Song Stories: Harry Styles: As it Was
When Harry Styles released 'As It Was' in 2022, fans immediately recognized it as something special. As the lead single from his third studio album, 'Harry’s House', the track signaled a significant evolution in Styles’ artistry. It introduced a sound that felt more intimate, raw, and self-reflective than anything he had shared before.
On first listen, 'As It Was' feels deceptively upbeat. With its shimmering synths and infectious melody, it could easily be mistaken for a carefree pop anthem. But beneath the surface lies a much heavier narrative. The lyrics explore themes of change, isolation, and the inescapable passage of time. Lines like "You know it’s not the same as it was" resonate deeply, especially in a world still reeling from seismic cultural shifts and personal reckonings.
What makes 'As It Was' particularly striking is its emotional vulnerability. Styles doesn’t cloak his feelings in metaphor or ornate production; instead, he offers listeners a rare glimpse of raw melancholy, wrapped in deceptively light instrumentation. It’s a song about confronting the uncomfortable truth that life moves forward, often without warning, whether we are ready or not.
At its core, 'As It Was' serves as a reflective ode to the bittersweet nature of change. Styles wrestles with feelings of disconnection—not just from the people around him, but from his former self. There’s a stark honesty running through the lyrics, capturing that strange, disorienting moment when the world moves on and you’re left trying to catch up. It’s a bold shift for Styles, who has continued to move away from the bombast of his early solo work toward a more vulnerable, introspective voice.
Musically, 'As It Was' draws heavily from 1980s pop and indie influences. Sparkling guitar riffs and a buoyant, danceable beat offer a sonic counterpoint to the song’s somber themes. The result is a masterclass in contrast: joy and sadness coexist in the same space, much like they do in real life. Compared to the lush, expansive soundscapes of his previous album 'Fine Line', 'As It Was' feels more stripped-back and focused, placing the emotional core of the song at the forefront.
The success of 'As It Was' was immediate and overwhelming. It topped charts around the world, broke streaming records, and quickly became one of the defining songs of 2022. But its impact extends beyond its commercial triumph. 'As It Was' captured the collective emotional state of a world reckoning with change, uncertainty, and the longing for a simpler past. In just under three minutes, Styles managed to tap into a universal feeling: the bittersweet realization that while we might cling to who we once were, transformation is both inevitable and necessary.
With 'As It Was', Harry Styles not only cemented his place as one of the most compelling voices in modern pop but also showed that vulnerability and honesty could resonate just as powerfully as any soaring anthem. 'As It Was' not only solidified Harry Styles' reputation as a pop powerhouse, but it also marked the beginning of a new era in his career. One that would see him reach unprecedented heights. The runaway success of the single helped propel 'Harry’s House' to become one of the most celebrated albums of the year.
Tracks like 'Late Night Talking', 'Music For a Sushi Restaurant', and 'Satellite' highlighted his playful experimentation with funk, R&B, and synth-pop, while songs like 'Matilda' and 'Boyfriends' leaned into heartbreaking, minimalist balladry. Together, the album painted a fuller, richer portrait of Styles as a songwriter who could effortlessly balance mainstream appeal with emotional depth.
Buoyed by the momentum of 'As It Was' and the strength of 'Harry’s House', Styles made a massive leap in his live career, transitioning from arena shows to full-fledged stadium tours. His 'Love On Tour' dates became a phenomenon, selling out huge venues around the globe and further cementing his place as one of the most beloved and dynamic performers of his generation. The tour stretched for over two years, encompassing nearly 170 shows, and selling over 5 million tickets worldwide. Originally planned to support his second album 'Fine Line', the tour evolved into a celebration of both albums, with 'Harry’s House' breathing new energy into the setlists.
Unlike the structured, polished nature of many arena tours, 'Love On Tour' was known for its joyful spontaneity. Shows felt like communal celebrations, often filled with elaborate outfits from fans, playful moments between Styles and the audience, and the singer’s signature brand of humor and charm. Harry cultivated a space where inclusivity, freedom, and emotional openness were encouraged. Turning giant stadiums into what felt like safe, vibrant communities for a night.
The scale of 'Love On Tour' was crazy, playing to packed stadiums like Wembley, Madison Square Garden (where he performed 15 sold-out shows), and arenas across South America, Asia, and Europe marked Styles' leap from a successful solo artist to a bona fide global superstar. The tour’s runaway success made it one of the highest-grossing tours of all time, further cementing the idea that Harry Styles wasn’t just making hits. He was creating a cultural movement.
Harry Styles has done something quite unique in his time as a solo artist. He has managed to drop the boy band persona, that had been manufactured for him to become one of the most interesting artists in the world at the moment. Despite dropping the boy band persona, and dare I say it look. He has managed to sustain the One Direction fan base. Influenced their listening habits, and also pulled a whole new demographic.
Let's face it I wasn't listening to One Direction. However, his solo stuff is brilliant. The songs stand up, he's an artist with something to say and the success cannot be disputed. As a solo artist he is the only one from that group who is equaling or bettering the success achieved by One Direction, and the best thing is. He's doing it on his terms, making the music he wants to make. 'As it Was' is just one example of his brilliant solo releases.
Thank you for reading
Jack