4/5
The Stylistics.
New directions have been leading 1D singer Harry Styles to all sorts of places since his band of pop idols called it a hiatus. And now even though South Korean pop Goliath BTS have taken over One Direction's former Beatlemania like influence and then some, Styles has gone from idol to icon. First he stole the show and defied critics in Christopher Nolan's 'Dunkirk' war epic that featured a battalion of leading men from the Bane of Tom Hardy to 'Peaky Blinders'' own Cillian Murphy. He also gave us a classic cameo in a Marvel movie, eternally ours for a universe of things to come in post-credits. Clicking his charismatic fingers as Thanos' brother?! Next up he will be directed by his partner, 'Booksmart' director Olivia Wilde in 'Don't Worry Darling'. Between the sheets with 'Black Widow' and 'Midsommar' Star Florence Pugh and a steamy, wild trailer that's already setting ablaze a previously broken Internet. When he was a teen I said this kid looked like he could play Jagger. Now do you believe like Chalamet as Dylan, like a Rolling Stone? But before this man truly come of age becomes a bonafide movie star, it's music that really matters to this artist who has been going in solo directions, one for all, like the rest of his band of brothers. Now following his 2017 self-titled debut (that had me and a bunch of fellow pushing 40 dudes working in HMV proclaiming that this album was "the s###" after reluctantly putting it on thinking it would be s###) and the 'Watermelon Sugar' of 2019's 'Fine Line', the 28 year old Harry Styles is back with 'Harry's House'. No not a Potter broom cupboard like CBBC under the stairs, but a mix of genres as eclectic as his closet. It's time to come out to this. Like he sings in closing on the closer 'Love Of My Life', "Baby, you were the love of my life/Woah, maybe you don't know it's lost 'til you find it/It's not what I wanted, to leave you behind/Don't know where you'll land when you fly/But, baby, you were the love of my life." And on my life you're going to love this.
Joni Mitchell, the legend who wrote the classic record 'Harry's House/Centerpiece' off her 1975 great 'The Hissing Of Summer Lawns' (you can't find it on Spotify anymore. Why?! Because f### Joe Rogan! That's why!), tweeted that she loved the title of this upside down living room that looks for the light in synth and a Long Island love. But finger to chin, ponder on this. The album is actually named after Japanese legend Harumoi Hosono's also 70's album 'Hosono's House' that Harry rocked with after spending "a chunk in Japan" (me too, buddy). From the Real World of Box, Wiltshire to the Shangri-la Studios of Malibu, California. And somewhere between Hollywood's Henson and an Angelic London. And of course his sonic stage set like the sun in California's Coachella. This pop-funk coming a week after fellow British great Florence and the Machine went after Kendrick Lamar's 'Mr. Morale' with her big stepping 'Dance Fever'. That new classic featured two songs with the best new artist of the last decade Maggie Rogers. This one and the album of your coming summer features the best one of the decade before that. A man who gave us the album of last summer like a 'Last Train Home' song of the season and fall ballad version. John Mayer licks guitar on two tracks (the classic 'Cinema' (f#####g funky, you dig?) and the reverie of 'Daydreaming'). Big artist features in backing is the new thing en vogue like 'Free Your Mind' (because that's when "the rest will follow"). "Holdin' me back/Gravity's holdin' me back/I want you to hold out the palm of your hand/Why don't we leave it at that?" Styles sings on the lead single and it's dance number video of classic cherography that Sia would be proud of or fellow huge English star Ed Sheeran doing that wedding song request. But it's the 'Late Night Talking' second single that everyone is gossiping about like the tabloids his private life. "I've never been a fan of change/But I'd follow you to any place/If it's Hollywood or Bishopsgate, I'm coming too (Ooh)/", he laments to his love on a bubblegum beautiful ode. A love like a night that you just don't want to end. "Come on, Harry, we want to say goodnight to you!"
Our favourite Styles story, or any celebrity story for that matter (apart from the one were Tom Jones entered a Tom Jones lookalike competition in Wales and came third!) is when his car broke down and he knocked by a nearby house for help and to use their phone. The father at the door obliged and even offered him a very English cup of tea. Its not everyday you have an X factor like this come knocking. Turns out his daughter was a huge fan too. Because of course. But low and behold she was out. So Harry left a note amongst her One Direction posters and fan memorabilia that he was "devastated" that he missed her. He even fed her fish. Can you imagine. The elation and devastation. She won't be cleaning that tank out of years. Let alone the cuppa. But back home in the Hosono inspired 'Harry's House' it all begins with 'Music For A Sushi Restaurant', no matter how you slice it. Raw and uncut and ready for the disco like the ball that is. "Green eyes, fried rice, I could cook an egg on you/Late night, game time, coffee on the stove, yeah (Oh)/You're sweet ice cream, but you could use a flake or two/Blue bubblegum twisted 'round your tongue", Harry harmonizes like "ba, ba, ba" for the black sheep, in a different register for this outstanding opening roll call. Cooking yokes in a way only done before by Charlie Sheen in' Hot Shot'. But this part deux (or is that trois?) asks you how you like your eggs in the morning like Dean Martin. With the kiss of the sweet, refreshing taste of 'Grapejuice' and their blues, forget opening the fridge for some Sunny D...or that purple stuff. The subtle euphoria of the beautiful 'Daylight' won't have your cursing in this calm classic that will float through the coming season like hot air on the horizon. This 'Little Freak' like a Jezabel (word to Hayley Mary just keeps going. Blending the sexuality of Prince with beautiful broods in chorus, worthy of a queen. Now uptop the throne with a crown he's looking for his kingdom like James. 'Matilda' over amazing acoustics being the best dedication since Dahl. "So you tie-up you hair and smile like it's no big deal", he sings to the power of women that just rolls up its sleeves and gets the job done. And they still want to mock him, Kid Cudi and Lakers like Russell Westbrook for wearing a dress, when David Beckham did it way back in the day with a sarong. It ain't wrong. Trendsetters and pioneers. Why not? There's no shame in what women wear. This is their Met. And it's a gala. "Black and white film camera, yellow sunglasses/Ash tray, swimming pool/Hot wax, jump off the roof", he 'Keeps Driving' as he keeps singing, "Maple syrup, coffee/Pancakes for two/Hash brown, egg yolk/I will always love you", he keeps singing. Leaving the world and its troubles in the rearview. Before this pop redefinition takes it out of this world for 'Satellite'. Soon Styles is going to be your 'Boyfriends' favourite singer, girlfriend. Don't call it backwards. It's not so easy. Pop art at its Warhol most vibrant. Since epics like Elton. Or going Gaga. In the world of BTS army's and the three sisters of Haim playing their part for 'Women In Music', pop music has never sounded so golden age good. Reaching new depths by the side of the pool with a relaxed vibe. Feel at home yet? Now how's that for some house music? TIM DAVID HARVEY.
Playlist Picks: 'Music For A Sushi Restaurant', 'Late Night Talking', 'Cinema (Feat. John Mayer)'.
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