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The Drake and Kendrick Lamar Saga: AI Blurring Lines of Authenticity in Rap Battles

April 15, 2024

In an era where artificial intelligence can convincingly mimic human artists, the lines between real and synthetic music blur. Recently, a supposed diss track titled “Push Ups” by Drake aimed at....

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The Rise of Punjabi Music in Canada: A Cultural Renaissance

April 5, 2024

In the heart of Canada's diverse music scene, Punjabi music is making significant strides, marking a new chapter in the country's cultural tapestry. This shift is not just a testament to the...

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Portugal. The Man: Through Songwriting Triumphs and Trials

April 5, 2024

At the heart of Portugal. The Man is a songwriting process deeply influenced by their experiences, emotions, and the landscapes of their Alaskan upbringing. John Gourley, the band's frontman...

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Stephanie Poetri: Navigating the Stars and Soundscapes

April 3, 2024

Indonesian-born artist Stephanie Poetri is not just a musician; she's a sonic storyteller whose narratives unfold against the backdrop of a world obsessed with digital connectivity and astrological...

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Universal Music Group and HYBE Forge Strategic 10-Year Distribution and Collaboration Agreement

April 1, 2024

In a significant move that underscores the evolving dynamics of the global music industry, Universal Music Group (UMG) and HYBE, a prominent South Korean entertainment company, have announced...

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The National: A Journey Through Melancholy and the Art of Songwriting

March 31, 2024

Since its inception in 1999, the National has meticulously crafted a sound that resonates with the subtle complexities of human emotion, blurring the lines between melancholy and a peculiar sense....

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NIKI: A Profile on Self-Discovery and International Acclaim

March 29, 2024

Nicole Zefanya, known professionally as NIKI, has carved a unique space for herself in the contemporary music scene, transforming from a self-made YouTube artist into a history-making star...

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Jhené Aiko Embarks on the Magic Hour Tour: A Celebration of Resilience and Artistic Collaboration

March 27, 2024

In the dynamic world of contemporary R&B, few artists possess the ethereal quality and lyrical depth of Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo. Known for her soulful voice and introspective songwriting, Aiko...

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SZA's "Saturn": Chart-Topping Success and Insight into Her Songwriting Process

March 22, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of R&B music SZA stands as a beacon of innovation. Her latest single, "Saturn," marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Debuted during the 2024 Grammy...

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The Rap Challenge of Drill Beats: Why Cardi B Didn't Release Ice Spice 'Munch' Remix

March 20, 2024

Drill beats, with their gritty textures and relentless rhythms, represent one of these challenging frontiers. Cardi B's recent experience with recording a verse for a remix of Ice Spice's "Munch"...

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Ariana Grande's Lyrical Odyssey: Love and Loss in 'Eternal Sunshine'

Ariana Grande has once again captured the spotlight with her latest album, "Eternal Echoes." This time, Grande embarks on a deeply personal journey, weaving her narrative through the thematic...

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Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar Triumph: Crafting Oppenheimer's “Unplayable” Score

March 14, 2024

In the grand auditorium of dreams, Ludwig Göransson clutched the Oscar statuette for Best Score, a testament to his monumental contribution to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. This win adds another...

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What Makes a Harry Styles Hook So Infectious

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Photo: Leigh Fahrion (Los Angeles Times)

On May 20, Harry Styles released his new album Harry’s House, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart. This is his third studio album in which all thirteen songs are in the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100. Out of these songs, four are in the top 10: “As it Was” (No. 1), “Late Night Talking” (No. 4), “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” (No. 8), and “Matilda” (No. 9). Compared to when he was in One Direction, his music now conveys more gentle and sophisticated tones using vintage guitars and psychedelic harmonies. This new album features pop-funk, pop rock, synth-pop and R&B styles, focusing on topics in life like love and heartbreak.

The lead single, “As it Was”, is tied for longest running number one of the year so far with “We Don’t Talk about Bruno” at 7 weeks. The song was written and produced by Harry, Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson, and unlike many of Harry’s rock-oriented tones, this song is a guitar-driven synth-pop track. With the focus on transition and loneliness, the music video with dancer Mathilde Lin, also creates a negative emotional feeling and mysterious tone to the song with its unique choreography.

Photo: Harry’s House Album Cover

This isn’t Harry’s first time achieving such great results. “Watermelon Sugar” from his last album Fine Line also became number one and later on, was awarded Song of the Year. So what makes us keep listening to his music.

Harry specializes in many forms of music, and the catchy tune and lyrics have stuck to the brains of its listeners, infecting them with his music. The relatable topics and mysterious nature of his songs bring people in to listen over and over. Harry can create his own unique world through his music. As humans, we carry many complicated emotions that are often difficult to express. We believe that the gentle yet intense, happy yet sorrowful music Harry produces speaks to our hearts, and helps express those difficult emotions. Harry does a great job targeting certain feelings in each song which is why we can’t stop ourselves from loving him and his music.

Harry has recently announced his Fall Residency Tour starting in August. We look forward to seeing his progression in the music industry and how he will spread his musical talent around the world.