By Noelle Doblado

In this world, it’s just us. The fans and of course, Harry Styles.

April 1 was a major moment for Harry Styles fans everywhere. After almost three years, Styles released a new single and launched the beginning to a new era, this time upside down. If you’re anything like me, you immediately listened seconds upon release. The moment it dropped I parked on the side of a cliff at the beach, turned up the volume as loud as it could go and danced without a care in the world. The excitement carried in the song made me reminiscent of the Harry we all know and love. Similarly to the 2019 release of “Lights Up” as the introduction to “Fine Line”, the exhilarating sound captivates you into the meaningful lyrics. “As It Was” reflects the acceptance that the past is not meant to stay and the present isn’t the same as it once was. Styles’ vulnerability in the song offers the listeners the unique opportunity to be in the mind of their favorite artist. In the song Harry sings “Harry you’re no good alone”. With such a simple yet powerful line, Styles demonstrates the journey of acceptance in ourselves we are all searching for. Styles’ offers a switch in perspective that dives deep into his self awareness that makes the listener feel not so alone in similar struggles of clinging onto the past when it is best to let go. The opening sound brings a sense of nostalgia with an 80’s inspired synth that carries the excitement of the song as it unfolds through a lyrical masterpiece of Harry’s own personal self realizations. The rawness and vulnerability portrayed throughout the song draws a connection between the weight of the world and the release of what is holding you back. Going along with the title of the album for this track, “Harry’s House” with my first listen I immediately felt at home. As someone who has always seen Harry’s confidence and vulnerability as an inspiration, listening to a brand new piece of art he has created ultimately allowed me to fall into a newfound happiness and admiration for the creative artwork of music. The theme of the song embodies the acceptance of the past remaining in the past perfectly captures the visual representation of the album cover where everything surrounding him is upside down, therefore not the same as it was. As a fan of Harry Styles with a passion for the world of music, this single brought the perfect balance of warmth and reflection that makes a song leave a lasting imprint. If you have yet to listen to this beautiful track, you definitely don’t want to miss out on this vibrant experience and the upcoming album on May 20. Once you press play, you will find yourself enveloped in the bright beat of the drums, incredibly smooth synth and the meaningful lyrics supported by his alluring voice, and your life will never be the same as it was.