Harry Styles released his fourth studio album on March 6th after nearly four years without releasing any new music. Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally sees the former boybander turned mega star at his most honest and vulnerable. Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally is a far cry from the rock tinged sound of Styles’ nearly decade old debut album. Harry Styles recaptured his fans’ attention after a brief hiatus from public appearances with his single, “Aperture” last January. It features a different style than his usual pop sound. “Aperture” was the lead off for the main theme of the new Harry Styles Era: dance. The thumping bass and groove of “Aperture” provided an opportunity for fans to let go of their worries and just dance. The chorus of the song affirms that “we belong together.” His upcoming tour is called Together, Together. Styles insists that his fans belong together in a room full of love and kindness. Another standout track is the incessantly catchy “Ready, Steady, Go!”. The punchy bassline hooks listeners in immediately. This song features an interesting style of production and hypnotic synthesizers looping in the back of the choruses.
The most unique song on the album was “Coming Up Roses.” This song was solely penned by Styles, unlike the rest of the album in which writer’s credits were shared with Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson. A sweeping orchestral accompaniment is the main instrumentation for the song. Styles’ voice sounds honest and sweet as he laments over a relationship that didn’t come to fruition. The next highlight from the album is the song, “Pop.” This track draws listeners in immediately with a groovy beat and catchy bassline. The soaring vocals in the chorus along with the hook using the word “pop” make for a terrific pop song. Its unique style easily defines it as one of the strongest tracks on the album. Overall, this album was definitely a different path for Styles to take. The soundscape he explored introduced his fans to new sounds and genres of music. Styles’ goal of making his fans dance was accomplished. Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally is an amazing new direction for Harry Styles to take, and this new era will be exciting to venture.
- Ashley Bendorf
