As I await for the clock to hit 6pm CST, I sit with friends in a comfy coffee shop. Surrounded by greenery, the smell of coffee brewing, and a window allowing for people watching on South Lamar Street. I drink my iced vanilla latte with many expectations of Harry Styles’ new song in my mind.
I completed all of my assignments for classes and tasks in order to mentally prepare for As It Was. I put my headphones on. Loaded the Spotify application on my MacBook and waited. Once 6pm rolled around, I felt this almost nervousness to press play on Spotify. I have been anticipating this song and his upcoming album, and the first song is a glimpse of the album. When I first heard the upbeat rhythm begin, I could not help but get lost in the sound.
A nostalgic feeling overwhelmed my body. It was almost as if I had heard this song before. As I listened, I was reminded of the initial feeling I felt before when Harry released his album, Fine Line. It was pre-pandemic. It was my first semester of freshman year of college; a time of pure bliss. As the song continued, Harry repeated numerous times, “You know it’s not the same as it was.” This was true.
The last time Harry released a song was a different time. One that shares no resemblance to today. I could not help but get emotional realizing this. Over two years later this song represents to me a light at the end of the tunnel. While I was hoping for a raw emotional song, I came to recognize I needed a song like this. A song that is fun and portrays the feeling of closing a chapter with a new journey insight.
This is a new Harry era and the song depicts exactly that.