If we’re being transparent, I should’ve written this piece a month ago. When it comes to one of your favorite artists, you want it to be perfect, but perfect is unattainable and then the piece never happens. Besides, what more could I say that Rob Sheffield hasn’t already written? BUT, Harry’s House releases THIS FRIDAY and if I’ve learned anything from ‘As It Was’, it’s ok to be a little vulnerable.
At first listen, I was unsure of what to think. Typically, I don’t allow myself to fall into fandom theories and what they think the next era will bring. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get a little caught up in the theory that Harry’s third album would be his rock era (think more ‘Kiwi’ and ‘Medicine’). Once the 80’s synth pop sound kicked in, it threw me for a loop. I felt like the synth was a little too overbearing but as I kept the song circling on repeat, it reeled me in. I wanted to get up and dance. It made me smile but it also made me reminisce on how things really weren’t the same as it was.
‘As It Was’ is an upbeat make-ya-wanna-dance track yet the lyrics feel personal, vulnerable, and a little bit somber. However making something sad sound so happy isn’t new for Harry. Queue ‘Treat People With Kindness’ - “And if our friends all pass away..”
Dancing past the catchy melody, we’re greeted by personal conflict. “Answer the phone, Harry you’re no good alone…” Harry shares an inner dialogue and it feels like he’s opened up a door to give us a peek into his life. It helps you remember that he’s just a person that sometimes talks to himself too.
Not only is the song reflective for Harry, it is for the listener. I couldn’t help but think about how much has changed for me and for, well, all of us since Fine Line was released. And that’s ok. The intertwining of a joyous instrumental with vulnerable lyricism is the perfect example of this thing called life. It ebs and it flows. We can still dance around in our kitchen even if we’ve gone through some shit.
Tying it all together, Harry’s vocal tone in ‘As It Was’ feels more genuine to the sound we hear live. It’s comforting, a little bit deeper, and somehow it makes you feel right at home. After spending more time with the song and watching his Coachella performances, it truly seems like Harry also feels at home. He’s truly come into his own, letting his passion and joy overflow on and off the stage. It’s contagious. A song I first questioned has now become a constant in my life. It’s in heavy rotation in my car, on my phone, my playlists, and even my Tik Toks and Reels.
‘As It Was’ may not be what I expected but at it’s core, it’s genuine. And that’s all I can ask for from any artist.
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