As It Was- Bop or Flop?

Three years after the release of Harry Styles’ album- Fine Line- the British singer is back with more music for his loyal fans. Kicking off the start to his new era is Harry’s newest single- As It Was.

Only one day after it’s release, As It Was is already speeding it’s way to the top of the charts, so far entering as the most listened to song on Spotify in the last month, as he also ascends to the top listened Spotify artist of the week, purely based off this single.

So, while the fans clearly think it’s worthy to listen to, what do the critics think?

They think it’s amazing. There has yet to be a bad review from a main news sources, as the Rollingstone have called it ’emotionally powerful’ and the Guardian have claimed it an ‘effervescent, high tempo hit’.

To everyone, it is easy to say this single is a catchy hit with an 80s synth beat that will leave you dancing around your kitchen to the fast pace.

However, despite the upbeat, charismatic appeal of the single, this song is one of the most emotionally engaging songs Styles has get to release. The lyrics are that of melancholy sadness, as the singer attempts to navigate his way through his emotions.

The lyrics to this song have been analysed by fans and critics alike, as they are believed to explain Styles’ relationship with his fame. The lyrics follow the idea of Styles feeling isolated and lonely compared to those with average lives, as he struggles to deal with the circumstances that come with his career, shown in the line ‘Harry, you’re no good alone/ Why are you sitting at home on the floor? What kind of pills are you on?’

In an interview, Styles disclosed the statement, ‘I try and write from my personal experience for almost everything’, once again reminding fans that while the singer may be inclosed in fame and constantly exposed to the spotlight, he is still reflecting how different and strange his life feels while he is still just another member of society.

Overall, As It Was can only be described as a single that will leave you crying and dancing at the same time, as Styles swiftly pulls us through the reality of his life as a popstar. We can only hope the rest of his album is as beautifully produced as this.