Harry Styles: A Master of Covers

Harry Styles has cemented his status as a global pop phenomenon, not just for his own chart-topping hits, but also for his remarkable ability to reimagine songs from a diverse range of artists. From the soulful crooning of Fleetwood Mac to the infectious energy of Britney Spears, Styles has a knack for making covers his own, often adding his unique flair and vocal prowess to create something fresh and exciting. This versatility has endeared him to fans worldwide, showcasing a deep appreciation for musical history and a fearless approach to performance.

One of the most talked-about moments in his cover repertoire undoubtedly has to be his rendition of Britney Spears' iconic track, "Toxic". During his 'Harryween' Halloween shows at Madison Square Garden, Styles surprised the audience by appearing in a full clown costume and delivering a captivating performance of the 2003 hit. This unexpected choice, blending theatricality with a beloved pop anthem, perfectly encapsulated Styles' playful yet masterful approach to music. The image of him as a clown, singing "Toxic," became an instant viral sensation, highlighting his willingness to push boundaries and entertain in unforgettable ways.

A Diverse Catalogue of Covers

Harry Styles' journey through the landscape of cover songs is a testament to his broad musical influences and his genuine love for the art of interpretation. His performances often transcend mere imitation, infusing each track with his signature blend of charisma, vocal talent, and a touch of rock and roll swagger. Let's delve into some of his most memorable cover performances:

"Wet Dream" – Wet Leg

Teaming up with the up-and-coming duo Wet Leg, Harry Styles showcased his appreciation for contemporary indie music with a cover of their track "Wet Dream" on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge. The snarky and cool vibe of the original song found a perfect match in Styles' relaxed yet engaging delivery. This performance also highlighted a growing connection, as Wet Leg were set to support Styles on his Australian and New Zealand tour dates, demonstrating his commitment to championing new talent.

"Man! I Feel Like A Woman" – Shania Twain

Coachella 2022 was a landmark event for Harry Styles, and his headlining set was elevated by a surprise guest appearance from the legendary Shania Twain. The duo delivered a powerhouse rendition of Twain's iconic hit, "Man! I Feel Like A Woman." This collaboration was particularly special, as Styles had previously covered "You're Still The One" with Kacey Musgraves, and now he was sharing the stage with another country music titan. The energetic performance was a fan favourite, showcasing the sheer joy and mutual respect between the two artists.

"I Will Survive" – Gloria Gaynor

The camaraderie between Harry Styles and Lizzo is well-documented and much-loved by fans. Their shared admiration led to a spectacular duet of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" during Styles' Coachella headline set. Following his own cover of Lizzo's "Juice" and her subsequent cover of "Adore You," this performance felt like a natural culmination of their musical chemistry. The powerful vocals and undeniable stage presence of both artists made this rendition a truly electrifying moment.

"Juice" – Lizzo

Paying homage to his "new BFF" Lizzo, Harry Styles delivered a funked-up version of her hit "Juice" on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge. His playful swaying and enthusiastic delivery of the sassy bridge quickly went viral on Twitter, capturing the infectious energy that both he and Lizzo are known for. This cover demonstrated Styles’ ability to adapt his style to suit the groovy and empowering nature of Lizzo's music.

"Wonderful Christmastime" – Paul McCartney

Adding a festive touch to his BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge appearances, Styles took on the challenge of covering Paul McCartney's holiday classic, "Wonderful Christmastime." With a fresh twist courtesy of his guitarist’s solo, Styles’ rendition brought a contemporary feel to the timeless Christmas tune, proving his versatility even in holiday music.

"Big Yellow Taxi" – Joni Mitchell

With his characteristic message of love and kindness, Harry Styles offered a cover of Joni Mitchell's 1970 environmentally conscious classic, "Big Yellow Taxi." He brought a sunny, optimistic spin to the song's important message, enhanced by shimmering acoustic guitar work and a charming giggle at the end. This choice reflected an awareness of significant themes and an ability to convey them through his music.

"The Chain" – Fleetwood Mac

Harry Styles' affinity for Fleetwood Mac is evident in his repeated covers of "The Chain." His first rendition at BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge in 2017 marked a significant point in his solo career, signalling his transition from a teen idol to a more mature, rock-influenced artist. He continued to perform this beloved track on his first solo tour, solidifying its place in his live shows.

"Wild Thoughts" – DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna and Bryson Tiller

During a 2017 stint at BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge, Styles also tackled "Wild Thoughts." He offered a more subdued and moody interpretation of the summer jam, contrasting with Rihanna's original fiery performance. While slower in tempo, his delivery was equally vibrant, showcasing a different facet of his vocal capabilities.

"Landslide" – Fleetwood Mac

In a truly special moment celebrating the release of his sophomore album, "Fine Line," Harry Styles surprised fans by bringing out Stevie Nicks herself to perform "Landslide" together at The Forum in Los Angeles. The emotional duet was a highlight of the evening, with Styles expressing his awe at sharing the stage with such an iconic artist. "I know, cool isn’t it?" he exclaimed to the cheering crowd.

"Girl Crush" – Little Big Town

For his 2017 Spotify Singles session, Styles chose to cover Little Big Town's "Girl Crush." He performed the song live in Nashville just days before its official release, referring to it as "one of my favorite songs recently that’s come out of this place." This highlighted his keen ear for contemporary country music and his ability to connect with its lyrical depth.

"Ultralight Beam" – Kanye West

At a secret London concert in 2017, aimed at promoting his self-titled debut album, Styles delivered a heartfelt rendition of Kanye West's "Ultralight Beam." He infused the track with a folk-inspired sound, layering it with multiple guitars. This performance demonstrated his willingness to explore gospel and hip-hop influences within his own artistic framework.

"You’re Still the One" – Shania Twain

Another memorable collaboration with Kacey Musgraves occurred in 2018 at Madison Square Garden, where the pair delivered a shimmering rendition of Shania Twain's 1998 hit, "You're Still The One." This performance, featuring two artists known for their vibrant style and positive energy, was a highlight for many fans.

"Sledgehammer" – Peter Gabriel

In March 2020, during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show, Harry Styles covered Peter Gabriel's 1986 anthem, "Sledgehammer." He also shared that he had recorded a significant portion of his "Fine Line" album at Gabriel's studio in Bath, England. The cover was met with appreciation from Gabriel himself, who retweeted the clip with congratulatory emojis.

Why Harry Styles Excels at Covers

Harry Styles' success with cover songs can be attributed to several key factors:

• Genuine Appreciation: He clearly has a deep respect for the artists he covers and the songs themselves. This authenticity shines through in his performances.
• Vocal Versatility: Styles possesses a wide vocal range and the ability to adapt his tone and style to suit different genres and artists.
• Stage Presence and Charisma: Whether in a full costume or a simple outfit, Styles commands the stage with his engaging personality and undeniable charisma.
• Musical Interpretation: He doesn't just replicate songs; he interprets them, adding his own unique flavour and often introducing them to a new generation of fans.
• Collaborative Spirit: His willingness to collaborate with other artists, as seen with Lizzo, Shania Twain, and Kacey Musgraves, adds another layer of excitement and mutual respect to his cover performances.

From the unexpected theatricality of "Toxic" to the heartfelt duets with music legends, Harry Styles continues to prove that he is a true master of the cover song. His ability to connect with diverse musical styles and his unwavering commitment to entertaining his audience make his cover performances some of the most anticipated and celebrated moments in modern music.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Harry Styles dress as a clown for his "Toxic" cover?

Yes, Harry Styles famously dressed as a clown for his performance of Britney Spears' "Toxic" during his "Harryween" Halloween shows at Madison Square Garden.

Who did Harry Styles cover at Coachella 2022?

At Coachella 2022, Harry Styles performed "Man! I Feel Like A Woman" with Shania Twain and "I Will Survive" with Lizzo.

What Fleetwood Mac songs has Harry Styles covered?

Harry Styles has covered Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" and "Landslide." He performed "Landslide" as a duet with Stevie Nicks.

What is Harry Styles' most viral cover?

While many of his covers have gone viral, his "Toxic" clown performance and his "Juice" cover with Lizzo are among his most widely shared and discussed.