Is Benson Boone Copying Harry Styles? A Comparison Of Their Music

Luna Greco

4 min read

Post on Apr 26, 2025

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Vocal Style Comparison: Similar Timbres, Different Techniques?

Both Benson Boone and Harry Styles possess warm, inviting vocal timbres that instantly draw listeners in. This similarity in their vocal tone is a key element fueling the comparisons. However, a closer examination reveals differences in their techniques. Keywords like "vocal range," "vocal tone," "singing style," and "vocal delivery" are crucial to this discussion.

• Similar Timbres: Both singers possess a naturally rich and resonant tone, capable of conveying both vulnerability and power. This shared quality contributes significantly to the initial impression of similarity.

• Different Techniques: While their overall vocal tone might be comparable, their techniques differ. Styles often employs a more nuanced approach, utilizing subtle vocal runs and phrasing that are distinctly his own. Boone, while possessing a similarly smooth delivery, exhibits a slightly different phrasing style. Listen to Boone's "In the Stars" and compare it to Styles' "Watermelon Sugar" – [YouTube Link to "In the Stars"] and [YouTube Link to "Watermelon Sugar"]. The differences in vocal runs and embellishments become apparent.

• Falsetto and Vibrato: Both artists utilize falsetto effectively, although Styles tends to incorporate it more dramatically and frequently in his performances. Boone's use of falsetto is more restrained, often serving to accentuate emotional peaks within his songs. Similarly, both employ vibrato, but the intensity and application differ, resulting in unique vocal textures.

Songwriting Styles: Themes and Lyrical Approaches

While both artists operate within the pop genre, their songwriting styles exhibit both similarities and differences. Keywords like "songwriting," "lyrical themes," "emotional depth," and "storytelling" are central to understanding their creative processes.

• Common Themes: Both Boone and Styles explore themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth in their music. These universal experiences provide a common ground for their songwriting, allowing for relatable narratives.

• Song Structure and Approach: Both primarily utilize the classic verse-chorus structure. However, Boone’s songs sometimes feature a more straightforward lyrical approach, while Styles often incorporates more intricate wordplay and metaphorical language. Compare Boone's "Ghost Town" with Styles' "Golden" to illustrate this point – [YouTube Link to "Ghost Town"] and [YouTube Link to "Golden"].

• Emotional Depth and Storytelling: Both artists demonstrate an ability to convey genuine emotion through their lyrics. However, Styles often employs a more evocative and nuanced storytelling technique, creating richer and more complex narratives.

Musical Production and Genre: A Shared Aesthetic?

The overall sonic landscape of both artists' music shares some similarities, making it easy to understand why some might perceive a connection. Keywords like "musical production," "genre," "sound design," and "instrumentation" help define their musical identities.

• Shared Sonic Elements: Both Boone and Styles utilize warm, polished production techniques creating a smooth, radio-friendly sound. This is a characteristic of contemporary pop music, not necessarily indicative of copying.

• Instrumentation: While both artists incorporate similar instruments like guitars, keyboards, and drums, the arrangements and the prominence of individual instruments differ. Boone's music often features a more prominent use of acoustic elements, while Styles' production tends toward a more layered and textured sound.

• Genre Overlap: Both artists primarily fall under the pop genre umbrella. However, Styles has experimented with elements of rock and funk, showcasing a wider stylistic range than Boone's current output.

Addressing the "Copying" Allegation: Influence vs. Imitation

The question of whether Benson Boone is "copying" Harry Styles boils down to understanding the difference between influence and imitation. Keywords such as "musical influence," "inspiration," "originality," and "artistic integrity" are crucial here.

• Musical Influence: It's undeniable that artists are often influenced by their predecessors. Boone, like many young artists, likely finds inspiration in Styles' music and the broader landscape of pop music.

• Inspiration vs. Imitation: The line between inspiration and imitation is subjective. While similarities exist, Boone exhibits a distinct vocal style and songwriting approach that suggests he isn't simply replicating Styles' work. He has his own creative identity.

• Context of Pop Music: Pop music, by its nature, exhibits cyclical trends and stylistic influences. Similarities between artists are not inherently indicative of plagiarism but might simply reflect shared influences within a genre.

Conclusion

In comparing Benson Boone and Harry Styles, we've identified similarities in their vocal timbres and general pop genre aesthetic. However, significant differences exist in their vocal techniques, songwriting approaches, and musical production styles. While Boone may draw inspiration from Styles and the broader pop music landscape, a careful analysis reveals a distinct artistic identity. The similarities are more likely attributable to shared influences within the pop music genre rather than deliberate imitation.

Listen to both artists' music and decide for yourself: Is Benson Boone copying Harry Styles, or is this a case of shared musical influences? Share your thoughts on Benson Boone's musical influences, the Harry Styles and Benson Boone comparison, and Benson Boone's artistic originality in the comments below!