Harry Styles / New York Times
Cover Harry Styles / New York Times
In an interview Harry Styles did with the Better Home & Gardens magazine, he mentioned his approach on his latest album stating that "I realised that home feeling isn't something you get from a house; it's more of an internal thing"—and he relayed that perfectly to his listeners
Tatler Asia
Harry's House Album Cover
Above Harry's House Album Cover

It had been two and a half years since the 2021 Grammy winner, Harry Styles, released an album. The British singer dropped his third album, Harry's House, on May 20, 2022, and his fans could not be more thrilled (including myself). The world was given a peek prior to his album release when he dropped the song "As It Was" and it was very well received. As for the rest of the songs in his album, the same could be said. 

I have been a fan of Styles for as long as I can remember. I have religiously followed his work from his days in One Direction to his solo career as a top-performing artist. When his third album came out, I did not do anything except listen to his songs. Styles' songs were on repeat the entire day, basically. 

His songs are raw, unfiltered and honest—qualities that listeners relate to. He has a way of relating his thinking and emotions to others flawlessly. He can be completely explicit about it but at the same time be implicit, which makes fans gasp for more. 

A personal favourite of mine in Harry's House is track number five titled "Daylight". The song has a smooth and almost happy melody but the lyrics project a whole different feeling. In his lyrics: "You never listen / I hope you're missing me by now / If I was a bluebird / I would fly to you", there is a sense of longing. What makes him incredibly talented and so captivating is how he manages to combine an upbeat rhythm with sad words. It could be his way of saying it is alright to feel this way and that you are not alone.

On May 27, Styles was on The Late Late Show with James Corden as part of his press for his new album. They made a music video for "Daylight" and although it was not a legitimate music video, the fans had very positive comments about it. It gave the song more appreciation so thank you, James Corden!

As mentioned earlier, Styles can be both explicit and totally implicit. "Matilda" (track number seven) falls in the explicitly raw category. Both the instrumentals and lyrics possess great sadness. It is about a woman who has had past traumas and is living with them in the present. In the outro of the song he goes, "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," encouraging letting go of the pain and living the life that would make her happy and fulfilled. It is a song that has resonated with so many girls all over the world—a statement that can be backed up by the number of users on TikTok who have said they felt this song on such a deep level. In track number two, "Late Night Talking", a sweet set of lyrics is joined with a dance-inducing instrumental. It has undoubtedly made a spot in my "Songs to Groove to" playlist. "Grapejuice", on the other hand, has landed on my "Beach" playlist.

The song has a chill vibe to it and the chorus, "There's just no getting through / Without you / A bottle of rouge / Just me and you", gives me a sense of serenity. A serenity I usually feel when I am the beach. I guess "Grapejuice" is a song that reminds you of a happy place. As Styles had mentioned, home is a feeling and he is quite right. I feel right at home when "Grapejuice" is playing.

See also: 5 of Coldplay's Most Iconic (And Cinematic) Music Videos

Tatler Asia
Harry Styles / As it Was
Above Harry Styles / As it Was

If you want to get in touch with your softer and romantic side, I would recommend "Love of My Life", "Cinema", "Little Freak", "Satellite" and "Boyfriends". These songs make me very emotional, but in the best possible way. My feelings are being advocated through each song and it makes me feel all the more understood. "Little Freak" may or may not have made me cry a few times. "I was thinking about who you are / Your delicate point of view / I was thinking about you"— I mean, how could I not when it is sung with Styles' angelic voice? In a change of tempo, if you are going for a late-night drive, play "Music for a Sushi Restaurant", "Daydreaming" and "Keep Driving". They all have a jolly tempo mixed with a positive mood, perfect for driving in the busy streets of the metro. 

And of course, "As It Was" cannot be missed out on. If I'm being completely honest, the song reminds me of the five stages of grief. However, he seems to be stuck in the first stage of the five stages. In the entirety of the song, denial is prevalent. Maybe in his next album, the other four stages would be present? I am optimistic about that.

Harry's House is filled with a rollercoaster of emotions. It may be a rollercoaster but it is not bumpy at all. Everything is smooth and well-executed. I advise everyone who has not gotten the chance to listen to the album to listen to it now and see how the songs relate to you. The album is worth the forty-two minutes and I swear by it.

NOW READ

Tatler Review: Lino Brocka's 'Insiang'

The Creative List: Film, Music, and Dance

5 Filipino Podcasts You Should Listen to This Rainy Season