Did Benson Boone Copy Harry Styles? Addressing The Controversy

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on Apr 26, 2025

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Musical Similarities: A Detailed Analysis

The core of the Benson Boone Harry Styles comparison lies in their music. Let's delve into the specifics.

Vocal Style Comparisons

Both artists possess captivating vocal tones, but are they too similar? Boone and Styles both utilize a rich, emotive vocal style characterized by:

• Similar Vibrato: A subtle, controlled vibrato adds depth to both their voices. Listen to Boone's "In the Stars" and compare it to Styles' "Watermelon Sugar" – the subtle vibrato is strikingly similar. [Link to YouTube comparison video]
• Phrasing and Dynamics: Both artists masterfully utilize phrasing and dynamics, building tension and releasing emotion throughout their songs.
• Strategic Use of Falsetto: Both employ falsetto effectively, adding a delicate and ethereal quality to certain sections of their songs.

Genre and Songwriting Style Overlap

Both artists primarily operate within the pop and indie-pop genres. However, a deeper analysis reveals:

• Similar Song Structures: Many songs by both artists follow common pop song structures (verse-chorus-bridge), but the lyrical content and melodies are often distinct.
• Lyrical Themes: While both explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, the specific narratives and poetic styles differ.
• Shared Inspirations: Both may draw influence from classic rock and 90s pop artists – a common wellspring for many contemporary musicians. This shared influence doesn't necessarily translate to copying.

Instrumental Arrangements and Production

While their songs often employ similar instrumentation (acoustic guitars, piano, drums, bass), closer examination reveals subtle differences in arrangement and production.

• Production Techniques: While both utilize modern production techniques, their overall sounds are distinct.
• Instrumental Emphasis: The roles of instruments vary between songs; for example, Boone might feature a prominent electric guitar solo where Styles might opt for layered synths. [Link to song examples showcasing instrumentation differences]

Image and Style Parallels: A Visual Examination

Beyond their music, the visual elements also fuel the Benson Boone Harry Styles comparison.

Fashion and Aesthetics

Both artists cultivate a stylish image, but are there too many overlaps?

• Similar Aesthetic Choices: Both lean towards a contemporary, slightly vintage aesthetic. However, their individual styles are distinct enough to avoid outright mimicry.
• Inspirations: Both could draw inspiration from similar sources; the 70s rock aesthetic, for instance, is a widely appreciated style in current pop music. [Include images comparing their styles]

Stage Presence and Performance Style

Their on-stage personas reveal further similarities and differences.

• Engaging Performances: Both artists are known for their captivating stage presence and engaging interactions with audiences. [Link to live performance videos for comparison]
• Distinctive Stage Mannerisms: While both are charismatic performers, their individual stage mannerisms and body language are different.

The Argument Against Copying: Originality and Artistic Evolution

While some similarities exist, it's crucial to consider the elements distinguishing Benson Boone's music and style.

Unique Elements in Benson Boone's Music

Boone possesses unique vocal textures and a distinctive songwriting style that sets him apart.

• Unique Vocal Runs: Boone incorporates specific vocal runs and embellishments that are not replicated in Styles' music.
• Songwriting Style: His songwriting frequently showcases storytelling abilities, with a unique lyrical focus and evocative phrasing.

The Influence of Shared Musical Precursors

Both artists are likely influenced by classic and contemporary musicians, making similarities in style a natural phenomenon rather than blatant copying.

• Shared Influences: Artists like The Beatles, Elton John, and even more recent influences like Lorde could easily have influenced both Styles and Boone.

The Nature of Musical Inspiration

Musical artists constantly draw inspiration from each other. This influence, however, doesn't equal copying. It's a part of the creative process. What matters is the artist's unique interpretation and resulting output.

Conclusion

While the Benson Boone Harry Styles comparison highlights some undeniable musical and stylistic similarities, the evidence doesn’t suggest outright copying. The similarities are better explained as shared influences within the contemporary pop landscape and perhaps some coincidental convergence of musical ideas. Objective analysis is crucial in evaluating claims of artistic plagiarism. Ultimately, both artists offer unique talents and creative visions.

What are your thoughts? Share your perspective on the Benson Boone vs. Harry Styles debate in the comments below. Do you see similarities, or are the differences more striking? Let's continue the discussion on this fascinating Benson Boone Harry Styles comparison and explore the nuances of musical influence versus outright copying!