Harry Styles As It Was Song

Since One Direction, Harry Styles has approached Rolling Stone's archival issues to create albums like collecting mood boards.

As It Was Song

The two-single record is dripping in rock history references—a little Pink Floyd here and the hit songs are clearly out of step with contemporary chart trends.

Harry Styles As It Was Song

Styles stakes its claim to post-boy band relevance through expert curation of vintage aesthetics.

Harry Styles As It Was Song

That, plus undeniable charisma and great Gucci sets. It is the first single from his upcoming album Harry House.

Harry Styles As It Was Song

Joni Mitchell is an obvious loser for Styles' third album: its title, "Harry's House," is a nod to his 1975 song "Harry's House/Centerpiece."

Harry Styles As It Was Song

But the album's first single, "As It Was," leaps forward nearly a decade with bouncing drum machines and a synth hook reminiscent of A-Ha's "Take On Me."

Harry Styles As It Was Song

Styles sings softly, his voice like a dusting of powdered sugar, about a lost love, but the song's fast tempo and upbeat chimes keep the mood light.

Harry Styles As It Was Song

If Styles' last record was about having sex and feeling down, "As It Was" sounds like having sex, feeling down, then getting over it.

Harry Styles As It Was Song

Seems" is the best I can do, given the lyrics' vagueness - Styles' consistent lack of songwriting.

Harry Styles As It Was Song

A vignette in the poem is even trickier: Harry is alone on the floor, in a drunken puddle, calling out to a concerned loved one.