In 2022, Harry Styles released "As It Was," which topped the charts in 35 countries worldwide. How did one synth melody wield such massive influence? It was nostalgia for the 80s, the pain of growth, and a young man's declaration of independence.
From One Direction to Becoming Himself
Harry Styles secured an international fanbase as a member of One Direction in 2010. However, after his 2016 solo debut album, he had to spend seven years finding his own musical identity. His journey that started with 2012's "Up All Night" continued through 2016's self-written "Harry Styles," showcasing maturity with 2019's "Fine Line." "As It Was" was the pinnacle of this entire journey.
Harry simply didn't settle for popularity. When he broke away solo like other members during One Direction activities, he pursued true musical independence. The music he chose summoned the ghost of the 80s. Watching giants like Steve Winwood, Paul McCartney, and Bob Dylan change generations and evolve their music, Harry wanted to follow that same path.
"Harpoon Dream, that synth preset—everything we were looking for was there."— Kid Harpoon
Miraculous Collaboration with Kid Harpoon
Producer Kid Harpoon (Tom Hull) is the core of "As It Was." Bringing a Moog One synthesizer into the studio, Kid Harpoon explored presets with Harry and discovered a preset named "Harpoon Dream." This was no accident. The preset's name itself carried his nickname, and when they removed the delay, the sound was exactly what they had been searching for.
This synth preset never changed throughout the entire song. From beginning to end, that synth became the soul of the track. Like the ghost of the 80s had time-warped into the 2022 digital world, this synth dominated everything. Kid Harpoon became not just a producer, but the musical architect of Harry Styles, completing this masterpiece alongside Tyler Johnson.
Growth Pain and Nostalgia Synthesis
The lyrics of "As It Was" contain Harry's loneliness and changes as he grew up. The lyric "I know it's me, I got nobody" is not just a simple expression of loneliness. It reflects the deeper consciousness of an artist who realized that true growth comes from solitude. While millions support him, ultimate creative decisions and personal struggles are faced alone.
"As It Was" is a song about the journey of becoming oneself. The synth melody that repeats endlessly symbolizes the unchanging nature of one's essence, even as the world changes. This is why this song resonated with millions. People facing the pain of growth, the confusion of identity in a rapidly changing world, found themselves in this synth melody and Harry's voice.
Return of the MTV Era
The resurgence of 80s synth-pop in the 2020s was not merely a retro trend. It reflected a transformation of the entire music industry. Harry brought back the aesthetics of the 80s—where a single synthesizer could dominate an entire song, where the artist's voice was raw and intimate even amid electronic sounds.
The success of "As It Was" extends beyond its position as the lead single from the 2022 album "Harry's House." It marks an artist's mastery of blending multiple eras: the DIY ethos of 90s indie rock, the technological innovation of electronic music, and the emotional directness of 80s new wave. This is why "As It Was" became one of the most iconic songs of the 2020s.
