If you are looking for an album that covers all the emotions, from being down-hearted to content, “Harry’s House” is the album that was crafted specifically for that. The album covers themes of love, connection, loneliness and belonging. Harry’s House was released on May 20, 2022. The album from the well-known star, Harry Styles instantly became a hit. This album was long-awaited since the nearly three year gap between this album and his second album, Fine Line. The wait was indefinitely worth it!
The album consists of 13 songs that vary from around two to four minutes. The most popular song according to Spotify streams and a Guiness World Record is “As it Was,” reaching 16,103,849 streams in its first 24 hours of being released and instantly becoming the most streamed song in several countries. The albums entire song list follows the order of: “Music For a Sushi Restaurant.” “Late Night Talking.” “Grapejuice.” “As it Was.” “Daylight.” “Little Freak.” “Matilda.” “Cinema.” “Daydreaming.” “Keep Driving.” “Satellite.” “Boyfriends.” and lastly, “Love of My Life.” The songs were put into this order so when listened to it creates a perfect balance and gap between the songs that evoke similar moods.
One of the more up-beat and joyful songs on the album is, “Music For a Sushi Restaurant.” “If the stars were edible. And our hearts were never full. Could we live with just a taste? Just a taste.” This song shines light on more of a positive feel and connection. The song has a funky bass line, and also includes little blurts of, “Ba, ba-ba Ba-ba, ba-ba,” throughout the song. The inspiration for the song is supposed to be its literal meaning, the feel of a sushi restaurant. Overall, the song gives off “A.N.T Farm” theme song-esque, a fun and enjoyable listen.
A song on the album with a very deep-meaning behind it is, “Matilda.” “You can let it go. You can throw a party full of everyone you know. And not invite your family, ’cause they never showed you love. You don’t have to be sorry for leaving and growing up.” This song follows the idea around being able to leave a non-supportive and non-loving household. The gentle flow of the music definitely contributes to the meaning. The song opens with, “You were riding your bike to the sound of ‘It’s No Big Deal’.” These lyrics started off the storyline by creating a sense of hiding emotions. All in all, the song shares the feel and idea around growing and leaving behind a family that was never there from the start and creating a new family instead, and Styles and his team crushed the emotional aspect to this song.
“Late Night Driving” is one of my personal favorites; it centers around connection and love. “ We’ve been doin’ all this late night talkin’. ‘Bout anythin’ you want until the mornin’. Now you’re in my life, I can’t get you off my mind.” This song is classified as Alternative Pop, and also has that up-beat feel to it. The song is most likely written about Styles current girlfriend Olvia Wilde. In general, this song has an incredible beat and lyrics and gives off a content feel.
The cover of the album follows the perfect spirit of the songs, it not only has Styles himself in the frame but the background appears to be upside down. The house concept also contributes to the themes found amongst the songs. A current unique theory about the cover art is, since the living room does appear to be upside down compared to Styles, the tracks are meant to be listened to in reverse or the opposite order which means “Love of My life” is first up. I love the idea behind this however, I do feel like “Love of My Life” was intended to be played last due to its duration and the measure of the song at the very end with only the piano keys that reveals what the album’s teaser music was. Furthermore, it’s like a grand surprise at the end of the album.
I highly suggest this album, it has the perfect blend between slower and more up-beat songs. “Harry’s House” is indefinitely one of Styles best albums released because of its unique variety. If you are a fan of Styles’ previous albums, definitely check this one out. This album is the perfect listen for any occasion!
