UBS Arena has been rechristened Harry’s House.
Harry Styles performed his excellent new album in full for the first time Friday at the recently opened Belmont Park venue in Elmont, NY, as well as a few fan favorites.
The pop superstar’s sold-out “One Night Only” concert on Long Island saw him sing the 13-track record “the way it was intended to be played — from start to finish,” as he told the nearly 20,000 fans in attendance.
Styles, 28, opened with “Music for a Sushi Restaurant,” a funky intro that had him bopping around the stage, followed by the groovy “Late Night Talking” and “Grapejuice.”
Styles debuted his third solo album, “Harry’s House.”Apple MusicHis vivacious charm was palpable from the very beginning of the show as the crowd roared and sang along to each and every word — despite “Harry’s House” hitting streaming services not even 24 hours prior.
“But how?” Styles, dressed in a heart-filled white tee and black leather pants, asked upon realizing fans had already learned his new lyrics.
The party really started when the former One Direction singer reached the addictive bridge of his latest No. 1 single, “As It Was,” to deafening screams. The high energy continued throughout “Daylight” and “Daydreaming,” while the acoustic ditties “Little Freak” and “Matilda” elicited tears from some admirers in the arena.
“Cinema” and “Satellite” were somehow, someway even better live than the album recordings. Styles’ band members, including guitarist Mitch Rowland and drummer Sarah Jones, helped breathe new life into the two tracks as their fearless frontman joyously danced his way down the stage’s catwalk.
Styles and his backing vocalists wowed the crowd during “Boyfriends.”Apple MusicThe mostly a cappella “Boyfriends,” meanwhile, captivated the audience in a way most artists can only dream of. For three minutes straight, fans put down their phones and simply stared up at Styles and his female backing vocalists in awe of their raw talent.
Styles told the crowd — which included his girlfriend, Olivia Wilde, and producer Thomas “Kid Harpoon” Hull — that “Harry’s House” “saved” him during the COVID-19 pandemic before transitioning to some songs recorded in the Before Times, including his debut solo single, “Sign of the Times,” and “What Make You Beautiful” from his 1D days.
“You know the words to these ones,” he teased of the long-admired hits.
The stage was fittingly designed to resemble a house.Apple MusicIt was evident that Styles wanted to soak up every moment of the unforgettable evening before it ended, so much so that he got distracted and briefly forgot the words to his Grammy-winning single, “Watermelon Sugar.” Ever the pro, he let out a giggle and quickly found his way back.
“I love every single one of you,” Styles declared after an encore performance of “As It Was,” adding, “It’s been the best night of my life,” a sentiment surely shared by everyone there.
