commercial success of his previous album, Fine Line, people were curious to see how he would proceed in his career. Would he pick up where he left off? Would he create something new? He has found his way by creating something that sounds fresh and new while staying true to himself.

Fans were ecstatic when Styles released his lead single, “As It Was.” He hadn’t released music since 2019, and fans were champing at the bit for a little taste of the new album. The up-tempo pulse gives way to lyrics that speak of a poignant reality that most people struggle with: change. The lead single chips away at the confident aura that is associated with Styles and shows us that although he plays on the world’s biggest stages, he is still human: just like us. The singer describes the song as a “death march,” adding, “That’s always been the fun part of music. People dancing to your most devastating experience.” It sure doesn’t sound like a death march with Styles’ goddaughter opening the song with “Come on, Harry, we wanna say ‘goodnight’ to you!” and a catchy, synth bridge. With lines such as “Harry, you’re no good alone,” and “What kind of pills are you on?” the single is filled with an introspectiveness that Styles’ previous albums only briefly explored.

The opening song of the album, “Music for a Sushi Restaurant,” is a brisk and fun beat. Styles incorporates more instruments starting in Fine Line, and they are on full display on this funky opener. He shouts, “It’s cause I love you, babe / In every kind of way / Just a little taste, you know I love you, babe,” before the horns take over the spotlight. This light-hearted and dreamy song came about when Styles was at a sushi restaurant and one of his songs came on. He thought that that particular song was “really strange music for a sushi restaurant,” so he took matters into his own hands. The opening lines, “Green eyes, fried rice / I could cook an egg on you,” set the playful, yet loving tone of the song.

While this album has lots of upbeat, dreamy tunes “Matilda” is a startling exception placed in the middle of the album. He beautifully illustrates a haunting story of letting go of an unaccepting family. He’s creating his own home in his own way. In an interview with Zane Lowe, Styles says this piece started out as a song for a friend who needed a shoulder to cry on. He ended up with a song that shares a profound personal narrative. Styles possesses the rare gift of making everybody feel like a somebody. “Matilda” is the proof. During his shows he introduces the song by saying, “This song is very special to me, and I hope someday it will be special to you, too.” When looking out in the audience, it’s hard to find a dry eye when he whispers, “Thank you,” after the last line of the song. With lines like “You don’t have to be sorry for leaving and growing up,” and “You can start a family that will always show you love,” it is difficult to remain untouched by this deeply personal and truthful statement piece.

While Styles’ third album has many upbeat and dreamlike moments, there are a few deep cut vulnerabilities scattered among the 13 tracks. This psychedelic album is the perfect listen for a sunny day, an afternoon walk, or a long drive. Harry’s House creates a feeling of lightheartedness while still maintaining a certain transparency about Styles’ seemingly private personal life. This album shows the foundation of the home Styles wants to build: freedom, kindness, love and acceptance. Harry’s House creates a safe space not only for the pop star, but for his fans too. Harry didn’t have to ask us twice to explore his house; we were more than willing to step through the front door and make ourselves at home.