The 20th of May marked the release date of Harry Styles’ long anticipated third studio album Harry’s House. Needless to say, it is his most intimate album to date, with clear references to sexuality and belonging. The song “Matilda” might be the perfect embodiment of just that. It displays a vulnerability never before seen and just the melody itself is enough to bring one to tears. “You were riding your bike to the sound of ‘It’s no big deal'’ is the opening line of the song. Although Styles has clarified that the song is not necessarily about him, you can sense that it relates to someone in his close surroundings. It appears to be a direct love letter to a friend who has struggled with the acceptance of their identity.
“Music For a Sushi Restaurant'' is not the type of song you would expect Harry to open his album with. He tends to save upbeat and carefree songs such as this one or the middle of an album tracklist. Nonetheless, it perfectly sets the tone for the album. I can already imagine this song being on repeat throughout the entire summer!
If you have paid close attention to all of Harry’s activity leading up to the release of “Harry’s House”, you might have noticed that there has been a consistent theme of things being reversed. In the music video for his first single As It Was, the background dancers and Harry himself can be seen walking in reverse. A small segment in the song “Boyfriends” is played in reverse. In one of his tweets, it stated: A familiar soundtrack, played in reverse.” If we then actually listen to the album from back to front, instead of front to back, it all becomes so much more clear. There is a clear progression from the state of heartbreak to exploration and eventually acceptance. Harry is finally home.
I really do suggest you give the album a listen, especially in reverse.
By Emmie