Addressing The Controversy: Benson Boone And Harry Styles' Musical Styles Compared

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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Vocal Styles and Techniques

Benson Boone's Vocal Prowess

Benson Boone possesses a remarkable vocal range and control. His performances are characterized by:

• Impressive Vocal Control: Boone demonstrates exceptional breath control and precision in his delivery, particularly noticeable in his soaring high notes.
• Expressive Vibrato: His use of vibrato adds depth and emotion to his vocals, enhancing the impact of his lyrics.
• Emotional Delivery: Boone's vocals are intensely expressive, conveying a wide range of emotions with nuance and authenticity. His raw emotionality is a key component of his appeal.
• Unique Vocal "Tricks": While not employing extensive vocal acrobatics, Boone incorporates subtle stylistic choices, such as phrasing and dynamic shifts, to create a distinctive vocal texture. His ability to build intensity gradually adds power to his performances.

Harry Styles' Vocal Charisma

Harry Styles' vocal style is instantly recognizable and has evolved significantly throughout his career. Key characteristics include:

• Smooth Baritone: His voice possesses a naturally smooth and rich baritone quality, contributing to his laid-back and charming stage presence.
• Masterful Phrasing: Styles' phrasing is impeccable, enhancing the lyrical content and conveying emotion effectively. He's known for his ability to make even simple lyrics resonate deeply.
• Dynamic Range: His vocal delivery incorporates a wide dynamic range, moving seamlessly between soft, intimate moments and powerful, anthemic choruses.
• Subtle Nuances: Styles expertly utilizes subtle vocal nuances – inflections, pauses, and variations in tone – to add layers of meaning and texture to his performances.

Direct Vocal Comparison

Songwriting and Lyrical Themes

Benson Boone's Songwriting

Benson Boone's songwriting often displays a depth of emotional vulnerability rarely seen in artists of his generation.

• Personal Themes: His songs frequently explore themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and navigating the complexities of personal relationships.
• Emotional Honesty: Boone's lyrics are characterized by honesty and authenticity, creating a strong connection with listeners who relate to his experiences.
• Collaborations: While many of his songs showcase his solo songwriting abilities, he sometimes collaborates with other writers, expanding his creative palette.

Harry Styles' Songwriting Evolution

Harry Styles' songwriting has undergone a significant evolution since his One Direction days.

• Early Work: His earlier work leaned towards upbeat pop-rock themes, often focused on love and youthful experiences.
• Solo Career: His solo albums demonstrate a growth in lyrical depth and complexity, reflecting a broader range of emotional experiences.
• Maturity and Introspection: His later works delve into more mature and introspective themes, exploring identity, self-acceptance, and personal growth.

Comparing Lyrical Approaches

While both artists explore themes of love and relationships, their approaches differ significantly. Boone’s songwriting tends to be more emotionally raw and confessional, whereas Styles’ leans towards a more polished and metaphorical style.

Musical Influences and Genre

Benson Boone's Influences

Benson Boone's music shows influences from various artists and genres, including:

• Folk and Indie: The emotional depth and storytelling in his music suggest influences from singer-songwriters within these genres.
• Modern Pop: His production and arrangements clearly reflect contemporary pop trends.

Harry Styles' Eclectic Influences

Harry Styles' musical palette is significantly more eclectic, drawing inspiration from a broader range of artists and genres:

• Classic Rock: The influence of artists like David Bowie and Fleetwood Mac is evident in his musical style and production choices.
• Pop and R&B: Styles incorporates elements of pop and R&B, creating a unique blend of genres.
• Folk and Psychedelia: His music also displays influences from folk and psychedelia, adding layers of texture and experimentation.

Genre Overlap and Differentiation

While both artists are categorized under the "pop" umbrella, their subgenres differ. Boone's style aligns more closely with alternative or indie pop, emphasizing emotional depth and vulnerability. Styles’ music, though undeniably pop, blends various genres, including rock, R&B, and folk, creating a uniquely eclectic sound.

Conclusion

This comparison of Benson Boone and Harry Styles' musical styles reveals distinct yet occasionally overlapping elements. Both artists reside within the pop music landscape, but their vocal techniques, songwriting, and artistic visions create vastly different listening experiences. Boone’s raw power and emotional honesty contrast sharply with Styles’ polished charisma and evolving songwriting. Ultimately, both artists offer valuable and unique contributions to the contemporary music scene. Further exploration into the individual discographies of both Benson Boone and Harry Styles is highly recommended to fully appreciate their respective artistic journeys and individual styles.