Coachella 2022: Harry Styles is the Past, Present and Future of Music

Coachella Weekend 2: A Harry Styles Review

Styles with Lizzo at Coachella 2022 (Photo by Pooneh Ghana)

As Harry trotted onstage, I could barely see. Nor could I hear once he started singing, as everyone in the audience was either screaming or singing along. I felt like I was at the 2022 version of a Beatles concert. Now I know what you’re thinking, how could I compare anyone, let alone a 21st century artist, to the Beatles? Well, I could take the easy route and say Harry started in a band of five lads from the UK, but I’m going to argue that Harry Styles is one of the most influential artists of our time. He is going to keep classic rock alive, while equally showcasing his unique flare and modern musical styling.

I always thought Harry Styles was a talent. I loved his self-titled debut album with “Kiwi” being an obvious favorite for a rock lover like me. I also love the pieces “Woman” and “Carolina” where he has catchy, layered backing vocals. I loved to jam out to these tunes in the car. Now at Coachella, I became an even bigger fan, as it was my first time hearing songs like “Treat People with Kindness”, “Canyon Moon”, and the unreleased fan favorite, “Medicine”.

“Treat People with Kindness” gave me a Beatle-esque vibe, better yet a Paul McCartney, in particular, vibe. I implore you to listen to Styles’ “Treat People with Kindness” and then Paul McCartney’s “Pipes of Peace” and tell me these two don't have a similar sound. Better yet, keep going and listen to “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey”. Hearing “Maybe we can/Find a place to feel good/And we can treat people with kindness/Find a place to feel good” followed by “Hands across the water/Hands across the sky” will have you in a happy mood for the rest of your day!

Styles’ songs “Cherry” and “Canyon Moon” sounded like they could be 60s songs with “Canyon Moon” giving Simon and Garfunkle vibes. Mixed with the guitar sound and Harry’s almost gruff voice, the song’s recording, equally has a very modern feel. What I really loved about Harry’s Coachella performance of this song is that he sang the lower harmony, as he also did on his hit song “Adore You”. He sounded equally as amazing live as he did on the recorded track where his higher register is more the focus. For this live performance, he gave the audience vocals that were equally as lovely as they were different.

Styles also brought out Lizzo during this Coachella performance. Just like Styles, I believe Lizzo to be an artist who is completely modern and original, but equally has a sound that is reminiscent of an older, classic music styling. Plus, she can sing anything! Any song, any style. The duo sang the Gloria Gaynor hit “I Will Survive”. The crowd was in an uproar and everyone was having a good time, when suddenly Styles launched into his One Direction hit “What Makes You Beautiful” while still singing the melody of “I Will Survive”. How unique is that?

Harry Styles’ Coachella performance proved to me that he is indeed the past, present and future of music. His sounds reminded me of Paul McCartney, Simon and Garfunkle, (the past) and he equally stayed true to himself, giving an equally modern sound (the present). As for the future, I cannot wait to hear his new album “Harry’s House” which is scheduled to be released later this month.

Overall, I’m an even bigger Harry Styles fan than I was before Coachella!

By Rio