So, Harry Styles...

[OMonster 14,667]

Tomorrow morning Harry Styles releases his first solo record. And this is going to be the beginning of an incredible, legendary and era defining career. Bookmark me. 

Since Harry started to evolve towards the end of 1D, it was very clear that he was going in a very different direction to pop music. In fact, I found it even uncomfortable at times seeing him in the group. I think, from maybe around 2014/15 onwards, he felt out of place both musically and stylistically (not personally) with the boys. Even his fashion and general expression was probably just about as left field as his straitjacket-contract permitted. Put simply, he was not of the 'womanising, partying pretty boy' identity the media and his management so exploitatively constructed through the years. If you go way back to his first X Factor audition even, he was never that guy. 

I have been anticipating solo Harry music for a long, long time. I remember when 'Don't Let Me Go' first leaked and how, compared to his commercial output at the time, even that was a deviation from what 1D were doing. It was a pop ballad about love, yes... but it was different. Now with the right people around him, along with a more defined vision, I think his music is going to be really, really special. His aura, his fashion, his philosophy and intelligence, and of course his singing/songwriting talent... this is the ingredients for a star - and not just 'another pretty boy' kinda star. 

Spoiler

He is of course a beautiful person, though.. but let's not define him by that. 

What I particularly love about Harry, and one of the things I think is going to work so well for him, is the constant ambiguity he strives for. In an age of 24/7 social and media exposure, Harry is consciously very private and very distant. I believe he will let the music do the talking. He isn't photographed stumbling out of clubs, he doesn't comment on his relationship status or any tabloid fodder... he's classy and keeps his distance. I think, similarly to what Gaga did, Harry could become one of the world's biggest artists through the construction and art of mystery. It's what is missing right now - a detachment from reality. Through social media, we are all celebrities... it's time for the artist to start acting on the reverse of this. 

There's also the timeliness of his debut. Culturally, Harry really embodies the 21st century 'man'. I do not think the extent of his individuality, nor his identity, has been explored yet. Or even at all. He's always very coy about his sexuality (even playful at times) and is, regardless of his own identification (which is irrelevant I understand), a huge supporter of equality, LGBT movements and feminism. I think these values will be reflected in his music, his lyrics and hopefully his overall aesthetic. This again is something a mainstream male artist is not doing right now. I did think Troye Sivan had a shot at filling this space, but he lacks the 'star power' of Harry. 

A good example of Harry more authentically expressing himself is his recent shoot for Another Man. Here are some of my favourite shots:

This is definitely someone who is going to explore and challenge masculine norms. And as much as I cringe at the constant comparisons to Bowie... this shoot really gave off those vibes, I admit. Perhaps it's just that the mainstream pop industry is so starved from male individuality, though. 

Harry is about to usher in - or even see in the return of - a 'new' era of male artistry. I passionately believe the industry needs, and has needed for some time now, a male artist who understands showmanship, expression, flamboyancy and performance. I think Harry is that man. 

Roll on tomorrow morning 

 

 

[sipthistea 21,099]

I guess we'll see 

[merlot 5,772]

i don't think he'll make it but who knows, we're gonna have to wait and see 

[Blake 7,385]

Tbh glad to see people finally waking up and stanning my man.  

[Johnny Wayne 5,497]

if your prophecies come true, this might be quite interesting. I do think he lacks character though, he needs to be more outspoken about what he stands for

[JEWRJEWR 5,663]

it will depend on how good the music is

[The Fame Joanne 5,985]

I don't know him that well, but I would fück him in the first picture (maybe in the second too, but not in the third). That's all I'm gonna say. 

 

Jk, let's wait until tomorrow I guess. Then we'll know more 

[junolxf 8,654]

Like I said on another post, I want him to be successful. Male mediocrity in the music industry has to stop. I hope he brings something different and unique. His approach to sexuality and gender roles is interesting. 

[Gagamel 3,410]

I will honestly never understand his appeal....... 80% of the girls i know think he is like the hottest man alive when people like chris evans exist

[Saint Hollywood 37,363]

1 minute ago, Gagamel said:

I will honestly never understand his appeal....... 80% of the girls i know think he is like the hottest man alive when people like chris evans exist

People have different opinions

[Saint Hollywood 37,363]

To be honest, I am so here for Harry taking over the male music industry. We need a polarizing figure in that area again. It's been far too long since there's been anything interesting by a male pop star.

[Gagamel 3,410]

Just now, Saint Hollywood said:

People have different opinions

Every guy i know finds Zayn attractive yet none find Harry attractive

[Saint Hollywood 37,363]

Just now, Gagamel said:

Every guy i know finds Zayn attractive yet none find Harry attractive

Who are these guys

[Gagamel 3,410]

Just now, Saint Hollywood said:

Who are these guys

i was overexaggerating with "every" but 5 guys from my close group of friends said Zayn was hot when they were asked

But most of the girls from our group found Harry Styles and Rami Malek attractive while the guys were repelled

[The Child 18,997]

When the GP and the media tend to overhype someone like this it usually ends up in a big disappointment *cough* ARTPOP *cough*