Is Benson Boone Copying Harry Styles? The Singer Responds

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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Musical Similarities: A Comparative Analysis

While both Benson Boone and Harry Styles occupy the pop music landscape, a closer look reveals both similarities and crucial differences in their musical approaches.

Vocal Style and Delivery

Both artists possess incredibly emotive and powerful vocals. Their delivery often features a blend of soulful intensity and delicate phrasing.

• Similar Vocal Runs: Both utilize similar melismatic runs and phrasing techniques, particularly noticeable in their ballad-style songs. Compare Boone's "In the Stars" to Styles' "Adore You" for a subtle example of this shared approach to vocal ornamentation.
• Falsetto Usage: Both artists expertly incorporate falsetto into their performances, adding a layer of vulnerability and emotional depth to their songs. However, Boone's falsetto tends to be slightly higher and breathier than Styles', offering a distinct timbre.
• Phrasing Techniques: Their phrasing, while similarly emotive, showcases unique stylistic choices. While both employ pauses and dynamic shifts, Styles' phrasing often leans towards a more theatrical delivery, whereas Boone's is more intimate and conversational.

Genre and Musical Influences

While both artists are primarily classified as pop singers, their influences branch out into related genres.

• Genre Overlaps: Both touch upon elements of soft rock, folk-pop, and even hints of indie-pop in their work. This shared genre foundation might explain some stylistic similarities.
• Musical Influences: While specific detailed influences aren't always explicitly stated, both artists draw from a rich history of popular music, hinting at common inspirations. The impact of classic rock and 70s soft rock seems evident in the melodic structures and instrumentation of both artists’ catalogs.
• Originality: Despite shared influences and genre similarities, both artists have successfully cultivated unique musical identities. Boone's music often features more introspective lyrics and a slightly darker tone compared to Styles' more upbeat and often playful approach.

Stylistic Overlaps: Fashion, Image, and Stage Presence

Beyond their music, the similarities between Benson Boone and Harry Styles extend to their overall image and stage presence.

Fashion and Aesthetics

Both artists cultivate a carefully curated aesthetic that blends retro influences with modern trends.

• Retro-Inspired Fashion: Both frequently incorporate retro-inspired clothing items, including patterned shirts, tailored suits, and vintage-style accessories. Think 70s-inspired flares in Boone's wardrobe echoing Styles' frequent embrace of this era's fashion.
• Hairstyles: Both have experimented with various hairstyles, often opting for longer, styled hair, contributing to their overall polished image.
• Differentiation: Despite these shared stylistic choices, their overall aesthetic still manages to feel distinct. Boone’s style tends towards a more relaxed, less overtly polished look compared to Styles' meticulously crafted image. [Include Images Here with proper attribution].

Stage Presence and Performance Style

Both Boone and Styles command the stage with undeniable charisma and engaging performances.

• Audience Interaction: Both artists are known for their engaging stage presence and interaction with their audiences. However, their approaches differ slightly. Styles' performances are often more theatrical and flamboyant, while Boone's tend to feel more grounded and intimate.
• Performance Energy: Both artists display high energy levels during their live performances. However, Boone’s energy seems more focused and contained, while Styles’ performances can be more dynamic and explosive.
• Shared Genre Conventions: Many of the stylistic similarities in their performances might be attributed to common conventions within the pop genre, rather than deliberate imitation.

Benson Boone's Response to the Comparisons

Benson Boone has, at various times, addressed the comparisons to Harry Styles. While he hasn’t directly commented on copying, his responses suggest an awareness of the similarities, yet a focus on establishing his individual artistic identity. [Include specific quotes and their sources here, properly attributed]. His general response seems to acknowledge the similarities as an inevitable aspect of being a new artist in a similar genre, but also emphasizes his unique approach and artistic vision. He has consistently highlighted the distinctive aspects of his songwriting and musical style, suggesting a desire to differentiate himself from the comparison rather than embracing it fully.

Conclusion

The similarities between Benson Boone and Harry Styles are undeniable, particularly in their musical genre, vocal style, and carefully constructed aesthetic. However, a closer examination reveals crucial distinctions. Boone's music possesses a more introspective and often darker tone compared to Styles' generally more upbeat and playful approach. Their fashion choices, while sharing retro influences, ultimately manifest in distinct styles. Their stage presence, though equally captivating, demonstrates different levels of energy and audience interaction. While the comparisons are valid, labeling Boone as simply a copycat overlooks the originality and unique artistic voice he is actively cultivating.

Have you heard Benson Boone's music? Listen to both artists, compare their work, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Is Benson Boone's style influenced by Harry Styles, or is it simply a matter of shared genre conventions? Let the debate continue!