On May 20, Harry Styles released his long-awaited third studio album entitled “Harry’s House.” The name is extremely fitting for an album that feels like stepping into your best friend’s house and trading stories all night long. 

The album begins with the songs “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” and “Late Night Talking,” which set the tone for the album really well. “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” is pretty abstract in theme, without any core idea except sushi themed lyrics. “Late Night Talking” follows themes of realizing that a romantic relationship has shifted, and yet you still feel infatuated with the person. Both songs feel comforting, as if Styles is personally opening the door for you and welcoming you into his home. 

The third track on the album is titled “Grapejuice” and differs from the first two songs because it has a far calmer energy to it. This song is a great example of one of my favorite aspects of this album; that the tone of the song can change but stay true to the heart of the album. 

The album feels like a diary entry until the song “Matilda.” The song is written as a letter to Matilda, a girl who was raised in an abusive home. Styles sings about how it is okay to move on and live a life without the family who hurt her so badly. The song is quite vulnerable which makes the listener truly connect with the character, especially as the encouragement the song gives her is so empowering. 

“Matilda” is a true favorite of mine, not only because of the scoring or the lyricism, but because every person can find an emotion that they have felt before in the verses. Even though it is an almost oddly specific song, there is also something universal to it.

Both of the songs “Cinema” and “Daydreaming” begin to pick the vibe up, but not so quickly that it is jarring. The album does a significant amount of jumping around in terms of tone, which adds to the overall feeling that Styles has created with the previous tracks. 

These songs were essential to telling the overarching story of a relationship which Styles was addressing in the album. Through them we get to experience the highlights that he refers to in songs where he speaks of his heartbreak. 

The song “Keep Driving” is very unique in its lyrics that are list-like with lyrics relying on slant rhymes and rhythm. These lists are of what seem to be pillars of not only a relationship, but society as many of us experience it today. The song seems to be a commentary on the speed at which we in the social media age all take in new information and continue past it like nothing has happened. 

I really enjoyed this song as I think it enhanced the listening experience. In such an introspective album, it provided an opportunity for listeners to consider the world around them and how they fit in. 

The album closes out with the song “Love of My Life,” in which Styles writes about dealing with the ending of a relationship that he truly cared about. The song’s overall message is about coming to terms with the idea that despite the fact that it may have been necessary to end the relationship, it can still cause great pain. 

Styles has stayed mainly within the realm of pop throughout his career, starting with his time in One Direction, but moving with him into his solo career. “Harry’s House” presents a gentler and kinder side to the artist which adds depth when looking at the larger picture of his discography. 

I would recommend this album, of course to longtime Harry Styles fans, as well as lovers of indie or bedroom pop and electropop. 

Overall, I really loved this album. I think it is very unique and everyone who listens to it can find something to love. While it is new territory for Styles musically, he certainly rose up to the challenge.