After several years since his last release, pop star Harry Styles returned with his fourth studio album, “Kiss All the Time, Disco, Occasionally.” Released on March 6, the hit album provided fans a glimpse of his evolving perspective as he grows older. Known for blending classics and modern pop, Styles worked to experiment with diverse “styles,” mixing upbeat disco tunes with soft and reflective pieces throughout the whole album.
In comparison to the brighter ideas seen in “Harry’s House,” this album reflects on introspective concepts as a majority of the songs focus on change, relationships and the uncertainty of growing older. The album flows between energetic tracks meant for discoing and slower songs that highlight Styles’ softer, emotional vocals as he reminisces on his younger years. The mix of upbeat and intimate moments leads the album to feel personal, as if one can see Styles’ thoughts as he works through different stages of life.
The opening track, “Aperture,” introduces the album’s pop and disco tone. The song builds from a slower start into an upbeat rhythm with instrumentation and electronic sounds, serving as a unique backdrop that provides a foundation for Styles’ voice to shine. As the album progresses, songs like “Pop” and “Ready, Steady, Go!” demonstrate Styles’ disco influence, with a rhythmic bass and upbeat production that stand in contrast to the slow, reflective tracks later in the album.
The quieter songs further down the tracklist hold a majority of the emotional lyricism fans know and love, with tracks like “Coming Up Roses” that shift the pace and focus on storytelling and ideas of vulnerability and self-reflection. These quieter tracks add to the emotional depth of the album and show how Styles’ growth as a musician has progressed from his time in One Direction to a solo songwriter.
“It [Coming Up Roses] is one of my favorite things I have ever done. I wrote it in December, and it started because I was trying to write a Christmas song… And it kind of just wrote itself, and I was like, oh, this has nothing to do with Christmas. For me, it is a love song about how special something can be, and not everything has to last forever in order for it to be special. I think some of the greatest relationships in your life that teach you some things don’t last forever. The definition that we have of the success of a relationship is longevity and lasting for eternity, and I think it just negates all of the beauty and positivity that can come from a relationship where you learn something about yourself,” Styles said.
Throughout the album, Styles also pulled inspiration from older musical styles while still working to keep his music sounding fresh and unique. Inspired by the era of disco, numerous songs on the album feature buoyant beats influenced by artists from earlier decades, but Styles works to blend these ideas with modern pop in the album to connect to today’s listeners. The mix of nostalgia and modern hits creates an audience of a variety of ages who can collectively enjoy the album together.
Although not every track on the album stands out equally, “Kiss All the Time, Disco, Occasionally,” shows Styles’ willingness to experiment with different beats and styles of music. The album rotates between upbeat pop songs and emotional, reflective tracks, which work to create a listening experience that feels both energetic and personal. This new drop highlights Styles’ growth as an artist, while still maintaining the charm and lyricism that led fans to connect with his music originally, offering something brand new while still bringing the emotion and skill that defines him as a star.
“I think Harry’s new album is so different and so interesting compared to all his other albums. It’s so original and creative while also being universal and fun. My favorite song is definitely “Carla’s Song” because I think it perfectly encapsulates that feeling of being confused and trying to focus on the positive,” magnet senior Avery Moore said.
The Chant’s rating: A+
