It's hard to know where to begin when describing Harry Styles. I could start by referencing his claim to fame, his involvement in the ultra-famous band, One Direction. Or, I could leave that out and focus on his career as a solo artist, and the recent release of his mega-hit album, Fine Line. Regardless, one thing must be said, Harry Styles is a tremendously talented musician whose range, influence, and audience, spans many generations, genres, and preferences. Basically, the man can do anything. Styles proves his wide ranging abilities throughout his discography, but the most important showcase of his talent is his eclectic taste in songs which he chooses to cover. Here are five covers by Harry Styles that you really need to hear if you want to understand the scope of his talent.
1. The Chain
Harry Styles - The Chain (Fleetwood Mac cover) in the Live Loungewww.youtube.com
If you're a fan of Harry, you probably know all about his close friendship with Stevie Nicks. Here he is covering "The Chain," off Fleetwood Mac's legendary album, Rumors. Fun fact: when Harry released his most recent album, Fine Line, Stevie Nicks penned an open letter to Styles praising him for the album, and calling it his Rumours. High praise from a legend like Stevie Nicks.
2. Big Yellow Taxi
Harry Styles - Big Yellow Taxi (Joni Mitchell Cover) Radio 2 Breakfastwww.youtube.com
Here is Harry doing his rendition of "Big Yellow Taxi" by Counting Crows. This cover shows a goofier and more relaxed side of Harry. We also see this side of him come out in Fine Line's "Canyon Moon" making the two a great pair if you're making a playlist. You can hear he's having fun while performing this song, we even get a little giggle from him at the end
3. Juice
Harry Styles - Juice (Lizzo cover) in the Live Loungewww.youtube.com
Here we have Harry covering the infectious and fun "Juice" by Lizzo. This cover, done on BBC ONE radio, sparked a flirty friendship between Styles and Lizzo that led to many back and forth between the two and even a joint performance of the song at a pre-super bowl party in January of 2020.
4. Wild Thoughts
Harry Styles - Wild Thoughts (Live Cover)www.youtube.com
In this cover, we see Harry Styles exploring a flirtier side while covering Rihanna and Drake's song, "Wild Thoughts." Styles is arguably the most attractive man on the planet, and Rihanna is arguably the most attractive woman on this Earth, therefore, one can only assume Harry's decision to cover this song was an act of divine intervention.
5. Girl Crush
Harry Styles - Girl Crush (At The BBC)www.youtube.com
This cover shows a softer and more serious side of Harry Styles. It's an interesting choice, covering a country band, but his, as expected, executes it flawlessly. The song "Girl Crush" is by Little Big Town, a country band. Styles' decision to cover this song is evidence that his musical influences are endless, contributing to his being such a well rounded artist.
Honorable mention:
Landslide ft. Stevie Nicks
Landslide - Harry Styles and Stevie Nicks (Live at the Troubadour)www.youtube.com
While this can't justifiably go in the list of covers, (it's technically not a cover since he sings it with the woman who wrote the song) it would be wrong to leave it out of this article. The two duet in perfect harmony, making a sweet and soothing experience for your eardrums. At one point during the performance, Styles chokes up as the realization that he is singing with such a legend. I choked up watching them because they're both legends in my book.
Whether you're a Harry Styles fan or not, his talent is undeniable, and his messages are pure. He teaches his audience to "Treat People With Kindness" and love one another. He is a good man, full of talent, and I can't wait to see what he does next.
