Is Benson Boone Copying Harry Styles? The Singer Responds

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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Sonic Similarities: Analyzing Benson Boone and Harry Styles' Music

The similarities between Benson Boone's music and Harry Styles' work are undeniable to some listeners, sparking discussions across various online platforms. Let's dissect the musical elements that fuel this comparison.

Shared Musical Elements:

• Vocal Style: Both artists possess a smooth, soulful vocal quality capable of both tender vulnerability and powerful belts. Boone's falsetto, reminiscent of Styles' at times, adds to the perceived similarity. Compare, for instance, Boone's "In the Stars" with Styles' "Adore You" – both showcase a similar use of vocal layering and dynamic range.
• Instrumentation: A prevalent use of acoustic guitar and layered instrumentation creates a warm, intimate sound in much of both artists' catalogs. The use of subtle synth pads and mellow percussion further adds to the sonic resemblance. Listen to Boone's "Ghost Town" and Styles' "Falling" to appreciate the similar instrumentation choices.
• Song Structure: Both artists frequently employ classic pop song structures, often building to powerful choruses after introspective verses. This predictability, while not necessarily negative, adds to the feeling of familiarity between their works.

Genre Overlap and Influences:

Both Benson Boone and Harry Styles reside primarily within the folk-pop and pop genres, often incorporating elements of classic rock and even hints of soft rock into their music. Their shared influences, which include artists like Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles, contribute to the stylistic overlaps. This isn't necessarily copying; rather, it reflects a shared pool of inspiration within the genre's history.

• Shared Influences: The influence of classic rock songwriters, especially those from the 70s, is apparent in the songwriting styles of both artists. This isn't unique – many contemporary pop artists draw from this rich heritage.
• Genre Evolution: Folk-pop, as a genre, constantly evolves, borrowing elements from various sources. This explains why certain stylistic parallels can emerge without implying direct imitation.

Beyond the Sound: Comparing Artistic Personas and Image

The sonic similarities are only one aspect of the comparison. Let's examine the visual elements and marketing strategies of both artists.

Style and Presentation:

Both Benson Boone and Harry Styles cultivate a somewhat retro-inspired aesthetic. This manifests in their clothing choices, which often incorporate vintage-inspired pieces, and their stage presence, which can be described as both charismatic and intimate.

• Visual Similarities: A quick scroll through Instagram reveals similarities in their fashion choices; both frequently opt for relaxed, stylish outfits with a touch of vintage flair. Their music videos also exhibit a similar visual sensibility, employing warm lighting and natural settings.
• Industry Trends: It’s crucial to note that this aesthetic isn't unique to them. The current trend in pop music encourages a blend of classic and modern styles, contributing to the visual similarities observed.

Target Audience and Marketing:

While both artists attract a predominantly young adult audience, their marketing strategies differ significantly. Boone's marketing appears more organically driven through social media interactions and consistent releases, while Styles' marketing incorporates larger-scale campaigns and collaborations.

• Social Media Engagement: Both artists engage actively with fans on social media, yet the tone and style of their engagement differ noticeably.
• Branding Differences: Boone's brand leans towards authenticity and relatable storytelling, whereas Styles' is more carefully curated and polished.

Benson Boone's Response and Perspective

A crucial element in this discussion is Benson Boone’s own perspective on the comparisons.

Public Statements and Interviews:

To date, Benson Boone hasn’t explicitly addressed the Harry Styles comparisons in a formal statement. However, his interviews suggest a focus on his unique artistic journey and influences.

• Lack of Direct Response: The absence of a direct response doesn’t automatically negate the comparisons, but it also doesn't confirm intentional imitation.
• Focus on Individuality: In interviews, Boone frequently emphasizes his own creative process and musical influences, highlighting his unique artistic vision.

Artistic Intent and Inspiration:

While influences are inevitable in music, it's important to distinguish between inspiration and direct copying. Boone's creative process and lyrical themes suggest a distinct artistic voice.

• Songwriting Process: Understanding Boone's songwriting process, his collaborations, and his creative choices would shed light on the origins of his unique style.
• Ethical Considerations: The line between homage and plagiarism is often blurry. Inspiration can be drawn from various sources without compromising originality.

Conclusion:

The similarities between Benson Boone and Harry Styles' music and image are undeniable, leading to inevitable comparisons. However, whether these similarities constitute "copying" is subjective. While sonic and aesthetic parallels exist, Boone's apparent focus on his unique artistic voice and lack of a direct response to the comparisons suggest that the similarities may be more a result of shared influences and genre conventions than outright imitation. What do you think? Is the comparison between Benson Boone and Harry Styles justified? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's continue the discussion on Benson Boone's music and its relation to Harry Styles' influences, and explore the complexities of musical comparisons further.