Saturday Night Live music: Harry Styles performs ‘Sign of the Times,’ ‘Ever Since New York’

While the appearance of Harry Styles on Saturday Night Live as Mick Jagger was unexpected, we absolutely expected him to come on with a performance of “Sign of the Times.” This was his just-released single, and this was a huge opportunity for the One Direction member to give a heartfelt performance that was a little bit rock, and a little bit soul.

It’s somewhat ironic that Styles portrayed Jagger, given that the two have some similarities when it comes to the way that they carry notes, and the way that their music has heartfelt undertones under some of the swagger. For Harry, this was far more of a rock anthem than we’ve seen from him during some of his One Direction performances. His vocals were pretty incredible, and to go along with that, the lighting and the stage setting was almost exactly what you could’ve wanted.

Will this appeal to people who aren’t already a Styles fan? We think so just because it was so different than anything that he’s done so far. This is what you really want if you’re going on SNL — many of your diehard fans are already going to be buying your music, but this exposure on one of the best platforms on TV, aside from awards shows.

Overall, we’d say that this was a big, powerful performance from Harry that sets the stage well for whatever else he has planned. The audience clearly loved it, and sometimes this can be a tough room to perform in. (Also, bonus credit to Harry for taking on the immense challenge of performing on this show, the first time ever that SNL has been live in all time zones.)

Second Song – This one was “Ever Since New York,” another excellent number that was more acoustic on Harry’s part, but also one had the same sort of anthemic quality. One of the things that we’re already starting to learn here about Styles as a solo performer is that he has a real knack for being able to deliver songs that have a story attached to them. He brings you into his world and allows you to enjoy much of what he’s bringing to the table.

For some further news when it comes to Saturday Night Live, be sure to head over to the link here to read our full review! (Photo: NBC.)