Is Benson Boone's Music Too Similar To Harry Styles'? A Critical Look

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Vocal Style Comparison: A Tale of Two Tenors?

Both Benson Boone and Harry Styles possess undeniably captivating voices. Analyzing their vocal styles reveals both striking similarities and crucial differences that contribute to their distinct identities.

• Similarities: Both artists possess a smooth, emotive tenor voice, capable of conveying vulnerability and intensity. Both utilize breathy vocals at times, adding a layer of intimacy to their performances. This shared vocal texture is a key element contributing to the frequent comparison between the two. Listen to Boone's "Ghost Town" and compare the breathy quality to Styles' "Falling"; the resemblance is undeniable.

• Differences: While both operate within the tenor range, Boone's voice might be described as slightly rawer, less polished than Styles' often more controlled delivery. Styles often exhibits a more precise and polished technique. Boone, on the other hand, embodies a certain rawness and emotional intensity, particularly evident in his live performances. Furthermore, Boone's vibrato is more pronounced in certain songs, adding a unique textural element to his sound, a quality less prominent in Styles' typically smoother vocal delivery. This difference is subtly but effectively showcased in songs like "In the Stars" versus Styles' "As It Was".

The impact of these vocal similarities on the perception of originality is significant. While the shared tenor range and emotive delivery might initially evoke comparisons, the nuances in vocal texture and technique ultimately distinguish the two artists. The question isn't whether they share a similar vocal type, but rather whether Boone has cultivated a unique expression within that type.

Songwriting Styles and Lyrical Themes: Shared Ground or Divergent Paths?

Both Benson Boone and Harry Styles explore themes of love, heartbreak, and personal experiences in their songwriting. However, a closer look reveals subtle but meaningful differences.

• Similarities: Both artists often pen introspective lyrics that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level. They utilize relatable imagery and metaphors to convey complex emotions, making their music accessible and emotionally impactful. Both frequently incorporate romantic relationship narratives into their song structures, reflecting a shared interest in exploring the nuances of human connection.

• Differences: While both delve into personal struggles, Boone might explore more vulnerable and self-reflective themes, often delving into introspection with a rawness not always present in Styles' work. Styles, while also emotionally vulnerable at times, sometimes incorporates a broader social commentary or explores themes of self-discovery with a more polished narrative style. For instance, consider the self-doubt explored in Boone's "Broken" compared to the societal observations in Styles' "Golden." These subtle differences in lyrical depth and scope differentiate their overall narrative approaches.

Analyzing their songwriting structures and musical arrangements reveals further points of comparison and divergence. While both utilize pop conventions, Boone’s arrangements occasionally showcase more dynamic shifts, whereas Styles’ often maintain a consistent, smoother sonic landscape. The chord progressions, instrumentation, and rhythmic patterns employed vary enough to establish distinct musical personalities.

Artistic Influence and Inspiration: Homage or Imitation?

Both Benson Boone and Harry Styles undoubtedly draw inspiration from various musical sources, which creates some overlap in their musical approaches.

• Shared Influences: Both artists are clearly influenced by the broader landscape of pop music, incorporating elements of classic rock, folk, and contemporary pop into their songwriting and production. This common ground contributes to the overall pop sensibility in their music.

• Originality vs. Imitation: The question of whether the similarities stem from shared influences or direct imitation is complex and ultimately subjective. It's likely a combination of both. Exposure to similar musical touchstones naturally leads to stylistic overlaps, but the extent to which these overlaps constitute imitation depends on the degree of unique expression and innovation incorporated by each artist. Boone's musical development is still unfolding; determining the long-term impact of his early stylistic similarities is a task for future evaluation.

• Artistic Evolution: The concept of artistic evolution is critical here. Artists often start by emulating artists they admire, gradually developing their own unique styles over time. It’s crucial to observe how both artists evolve and whether their respective styles diverge further as their careers progress.

The Role of Production and Genre

The role of production is crucial in shaping the final product. Specific producers and collaborators can significantly influence the overall sound, contributing to perceived similarities between artists. The genre itself, pop music, has inherent conventions that shape the sound and structure of songs, leading to similarities across many artists. This needs to be considered when assessing the originality of a new artist.

Conclusion: A Subjective Verdict

In comparing Benson Boone and Harry Styles, we find both undeniable similarities and crucial differences in their vocal styles, songwriting, and artistic influences. While the shared tenor vocal quality and certain lyrical themes may initially trigger comparisons, Boone's rawer vocal delivery, his more self-reflective lyrical content, and his still-evolving musical style suggest a trajectory toward a distinct artistic identity. Whether Boone's music is too similar is ultimately a subjective assessment. However, a critical analysis reveals a unique blend of influences and emerging stylistic choices.

Ultimately, the question of whether Benson Boone's music is "too similar" to Harry Styles' is subjective. However, by critically examining their vocal styles, songwriting, and artistic influences, we can form a more informed opinion. Continue the discussion! Share your thoughts on whether you perceive significant similarities between Benson Boone and Harry Styles' music in the comments below. Let's continue this critical look at Benson Boone's unique place in the pop music world and his journey to establish himself as a unique voice.