Is Benson Boone Copying Harry Styles? A Comparison

Viktoria Ivanova

6 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Both artists occupy a prominent space in the contemporary pop landscape. Harry Styles, a global superstar, has built a massive fanbase with his blend of soulful vocals, introspective lyrics, and flamboyant stage presence. Benson Boone, a rapidly rising star, boasts a similar vocal style and a captivating on-stage persona, quickly gaining traction with a younger generation. While both appeal to a predominantly Gen Z and Millennial audience, their paths to stardom and the nuances of their artistry provide a fascinating area of comparison. This article aims to dissect these similarities and differences, addressing the central question: is Boone's success built on a foundation of imitation, or does he possess a unique artistic identity?

Vocal Similarities and Differences

Tone and Timbre

Both Benson Boone and Harry Styles possess distinctive vocal tones. Styles is known for his rich, textured baritone that effortlessly shifts between smooth crooning and powerful belts. Boone, while possessing a slightly higher vocal range, shares a similar warmth and depth in his tone, often employing a breathy quality reminiscent of Styles. However, a key difference lies in their vibrato. Styles' vibrato is more pronounced and controlled, while Boone's is subtly present, giving his vocals a slightly airier quality.

• Similarities: The warm, emotive quality in their lower register; use of breathiness in certain phrasing.
• Differences: Styles' more pronounced vibrato; Boone's slightly brighter, higher register.
• Examples: Compare Styles' "Watermelon Sugar" with Boone's "In the Stars" to hear the similarities in their lower registers, while contrasting "Golden" (Styles) with "Ghost Town" (Boone) to highlight the differences in vocal texture. Neither artist has publicly discussed specific vocal coaches, though both likely benefited from extensive training.

Vocal Performance Style

On stage, both artists exude charisma. Styles is known for his energetic yet controlled performances, often interacting intimately with the audience. Boone, while still developing his stage presence, displays a similar sincerity and connection with his listeners. Both employ a level of theatricality in their performances, creating an immersive experience for the audience. However, Styles' stage presence is more established, showcasing years of experience and a more polished delivery.

• Similarities: Strong connection with the audience; a blend of vulnerability and confidence; use of dynamic range.
• Differences: Styles' greater stage experience translates to more polished performances; Boone is still developing his unique stage persona.
• Examples: Comparing live performances of "As It Was" (Styles) and "In the Stars" (Boone) reveals the similarities in their audience engagement, whereas examining early live videos of Boone highlights his growing comfort and confidence on stage.

Stylistic Comparisons: Genre and Musical Influences

Genre Overlap

Both artists primarily operate within the pop genre, often incorporating elements of indie pop and soft rock. Their music is characterized by catchy melodies, introspective lyrics, and a blend of upbeat and melancholic themes. However, subtle differences in their songwriting and instrumentation create distinct sonic landscapes. Styles often incorporates more pronounced rock influences, particularly in his guitar work, while Boone leans towards a more contemporary pop sound with electronic elements.

• Similarities: Core genre – pop with indie and soft rock influences; melodic songwriting; emotionally resonant lyrics.
• Differences: Styles' stronger rock influences; Boone's incorporation of contemporary electronic elements.
• Examples: "Adore You" (Styles) showcases the rock undertones, contrasting with "Heartbreak Anniversary" (Giveon, a potential influence on both artists) which highlights the shared melodic structure and emotional depth Boone also employs.

Songwriting and Lyrical Themes

Both Styles and Boone explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery in their songwriting. While their lyrical styles are distinct, both artists focus on creating emotionally resonant narratives. Styles' lyrics often employ evocative imagery and metaphorical language, while Boone's tend to be more straightforward and confessional. However, both prioritize creating relatable and emotionally charged narratives that connect with their audiences.

• Similarities: Focus on relatable themes of love, loss, and self-discovery; creation of emotionally resonant narratives.
• Differences: Styles' more figurative and poetic lyricism; Boone's more direct and confessional approach.
• Examples: Compare the metaphorical language in Styles' "Sign of the Times" with the more direct emotional expression in Boone's "Beautiful Girl."

Image and Branding: A Visual Comparison

Fashion and Aesthetics

Both artists cultivate a distinct visual style. Styles is known for his flamboyant and gender-bending fashion choices, often incorporating bold colors, patterns, and textures. Boone's style is slightly more subdued, although he displays a similar attention to detail and a curated aesthetic. While both artists present a polished image, their individual approaches reflect unique stylistic preferences.

• Similarities: A carefully curated image; attention to detail in their fashion choices; aiming for a visually striking presentation.
• Differences: Styles' bolder, more experimental fashion; Boone's more understated, yet still stylish, aesthetic.
• Examples: Compare Styles’ iconic Gucci suits with Boone’s more contemporary, yet still carefully selected, outfits in music videos and public appearances.

Public Persona and Media Presence

Both Styles and Boone maintain a relatively private personal life while actively engaging with their fans on social media. Both artists use their platforms to promote their music, share personal updates, and connect with their audiences. However, Styles' extensive experience in the public eye has allowed him to cultivate a more established media presence.

• Similarities: Active engagement with fans on social media; a blend of carefully curated public image and personal connection.
• Differences: Styles' more extensive experience with media appearances; Boone's still-developing public image.
• Examples: Comparing Styles’ numerous high-profile interviews with Boone’s emerging media presence shows the difference in experience and established brand recognition.

Conclusion: Is Benson Boone Truly Copying Harry Styles? A Final Verdict

Our analysis reveals some undeniable stylistic similarities between Benson Boone and Harry Styles. Both artists share a similar vocal warmth, a focus on emotionally resonant pop music, and a carefully cultivated public image. However, to label Boone as simply "copying" Styles would be an oversimplification. While there are shared influences and stylistic overlaps common within a genre, Boone demonstrates a unique vocal timbre, a developing stage presence, and a distinctive songwriting voice. The similarities are more likely attributable to shared genre conventions and potential mutual influences than deliberate imitation. The differences are crucial and point to an artist developing his own distinct identity.

Ultimately, whether or not you perceive similarities between Benson Boone and Harry Styles is subjective. The shared elements within their music fall under broad stylistic trends. Boone's unique talents and growing individuality should not be overlooked. We encourage you to share your own perspectives – Is Benson Boone Copying Harry Styles? What are your thoughts on the similarities and differences between these two rising stars? Let's discuss in the comments below! Use #BensonBoonevsHarryStyles or #BensonBooneMusicalInfluences to join the conversation.