Harry Styles' 8 Best Covers
The former One Direction member is the musical chameleon we don't deserve.
With his two solo albums, Harry Styles has proven that he was always One Direction's strongest link.
The boy band's final performance in 2015 opened the doors for Styles to come into his own. Turns out, his solo artistic persona is pretty chameleonic. He channels classic rock as easily as he does pop and R&B. He can deliver soaring ballads with the same energy he devotes to high-energy barnburners. All of this is to say: Styles is a singular talent with a versatile voice and an undeniable charisma that multiplies his appeal.
Though his original work is typically great, Styles has also performed numerous impressive renditions of other artists' hits. From '70s folk to modern hits, we've rounded up the ex-1D member's best covers.
Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi”
Joni Mitchell's biggest hit got another breath of life when it was covered by Counting Crows in 2002. Though the band gave the environmentally-conscious tune a more adult alternative spin, Styles takes it back to its singer-songwriter origins with a fully acoustic setup. The harmony during the chorus adds a special touch.
▲Stevie Nicks’ “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”
There's few friendships in the music world we could love more than the bond between Styles and one of his heroes, Stevie Nicks. The pair performed together at last year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction, and although Nicks will always steal the show, it shows that Styles is well-suited to become a legend, too.
▲Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain”
The odes to Nicks never stop! Before he'd solidify his kinship with the Fleetwood Mac frontwoman, Styles covered this classic and sounded like a total natural doing it.
▲Kanye West’s “Ultralight Beam”
"Ultralight Beam" is such a stunning, perfectly spare song that it's pretty hard to mess up a cover of it. Leave it to Styles to make the Yeezus highlight shine with his own guitar-driven balladry. A God's dream, indeed.
▲Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One”
Kacey Musgraves' impeccable latest album, Golden Hour, made new fans out of just about everyone—Styles included, who tapped the country star as an opening act for his debut solo tour. Though Musgraves and Styles' musical style differs quite a bit, this cover proves he can do country, too, as the pair's voices meld together perfectly.
▲DJ Khaled, Rihanna, and Bryson Tiller’s “Wild Thoughts”
It's hard to one-up our highness RihRih, but Styles gives it a decent shot here. While the original boasts a distinguishing Latin flair, his version adds a soft rock touch.
▲Lizzo’s “Juice”
"Juice" is a near-perfect pop song as it is, and its energy is contagious. It's no wonder why Styles chose to cover it, and I don't think he's ever looked happier than when he hollers "you better come get your maaaan!" Better yet, Lizzo even called up Styles for a surprise performance of the song together at one of her shows. So, when are they dropping a joint single?
▲One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful”
No, Styles had no part in writing One Direction's first major hit. He's since moved on to bigger and better things, and he'd probably rather forget it! But the truth is that "What Makes You Beautiful" ignited the flame that resulted in Styles being one of the world's most beloved singers. It's become a common addition to his setlists, although he often puts his own guitar-heavy spin on it; either way, the crowd can't get enough. That, my friends, is beautiful.
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