Bundle Drum Sheet & Video – Harry Styles – As It Was

“As It Was” by Harry Styles is a shimmering slice of synth-pop nostalgia wrapped in emotional vulnerability. Released in 2022 as the lead single from his album Harry’s House, the track marked a turning point in Styles’ artistic evolution — a move away from the retro-rock influences of his earlier solo work toward a more introspective, 1980s-tinged pop sound.

Built around a sparkling, upbeat synth line and a driving drum machine rhythm, the song contrasts its energetic sound with bittersweet lyrics about change, isolation, and the passage of time. Styles sings with a quiet urgency, reflecting on personal transitions and emotional distance — a sentiment captured in the refrain, “You know it’s not the same as it was.”

Musically, “As It Was” is deceptively simple. The production is clean and airy, leaving space for the melody to breathe. The drums, though programmed, are tight and punchy, lending the track a forward momentum that never feels heavy. There’s a touch of melancholy in the way the percussion loops — almost like a clock ticking — subtly echoing the song’s theme of time slipping away.

While not a showpiece for traditional drumming, the rhythmic choices here are deliberate and effective. The minimalist beat gives the track its emotional pull — it’s not flashy, but it carries the weight of the song’s story. For fans of rhythm and feel, it’s a reminder that groove doesn’t always have to be loud to be powerful.

“As It Was” became a global hit, topping charts around the world and resonating deeply with listeners post-pandemic. It was performed live on multiple major stages, including Coachella and the GRAMMYs, where its emotional core and catchy hook translated beautifully to large crowds.

In essence, “As It Was” is a modern pop anthem about personal reckoning. It captures that uneasy space between who you were and who you’re becoming — and it does so with style, subtlety, and a beat that sticks with you long after the song ends.