Four years after his last album and following a nearly two-year hiatus from the music spotlight, mega-pop star Harry Styles has returned with “Kiss All the Time, Disco Occasionally.” Released on March 6, the singer’s fourth studio album has—to no one’s surprise—become an immediate sensation.
Styles takes a completely different route with his sound on this record. While the familiar hints of pop remain, he successfully experiments with a fresh disco influence, living up to the “Disco Occasionally” promise of the title.
A Departure from the Past
“Kiss All the Time, Disco Occasionally” is unlike anything we have heard from Styles before. It mirrors the bold energy of his self-titled debut in the sense that the sound is a total pivot. While “Harry Styles” leaned into rock and “Fine Line” and “Harry’s House” moved toward pop, this new era is defined by its danceability.
The album opens with its first single, “Aperture.” The track is deeply “disco-esque,” and hearing a new vocal from Styles after four years felt almost surreal. It is electric and rhythmic, clearly designed to get listeners on their feet.
His second single, “American Girls,” stands in stark contrast to the opener. As the album progresses, it becomes clear that no two songs sound the same. While many modern artists have been criticized for recycling sounds, Styles remains committed to distinct variety.
Techno Influence and Vulnerability
The following tracks, “Ready, Steady, Go” and “Are You Listening Yet?” lean into a techno sound. The use of vocal effects in “Ready, Steady, Go” is particularly captivating. In “Are You Listening Yet?” Styles experiments with a delivery that borders on rapping—a stylistic choice I never expected from him.
Tracks five and six, “Taste Back” and “The Waiting Game,” maintain the disco pulse while steering back toward a pop-centric vibe. They are standout tracks that keep the momentum high.
“Season 2 Weight Loss” is a personal favorite. The title can throw you off, but Styles clarified the meaning in an interview with Zane Lowe, saying the song describes his journey toward becoming a better version of himself and the hope that fans will embrace his growth. The track reprises the vocal effects from “Ready, Steady, Go,” which adds a nice layer of sonic cohesion.
Ballads and Bold Artistry
“Coming Up Roses” is the eighth track and one of only two ballads on the record. It is one of his most beautiful love songs to date, featuring a lush orchestral backing that fans can see highlighted in his Netflix special, “One Night in Manchester.”
The energy picks back up with “Pop” and “Dance No More.” The former feels like a “sister song” to “Cinema” from “Harry’s House,” carrying a similar sultry energy. The latter is a pure disco anthem.
The second-to-last track, “Paint by Numbers,” serves as the album’s second ballad and its most vulnerable moment. Online discourse is split on the subject matter—some speculate it’s a tribute to the late One Direction member Liam Payne, while others point to his past relationship with Olivia Wilde. Ultimately, it feels like an honest reflection on his relationship with fame and his public identity.
The Verdict
The album closes with “Clara’s Song,” a perfect finale that celebrates the joy of music. Styles noted that the inspiration came from watching a friend truly “feel” a Beatles song for the first time.
“Kiss All the Time, Disco Occasionally” is an album that will be discussed for years to come. Styles’ willingness to experiment is a rarity in modern pop, but this record proves that stepping out of a comfort zone is often necessary to achieve greatness. I highly recommend it.
