Initially, I approached Harry Styles’ new album with a degree of skepticism. The first single, Aperture, didn’t immediately resonate, requiring multiple listens to truly appreciate its unique direction. This hesitancy made me anticipate potential disappointment with “Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally,” yet I was eager to see if he could win me over with this evolved sound.
To my complete surprise, he did. From the very first beat to the last, the album delivers on its promise of constant connection and a generous dose of disco energy. It’s a journey I happily surrendered to, a vibrant exploration of sound and emotion.
Aperture, now fully embraced, serves as a brilliant introduction to this dance-focused era, one that’s likely to spark debate among fans – a departure unlike any of his previous work. The initial reaction to its ‘techno’ branding was widespread confusion, but it’s found its place, even if it isn’t the album’s strongest track.
Building from the foundation of Aperture, the rest of the album consistently matches and often surpasses its danceable spirit, infused with an edge previously unseen in Styles’ music. He doesn’t abandon his pop roots, though; echoes of “Fine Line” and “Harry’s House” are woven throughout, making this not a reinvention, but a natural progression.
Where his previous album leaned into melancholy with pop-funk and synths, this new work wholeheartedly embraces disco and electronic music, designed purely to inspire movement. The result is an album brimming with confidence, a quality undoubtedly bolstered by his recent successes and the comparisons to David Bowie that he now openly welcomes.
“Pop,” feels like a direct successor to “Watermelon Sugar,” inheriting its infectious energy but maturing into a sexier, synth-driven anthem. The album’s overall mood is undeniably seductive, a testament to Styles’ artistic growth and willingness to experiment.
Each of the twelve tracks feels carefully considered, contributing to a consistently high-quality experience. You can hear the joy of his time away from the spotlight, traveling Europe and simply living life, radiating through every note. It’s a lightness, a momentum, a much-needed uplift in a complex world.
Styles nurtures a fragile optimism throughout the album, a theme that’s been subtly emerging in his work. It’s a farewell to the cynicism of recent years, a welcome arrival of “Kissco Spring.” He’s fearlessly experimental, seamlessly blending catchy hooks with moments of introspection, though the latter are less frequent than before.
“Are You Listening Yet” showcases this experimentation, featuring a spoken-word intro with sharp lyrics – “your therapist’s well fed” – alongside moments where the music simply breathes, supported by the powerful vocals of House Gospel Choir. Their blend of house and gospel elevates the album to anthemic heights.
“Taste Back” strikes a perfect balance between Styles’ past and present, a confident track that captures the spirit of modern relationships. He revisits this theme in “Season 2 Weight Loss,” singing with a stylized, autotuned vocal about the desire for acceptance, a sentiment that will resonate with many.
Unexpectedly, the album also features a modern waltz, “Coming Up Roses.” It’s a stunningly emotive piece, built for live performance, and destined to become a fan favorite. The orchestral arrangement swells behind Styles’ vocals, creating a powerful and moving experience.
Remarkably, this emotional depth doesn’t clash with the album’s dance tracks, like “Dance No More,” which draws clear inspiration from LCD Soundsystem. Styles skillfully navigates these contrasting styles, creating a cohesive and compelling soundscape. The album culminates in “Carla’s Song,” a fittingly stylized and synth-laden closing track.
“Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally” is undeniably captivating, inviting listeners into Styles’ world without alienating those who prefer a more subtle experience. There’s a narrative woven throughout, centered on love and the joy of embracing the unknown, a feeling many have been missing in recent times.
This album feels like a cultural moment in the making, a promise of hope, and a reminder that it’s okay to let go and dance. It’s a bold risk that has undeniably paid off. If Aperture opened the door to a new sound, “Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally” is a full, blinding beam of sunshine, signaling the arrival of “Kissco Spring.”
