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Rumored to announce his fourth album, Harry Styles is back in the spotlight. To prepare, let’s reflect on some of his most iconic performances, best albums, and stunning fashion moments.
Performances:
1. Coachella 2022
If you woke up on April 16th with a severe case of FOMO, it was probably because at 11:35 p.m. the night before, Harry Styles appeared on the Coachella stage in a sequined Gucci jumpsuit, ready to kick off his five nights headlining the festival. The crowd, covered in sequined cowboy hats and feathery boas, was more than ready to sing their hearts out and dance like nobody was watching. His two weekends at Coachella were magical, between singing a heavenly harmony with Shania Twain and dancing in a funky fur coat that screamed Love On Tour, he made the 2022 festival one to remember.
2. 2021 Grammys
Okay, this one I don’t even have to introduce. Any Harry fan would be able to recite every detail of this performance as if they were the one who rehearsed it. Harry Styles, who had just announced his album, Fine Line, appeared on the Grammys stage for the first time in a classy black leather suit and a feathery boa. Surrounded by musicians and soft stage lights, he put a jazzy spin on his hit single, Watermelon Sugar. But the best part was the dance break. Halfway through the song, a beautiful musical melody began to play, and Harry danced around the stage effortlessly. It was perfect.
3. Harryween 2022
Harryween is what fans call Harry Styles’ Halloween-themed concerts. Catching one of these shows is incredibly difficult, as the tickets sell out within seconds. Fans are encouraged to dress up in fun costumes and inhabit a different persona for one night while they sing and dance their heart out. Harry Styles, who loves a fun dress-up day, never fails to show up in a spooky outfit. While all of these Harryween shows were wonderful, there was one that fell just short of magical. On October 21, 2022, Harry Styles dedicated the whole night to Olivia Newton-John. He wore a custom leather jacket, black jeans, and greased his hair back exactly like Danny Zuko. The crowd erupted into cheers as he covered “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” It was straight from a 70s rom-com.
Albums:
1. HS1
Unpopular opinion: HS1 is Harry Styles’ best album. Before you judge, let me explain.
Harry Styles, fresh out of One Direction, decided to kick off his solo career by releasing a six-minute piano ballad as his first single. Most artists decide to test the waters with their first album. Harry, on the other hand, saw it as an opportunity to experiment. Sign of the Times went straight to the top of the charts. It was the perfect single to introduce his debut album, Harry Styles. This album had the perfect balance of warm classical and soft rock. It was simply a musical masterpiece.
2. Fine Line
On December 13, 2019, Harry Styles would release the album that would quite literally alter his career. Fine Line, Harry’s second studio album, is considered one of the most popular albums of all time. About one week after release, his single, Watermelon Sugar, was playing in every restaurant, store, or radio station you came across. The catchy lyrics and summery vibe it radiated was contagious. In addition to Watermelon Sugar, his four other singles, Golden, Adore You, Falling, and Lights Up, were playing nonstop. While all these songs are fun and catchy, the title track, Fine Line, is arguably the most heart-touching song on the album. This song has a soft and delicate beginning that builds up to a breathtaking climax, powerful enough to bring tears to your eyes. The album is quite the emotional rollercoaster.
3. Harry’s House
Harry’s House, released on May 20, 2022, was Harry’s COVID album, which explores themes of identity and finding stability.
“This album is everything I’ve wanted to make,” Harry explained in a Zane Lowe Interview. “I realized that home isn’t a feeling you get from a house, it’s more of an internal thing.”
Throughout quarantine, Harry spent time away from the studio to focus on himself. When he was ready to return, he composed a stunning album that takes you through every emotion in the book. Some fan favorites include Matilda, Boyfriends, Grapejuice, and my personal favorite, Love of My Life.
Fashion:
1. Vogue
In December of 2020, Harry Styles appeared on the cover of pop culture’s most iconic magazine: Vogue. His cover quickly dominated the media, appearing on virtually every social media platform. On the cover, Harry was photographed in a periwinkle Gucci gown paired with a black tuxedo jacket. In Vogue's 127-year history, Styles was the first man to be featured on the cover of the American edition by himself.
And….that’s a wrap.
See you next album!!
Written By: Kennedy Beshai
Photo Credits
Thumbnail: Pambrun, H. (2020). [Photograph] npr.org https://www.npr.org/2020/02/27/809971451/harry-styles-on-fine-line-stevie-nicks-and-his-definition-of-success
In Article: Strauss, J. / AP / picturedesk.com
Olivera, J.C. (2023). [Photograph] https://www.grammy.com/news/harry-styles-album-of-the-year-harrys-house-2023-grammys-winner-acceptance-speech-video