Harry Styles has once again made waves in the music world by breaking a Guinness World Record with his chart-topping hit, “As It Was.” The 28-year-old pop icon has secured the title for the “most streamed track on Spotify in 24 hours (male),” surpassing previous benchmarks with an astonishing 16 million streams in a single day, according to a recent news release from Guinness World Records.
Released on April 1, 2022, “As It Was” immediately took the music world by storm, dominating streaming charts globally. The single ranked first in streams in a staggering 34 countries, including major markets like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. This extraordinary achievement highlights Styles’ global influence as a solo artist, solidifying his place among the music industry’s elite.
Notably, another British superstar holds the equivalent record for female artists: Adele. Her powerful ballad, “Easy on Me,” garnered over 19 million streams on Spotify in its first 24 hours back in October 2021. While Adele still holds the top spot for female musicians, Styles’ feat marks a significant achievement for male artists, showcasing his ability to draw in millions of listeners the moment his music becomes available.
### A Record-Breaking Journey
The success of “As It Was” goes beyond just one record. According to Spotify, Styles’ song became the platform’s most-streamed track in a single day in 2022, and it also holds the record for the most-streamed song in the U.S. in a single day in Spotify’s history. This is a testament to his widespread popularity, particularly in the American market, where his fan base has only grown since his days with One Direction.
On the day of the release, Spotify saw an unprecedented surge in traffic, as millions of fans rushed to hear Styles’ new music. The track’s accessibility, catchy melody, and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with listeners worldwide, earning praise from both fans and critics alike. It became the soundtrack of countless social media trends, further cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon in 2022.
### A Preview of “Harry’s House”
“As It Was” serves as the lead single from Styles’ much-anticipated third solo album, *Harry’s House*, scheduled for release on May 20, 2022. The album marks another pivotal moment in Styles’ evolution as a solo artist, as he continues to explore new sounds and themes. *Harry’s House* is expected to draw heavily from Styles’ diverse musical influences, blending pop, rock, and indie elements with his signature style.
This album follows the critical and commercial success of his previous solo projects, *Harry Styles* (2017) and *Fine Line* (2019), both of which solidified his transition from former boy band member to a respected solo performer. The new single gives fans a glimpse into a more introspective and mature phase of his music, with lyrical themes touching on personal transformation, vulnerability, and nostalgia.
### A Mesmerizing Music Video
Adding to the song’s allure, the accompanying music video for “As It Was” has captivated audiences worldwide, racking up over 62 million views on YouTube within days of its release. The video, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Tanu Muino, is a visual feast, characterized by its dreamlike aesthetics and ’70s-inspired vibe. In the video, Styles is seen wearing a striking, bedazzled red jumpsuit, gracefully dancing alongside a mysterious woman dressed in contrasting blue. This color symbolism, with red and blue representing opposites, has sparked various interpretations from fans, who speculate about its deeper meaning.
The video’s unique style is credited to Spanish fashion designer Arturo Obegero, known for his ability to merge classic and contemporary design elements. Obegero’s sparkling, custom-made garments have become an essential part of Styles’ visual identity, reinforcing his status as a fashion-forward icon. The collaboration on the video was even more poignant, as it was “made with love by a creative team from Ukraine,” as stated on Styles’ official YouTube account. This note of appreciation resonated with fans, especially given the challenging circumstances faced by the Ukrainian team during production.
### The Impact of “As It Was”
“As It Was” is more than just a hit song—it’s a cultural moment. The track’s infectious melody, combined with its poignant lyrics, has made it a fan favorite, inspiring countless covers, remixes, and TikTok videos. The song’s theme of change and personal reflection resonates deeply with listeners, many of whom see it as a commentary on Styles’ own journey from his teenage years in One Direction to his current status as a mature, solo artist.
Critics have praised “As It Was” for its honest lyrics and catchy, upbeat sound, describing it as a perfect blend of retro and contemporary pop. The song’s production, featuring a prominent synth line and tight percussion, nods to the nostalgic sound of the ’80s while maintaining a modern edge. This combination has made “As It Was” stand out in a crowded pop landscape, attracting a diverse audience that spans different age groups and musical tastes.
### A Bright Future for Harry Styles
Harry Styles’ record-breaking achievements with “As It Was” are not just a testament to his talent as a musician but also a reflection of his broader influence as a cultural icon. His ability to evolve and redefine himself, both musically and aesthetically, has earned him a unique place in the entertainment world. From fashion-forward choices to his boundary-pushing music videos, Styles continues to challenge norms and inspire fans around the globe.
As anticipation builds for the release of *Harry’s House*, it’s clear that Styles is on the brink of another significant chapter in his career. If the success of “As It Was” is any indication, his third album is likely to dominate charts and break even more records. For now, though, the song stands as a shining example of how Styles has grown as an artist, blending introspection with infectious pop hooks, and reminding everyone why he remains one of the most influential figures in music today.
With more than a decade in the limelight, Harry Styles has moved far beyond his origins in a boy band to become a fully-realized solo artist, constantly surprising the world with his creative directions and unparalleled charisma. “As It Was” is a declaration of this evolution, a milestone that showcases not only his record-breaking abilities but his knack for crafting songs that stay in the hearts and minds of fans long after the first listen.