I LOVE the production but I'm unsure of his vocals on the first listen as I don't have a clue what he's saying half the time lol. It's going to take a few listens but it's definitely an interesting direction to go in.

Straight to the A List on Radio 1, unsurprisingly

Such a euphoric song, kinda instant for me

I’m also here for more top tier status males actually experimenting! On first listen I actually really like this. I predicted in the 2026 predictions thread he’d have a bigger follow up single to whatever was the lead commercially so I could see that happening but this will still be huge!

This definitely feels like a bold choice for lead single. Very curious how the rest of the album will sound after Aperture.

Good on him for taking an experimental swing at the peak of his powers. Not sure how big this is going to be in the long run but I’ll live in the delusional hope that it helps more techno-influenced music break through. Fantastic production.

Its different... I unsure though, might need a couple more listens for it to click.

It's very experimental for a Harry Styles lead single isn't it!

I probably need a few listens to get used to it properly, but I'm really liking the vibe.

Really, really liking this! Listened a few times now and it’s so instant for me. A brilliant way to start this new era

Listened to this first thing and, like others, was very impressed that he hadn't played it safe. Liked it, but did wonder if he had gone too experimental.

Had a half-hour drive to work, so put it on repeat and after a few more listens it's absolutely cracking. Still going round in my head.

I want this to be massive.

1 hour ago, GTH said:

This definitely feels like a bold choice for lead single. Very curious how the rest of the album will sound after Aperture.

Right now I think he might be holding back the song of the Summer for the March release. This is a bit indie House. I think there will be a proper House banger on there. It should be perfect for right now. There is a lot of nostalgia for the 2011-2016 dance era. Harry never got to make that music around then, not like Bieber did. Catching it on the nostalgia bend is really smart.

The production is really interesting. I get what people say about the vocals - they are very distorted during the verses and hard to hear clearly. I suspect that is all purposely though to fit the mood of the song.

Reminds me a lot of the vibe & structure from Random Access Memories by Daft Punk, certainly with some of the compose elements e.g. piano mixed with synths.

Agree with others that this doesn't necessarily feel like a song that radio/streaming will eat up like As It Was did.

Odd lead single choice

It’s definitely a grower. I’ve went from being very underwhelmed and not really liking it to thinking it’s really good after a few more listens. I do feel this will be more like ‘Lights Up’ with a ‘Watermelon Sugar’ hiding on the album waiting to be released.

I really like this! Not what I was expecting at all.

I think it's a bold choice, my only criticism is I wish it was condensed a bit and had more lyrics and built a bit more within the song but still really solid! I enjoy it more than As It Was anyway.

11 hours ago, Mr. C. Joel said:

If this wasn't a Harry lead this would go completely unnoticed....

Male pop stars are notoriously risk-averse (the new Bruno Mars single is a great example), so it’s refreshing to see someone at his level actually experiment with a lead single. I always think that when you’re too big to fail, that’s exactly the moment to challenge your audience.

I really like this. There’s something almost Postal Service or Animal Collective about it (even Sufjan Stevens). It does sit firmly in that late-00s/early-10s alternative electronic sound already mentioned in the thread. Curious for the album now!

Fcukers opening for him now makes so much sense, I am expecting LCD Soundsystem acid bass bops pls Harold

This actually suits him I think and I’m glad he has experimented since I do think he’s a great artist with a lot of potential and his music doesn’t always live up to that, love this! I’m intrigued as to how the album will be if this is the sound. There’s basically no other male artist I can imagine releasing this as a lead so kudos to him for that.

6 minutes ago, blacksquare said:

Male pop stars are notoriously risk-averse (the new Bruno Mars single is a great example), so it’s refreshing to see someone at his level actually experiment with a lead single. I always think that when you’re too big to fail, that’s exactly the moment to challenge your audience.

I really like this. There’s something almost Postal Service or Animal Collective about it (even Sufjan Stevens). It does sit firmly in that late-00s/early-10s alternative electronic sound already mentioned in the thread. Curious for the album now!

Fcukers opening for him now makes so much sense, I am expecting LCD Soundsystem acid bass bops pls Harold

I’m all for taking risks if they pay off. I stand by my original comment I genuinely think it’s awful and no one would be paying it any attention if it was by any other male artist.

I’m sure some people genuinely do like it but I just don’t get the appeal at all and I’ve liked 90% of his other stuff.

12 minutes ago, Mr. C. Joel said:

I’m all for taking risks if they pay off. I stand by my original comment I genuinely think it’s awful and no one would be paying it any attention if it was by any other male artist.

To be fair though, this can apply to anything released by artists at the peak of their careers! Most just don't fully maximise that time to take a chance like this.

6 minutes ago, Mr. C. Joel said:

I’m all for taking risks if they pay off. I stand by my original comment I genuinely think it’s awful and no one would be paying it any attention if it was by any other male artist.

I’m sure some people genuinely do like it but I just don’t get the appeal at all and I’ve liked 90% of his other stuff.

Oh, of course, it wouldn't be getting this attention. My point was less about its quality and more about how refreshing it is that someone at the absolute peak of their success would choose to release a five-minute track like this as a lead single

Popstars taking risks is always a hoot

Personally its just too much instrumental and not enough harry like could of easily done without nearly a minute of intro, its not a bad song but i feel like I could be listening to any mainstream male artist, like if I didnt literally search for it id of never guessed it was Harry styles heck Djo came on autoplay right after could of easily been him

Also 3 minutes would of been sufficient 🤣🤣

Also echo @Mr. C. Joel comment that it probably wouldn't be getting as much traction if was anyone else

Edited Friday at 12:584 days by 777666jason