Justin Hawkins brands Harry Styles as ‘unforgettable’ and Coldplay as ‘dull’
Justin Hawkins, the frontman of The Darkness, recently shared his thoughts on some well-known musicians, namely Harry Styles and Coldplay. In Justin’s opinion, music produced by artists like Harry Styles and Coldplay is forgettable and lacks the timeless quality that truly stands the test of time.
Through his YouTube channel, Justin Hawkins Rides Again, Justin has been offering candid critiques of various tracks. One such example is his analysis of Harry Styles’ 2022 solo song, As It Was. According to Justin, the song resembles an ’80s classic, Take On Me by A-ha, but fails to leave a lasting impact. Justin expressed his views by stating that while most music falls into the category of being average and fails to evoke any strong emotions, some tracks are essentially replicas of tunes from the ’80s. He believes that Harry Styles’ song is a modified version of A-ha’s hit, Take On Me, using a similar chord sequence and synthesizer motif. Justin predicts that in 40 years, people will still be singing the original A-ha song, while Styles’ track will be long forgotten.
In addition to Styles, Justin Hawkins also expresses his opinion on Coldplay, arguing that their music lacks the staying power to be memorable. He dismisses the notion that Coldplay’s music will be enduring, indicating his indifference towards the British band’s songs.
This critical viewpoint extends beyond Styles and Coldplay. Justin and his brother Dan Hawkins also recently sparked controversy when they criticized Yungblud’s MTV VMAs tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne. Yungblud had performed a tribute to the iconic Black Sabbath star at the awards show, accompanied by Nuno Bettencourt from Extreme and Steven Tyler and Joe Perry from Aerosmith. Despite Yungblud’s intent to honor Osbourne’s legacy, the Hawkins brothers’ remarks stirred up negative reactions among Yungblud’s fans.
Justin’s opinions reflect his discerning taste and uncompromising standards when it comes to evaluating contemporary music. By openly sharing his critiques, he invites discussion and reflection on the craft of songwriting and the significance of creating music that leaves a lasting impression on listeners. While his views may provoke debate and dissent among fans and fellow musicians, they underscore the subjective nature of artistry and the enduring quest for creating music that resonates across generations. Ultimately, Justin’s evaluations serve as a reminder of the multifaceted landscape of the music industry, where opinions and tastes vary widely, shaping the evolving trajectory of musical expression.