Harry Styles, a name synonymous with chart-topping hits and boundary-pushing music, has become one of the most defining artists of his generation. Since his days with One Direction, Styles has ventured into solo territory, continually evolving his sound and persona. His 2022 hit “As It Was” is a prime example of this growth—a track that blends introspective lyrics with upbeat, danceable synth-pop beats. Released as the lead single from his third solo album Harry’s House, “As It Was” explores themes of personal change, loneliness, and the bittersweet nature of moving forward. In this review, we’ll explore why “As It Was” resonates so deeply with listeners, and how it reflects Styles’ artistic evolution.
Musical Composition and Sound
“As It Was” is an infectious blend of synth-pop and new wave influences, combining retro-inspired production with a modern pop sensibility. The song opens with a hypnotic synth loop, setting the tone for a track that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. From the first beat, the song immerses the listener in its electronic textures, which serve as a backdrop to Styles’ vocals that carry a mix of melancholy and determination.
The song’s instrumentation is characterized by its minimalist yet immersive nature. The synths are bright, with shimmering effects that evoke the sounds of 80s new wave, while the bassline is subtle yet steady, anchoring the track in a more contemporary pop framework. The percussion adds a rhythmic, driving element that propels the song forward, creating a sense of urgency in the otherwise dreamy atmosphere.
Despite its retro-inspired sound, “As It Was” never feels dated. The production style feels fresh, with a modern polish that highlights the emotional depth of the song. The melodies are infectious and hook-laden, yet they never overshadow the vulnerability of the lyrics. The song’s pace and structure maintain a balance between pop accessibility and artistic complexity, allowing it to be both a radio-friendly anthem and a deeply personal reflection.
Lyrical Themes and Meaning
The lyrics of “As It Was” are deeply personal and introspective, capturing Styles’ ongoing reflection on change, relationships, and the emotional complexities that come with moving forward. The opening lines, “Holdin’ me back, gravity’s holdin’ me back,” immediately set the tone of the song, where the protagonist feels an invisible force pulling them in different directions. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the internal struggles that come with change, as well as the tension between staying rooted in the past and embracing the future.
One of the most poignant elements of the song is its exploration of emotional distance in relationships. In the line “I want you to hold out the palm of your hand, why don’t we leave it at that?” Styles conveys a sense of longing and a desire for connection, but also a recognition that things have shifted. The refrain “In this world, it’s just us, you know it’s not the same as it was” encapsulates the central theme of change—both in the personal sense and within the context of relationships. It’s a powerful message that conveys the bittersweet reality of how time and circumstances can alter connections.
Throughout the song, there’s an overwhelming sense of nostalgia, especially in the lines “Go home, get ahead, light-speed internet,” where Styles reflects on the fast pace of modern life and the way technology and progress can sometimes leave us feeling disconnected. The reference to “light-speed internet” speaks to the overwhelming nature of today’s connected world, where everything moves quickly, but deeper connections sometimes seem harder to come by.
A particularly notable part of the lyrics comes in the second verse, where Styles sings, “Answer the phone, ‘Harry, you’re no good alone, why are you sittin’ at home on the floor? What kind of pills are you on?'” This line introduces a raw, vulnerable element to the song, as Styles grapples with isolation and the concern of others who see him as disconnected or struggling. The mention of pills could be a subtle nod to the pressures of fame, mental health struggles, or simply the complex emotions that come with navigating life’s changes.
Production and Instrumentation
The production of “As It Was” is one of the song’s standout features. The song is a masterclass in blending retro sounds with modern sensibilities. The synth-driven beats evoke the 1980s new wave era, reminiscent of artists like Depeche Mode or Tears for Fears, but the song never feels like a pastiche. Instead, it draws inspiration from the past while carving its own identity within the landscape of contemporary pop.
The song’s sonic landscape is lush yet stripped-back, allowing Styles’ vocals to take center stage. The minimalist approach to the instrumentation means that each element is carefully considered, from the shimmering synths to the subtle percussion that punctuates the track. The way the song builds creates an interesting tension between the upbeat music and the more melancholic, introspective lyrics.
What’s particularly striking about the song is the way it manages to be both emotionally charged and sonically accessible. While the lyrics are undoubtedly vulnerable, the production ensures that the song remains uplifting, making it a track that is both personal and universally relatable. This balance is difficult to achieve, but “As It Was” pulls it off flawlessly.
Vocal Performance and Delivery
Harry Styles’ vocal performance on “As It Was” is one of his most captivating to date. His voice is effortlessly emotive, effortlessly capturing the vulnerability of the lyrics without ever feeling overdone. Styles sings with a sense of restraint, his tone smooth yet tinged with melancholy, which makes the emotional weight of the song all the more impactful.
The chorus, with its repeated “You know it’s not the same as it was,” highlights Styles’ ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety. His delivery is haunting, yet comforting, and it perfectly complements the song’s overall theme of emotional upheaval. The way he moves between moments of fragility and strength in his vocals mirrors the emotional journey described in the song, giving it a depth that connects with listeners on a visceral level.
Cultural Impact and Reception
Released as the lead single from Harry’s House, “As It Was” quickly became a global hit. The song’s introspective lyrics, infectious melody, and unique blend of retro and modern elements caught the attention of fans and critics alike. It became one of the defining tracks of 2022, topping charts worldwide and earning praise for its emotional depth and musical innovation.
Critics lauded the song for its ability to tap into universal themes of change, longing, and nostalgia, while still remaining deeply personal to Styles. “As It Was” became more than just a catchy pop tune—it became an anthem for those experiencing change in their own lives, offering solace and comfort through its relatable message.
The song’s success was not just limited to its chart performance. Its music video, which featured Styles’ signature blend of quirky fashion and thoughtful aesthetics, received acclaim for its visual storytelling. The video’s retro-futuristic vibe mirrored the song’s themes, creating a visual narrative that complemented the emotional journey of the song.
Conclusion
Harry Styles’ “As It Was” is a stunning fusion of introspective songwriting and infectious pop production. The song captures the complexities of change, the pull between nostalgia and progress, and the vulnerability that comes with navigating life’s transitions. With its blend of 80s-inspired synth-pop and modern sensibilities, “As It Was” showcases Styles’ growth as both an artist and a storyteller, cementing his place as one of the leading voices in contemporary pop music.
The track’s infectious melody, poignant lyrics, and masterful production ensure that “As It Was” will be remembered as one of Styles’ most significant songs. It’s a track that speaks to the heart, offering both a personal reflection and a universal message, making it one of the standout moments of 2022 and a song that will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.