Almost four years since the release of his previous album “Harry’s House,” Harry Styles has returned to the music scene with the release of his fourth album “Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.” On Jan. 15, Styles announced the release of the album, set for March 6, and since then, fans have been on the edge of their seats in anticipation. After the end of his famous “Love on Tour” from 2021 to 2023, people were skeptical if Styles would ever return to the music industry, so this album announcement felt like a coming-home.
On Jan. 20, Styles went to Instagram to share the announcement of the album’s first single, saying, “Aperture. Jan 23, 00:00 U.K.” Initially, there was confusion. Styles made a song about… a camera feature? However, as fans listen in, it is clear that the song has nothing to do with this definition but defines itself. The song explores themes of being vulnerable and creating space for new experiences and love in one’s life, with lyrics such as “I won’t stray from it / I don’t know these spaces / Time won’t wait on me / I wanna know what safe is.” As an introduction to the rest of the album, “Aperture” starts the record off on a positive note and shows fans that Styles has a clear message: he is back, better than ever and not afraid to experiment in his craft, leaving listeners anticipatory and with high expectations for the remainder of the album. After the initial listen on March 6, the album is everything expected and more. With tones reminiscent of ‘80s disco and ‘90s house music, the album takes listeners through a journey of Styles’ personal life.
Immediate highlights in the album are “American Girls,” “Season 2 Weight Loss” and “Dance No More.” All of the songs on the album give very dance-floor-club vibes. Overall, it’s just a feel-good album. After Styles’ Netflix special “Harry Styles. One Night In Manchester,” every song on the album makes listeners want to get up and dance.
Every song is an experience in its own, making every song blend beautifully while being distinctly its own.
However, the standout song is “Coming Up Roses.” While previous songs are dance-worthy and fun, “Coming Up Roses” is a calmingly beautiful interpretation of love. While it is the slowest song of the 12-track record, it is the most meaningful and impactful. The song explores Styles’ interpretation of relationships and how not everything special can last forever, but that doesn’t diminish its value. “It just negates all of the beauty and so much positivity that can come from a relationship where you learn something about yourself,” Styles said in an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe. “And I think that’s a gift that someone else gives you even when it’s difficult.”
After a series of very “Harry Styles-esque” albums with “Harry Styles,” “Fine Line” and “Harry’s House,” Styles has redefined himself and his style, and it is extraordinary. As his first piece since 2022, the album shifts previous perceptions of Styles and who he is as an artist. “Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally” is a love letter to Styles’ fans and shows that he is not a stagnant artist and does not confine himself to the boundaries of previous music.
