In 2017, promotional activities were well underway for Harry Styles’ first solo album – the self-titled ‘Harry Styles’. As part of these efforts, the ex-One Direction member appeared in a BBC special in order to play a mix of songs from the album alongside covers of songs that have influenced his music. One of the songs he chose to cover was the 2014 country music hit ‘Girl Crush’ by Little Big Town, performing a moving acoustic cover of the ballad.
A unique choice for Harry, the song is written from a woman’s perspective as she becomes jealously obsessed with the woman her partner has been having an affair with. Committed to telling the story behind the song, Harry gave a simple and heartfelt performance. One YouTube viewer was so impressed with the authenticity of his performance that they commented, “I get goosebumps every time I listen to this song. The pain in his voice, how desperately he sings this song, every note, every word.”
Harry Styles is known to draw on a number of unique influences when it comes to his own music. Not only does he draw from current pop, as well as country hits like ‘Girl Crush’, but he is also widely recognized to be heavily inspired by 70s pop and rock. He has cited musicians such as Harry Nilsson, Paul McCartney, and Fleetwood Mac as major influences on his solo sound. He paid tribute to this legacy at his BBC performance by performing a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’.
While fans had to wait for the recording of this performance to be shown on BBC One, he headed to the BBC Live Lounge to record an additional cover of the 70s classic, which was immediately uploaded to YouTube. One fan praised Harry’s decision to cover older songs and commented, “Older people are falling in love with Harry’s talent. Younger people are falling in love with Fleetwood Mac’s songs,” as they noticed music fans of all generations joining together to enjoy Harry’s performance.
As Harry’s career has continued to develop, so have his musical influences. His most recent album, ‘Harry’s House’, was notable for being heavily influenced by the niche genre of 70s Japanese city pop. The album went on to win the 2023 Grammy Awards Album Of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, as well as gaining a place in the Rolling Stone revision of the 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time. It just goes to show that Harry’s adventurous tastes continue to surprise and delight both fans and critics alike, as well as being an important factor in his continued success in the ever-changing music industry.
If you would like to hear more from the talented singer Harry Styles, you can enjoy the diversity of his music, influenced by pop, country, and 70’s rock, by subscribing to his YouTube Channel. To keep up with his latest updates, follow him on Facebook and Instagram. You can also visit his official website for all the latest news and releases from Harry Styles.