The Benson Boone-Harry Styles Comparison: Fact Or Fiction?

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on Apr 26, 2025

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Vocal Similarities and Differences

Vocal Tone and Range

Both Benson Boone and Harry Styles possess impressive vocal ranges and unique timbres. Styles, often categorized as a tenor, is known for his rich, expressive tone capable of both delicate falsetto and powerful belting. Boone, while also possessing a strong tenor range, exhibits a slightly rawer, more emotive quality in his voice.

• Similar Vocal Techniques: Both artists utilize breath control masterfully, allowing for sustained notes and dynamic shifts within their songs. Listen to Styles' "Watermelon Sugar" and Boone's "In The Stars" to observe this impressive control.
• Differences in Timbre and Power: While both are tenors, Styles possesses a smoother, more polished tone, whereas Boone's voice carries a distinct grain and rawness, contributing to a more intimate and vulnerable feel. Styles' vocal power is perhaps more consistently showcased, while Boone often prioritizes emotional expression over sheer vocal strength.

Vocal Style and Technique

While both singers employ impressive vocal techniques, their styles differ in subtle but significant ways.

• Falsetto Usage: Both Styles and Boone incorporate falsetto into their performances, but Styles tends to use it more frequently and with greater fluidity, creating a smoother transition between his head and chest voices. Boone’s falsetto, while impressive, is employed more sparingly, often used for heightened emotional impact.
• Vibrato and Dynamics: Styles’ vibrato is often more pronounced and controlled, adding a characteristic richness to his voice. Boone’s vibrato is less consistent, contributing to a more natural and less polished sound. Both artists, however, masterfully utilize dynamics, shifting between soft, intimate passages and powerful crescendos.

Musical Style and Genre

Genre Overlap and Divergence

Both Benson Boone and Harry Styles primarily reside within the pop genre, but their subgenres and production styles differ.

• Pop Subgenres: Styles’ music often blends pop with elements of rock, funk, and even folk, as seen in albums like Fine Line. Boone's music leans more towards a contemporary pop sound with occasional folk-pop influences, evident in tracks like "Ghost Town."
• Production Styles: Styles' production tends towards a more polished, radio-ready sound, incorporating diverse instrumentation and layered harmonies. Boone's production often feels slightly more raw and stripped-back, emphasizing his vocal performance and intimate songwriting.

Songwriting and Lyrical Themes

While both artists write personal and relatable songs, their lyrical themes and storytelling approaches diverge.

• Lyrical Themes: Styles' lyrics frequently explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, often with a more mature and introspective lens. Boone’s lyrics often delve into similar emotional territories but with a focus on vulnerability and navigating the complexities of young adulthood.
• Songwriting Styles: Styles' songwriting is often characterized by its evocative imagery and wordplay. Boone tends towards a more direct and emotionally transparent approach, letting his raw emotions drive the narrative.

Audience and Image

Target Demographics and Fanbases

Both artists have cultivated large and dedicated fanbases, though their demographics might differ slightly.

• Fanbase Overlap: There's significant overlap, with many fans appreciating both artists. However, Boone’s fanbase might skew slightly younger, reflecting his more recent entry into the music scene.
• Online Engagement: Both artists have strong online presences, utilizing social media to connect with fans. Styles' engagement often centers on larger-scale events and visuals, while Boone's might feel more intimate and personal.

Public Persona and Image

Styles’ image is meticulously crafted, blending elements of retro style with modern trends. He presents a charismatic and confident persona. Boone’s image is more understated and authentic, emphasizing his vulnerability and emotional honesty.

• Fashion and Branding: Styles' fashion choices are often bold and expressive, reflecting his evolving artistic vision. Boone's style is more relatable and less ostentatious, aligning with his down-to-earth demeanor.
• Media Perception: Styles is widely perceived as a polished global superstar, while Boone is viewed as a rising talent with immense potential.

Conclusion

The Benson Boone-Harry Styles comparison reveals both compelling similarities and significant differences. While both are undeniably talented vocalists working within the pop genre and connecting with large audiences, their vocal styles, musical production, and public personas display distinct characteristics. The similarities are more superficial than a deep artistic kinship; their individual sounds and artistic visions are ultimately quite separate. The comparison is more a reflection of their shared genre and status as rising stars than a direct artistic parallel. So, is the comparison fact or fiction? Partially both! What other artists do you think Benson Boone sounds like? Let us know in the comments!