Music Critic Maya Arif reviews Harry Styles’ latest album, praising his ability to blend genres whilst producing a cohesive record
Harry Styles’ fourth album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, is a long-awaited release after his four-year break from the studio following Harry’s House (2022). The pop sensation’s philosophy for the album is to experience romance and allow yourself to have fun – preferably under strobe lighting with friends.
Released on sixth March 2026, the twelve-track record blends romance with bursts of energy, reinforced through retro-influenced musical decisions and a strong disco sound. Produced by longtime collaborators Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson, the album was recorded in studios across London and Berlin.
‘Coming Up Roses’ harnesses the Kiss All the Time energy through gentle vocals.
The album concept works well in theory and, in my opinion, Styles’ album achieves it, as the Kiss elements contrast effectively with the Disco elements, filling listeners in on what Harry styles has been exploring since his temporary departure. Many tracks on the album are soft and intimate; for example, ‘Coming Up Roses’ harnesses the Kiss All the Time energy through gentle vocals. Then the album shifts into upbeat funk-inspired songs, such as ‘Dance No More,’ which calls back to the disco- related album title. While critics can view these alternating sounds as a disruption of balance on the record, it can also be argued that the exciting songs add energy after the more personal listens.
Key tracks on the record include ‘‘Aperture’ as the lead single and ‘Coming Up Roses’ as the emotional ballad of the album. The lead single’s message of ‘We belong together’ calls back to the fans and the community that continued supporting Styles while he was on a break. Before the release of the album, ‘Aperture’ felt like a new experimental sound for Styles. Some listeners argued it was a risky choice, while others enjoyed the fresh direction. Now that the album has been released, it feels as though ‘Aperture’ might not have been the most fitting song to release as a standalone track, with songs like ‘American Girls’ existing. The percussion vocal hooks in the track draw from disco and house music chants…
‘American Girls’ is also a high energy track, but it carries a nostalgic pop sound, similar to One Direction’s discography that may appeal to a wide range of audiences, especially long-time fans. The groovy baselines and party energy of these tracks directly contrasts to my personal favourite, ‘Coming Up Roses.’ Its vulnerable lyrics, paired with the minimal voice filtering, creates a stripped-back, authentic atmosphere on the album. This song proves Styles can create a party in your mind while also offering enough emotional depth to make you reflect on the uncertain relationship portrayed in the lyrics. This heart wrenching song is one of the strongest lyrically from the album, featuring personal reflections such as, ‘If we stay the course, we could get it right/ But I’m not devoid of an appetite’ as well as criticisms of his own behaviour, ‘…Am I back-seating your life/ Judging while you drive?’
The theme of freedom stands out on his album in a different, bolder way compared to Styles’ earlier work. Particularly, ‘Dance No More’ stems from a moment of personal freedom, Styles described the inspiration for the song in an interview with Zane Lowe, explaining that he was dancing in the club in Berlin and experienced a rare sense of collective enjoyment with those around him, instead of feeling like a performer. This idea of performance is referenced in the lyric ‘DJs don’t dance no more,’ which highlights his unique perspective of not always being able to completely enjoy a moment when his job is to provide joy to an audience, through entertainment. Therefore, this album was created to allow him to experience shared excitement with fans during concerts as he performs. The percussion vocal hooks in the track draw from disco and house music chants, reinforcing that feeling of togetherness. A good balance of romance and disco, making it a cohesive album overall.
While there are different forms of music on this album, from disco-inspired tracks to slower, emotional songs- it does not take away from the themes portrayed across the record. From identity exploration to dealing with heartbreak, to remaining hopeful at the end, the album offers a song for everyone. Its closing track ‘Carla’s Song,’ is a bright, uplifting tune that’s central message of ‘it’s all there waiting for you’ feels like a full- circle moment, referencing the repeated message in ‘Aperture.’ The closing song’s warmth synths bring out a nostalgic feeling when listening, and while the album explores various ideas, it ultimately returns to the magic of music- how it touches people and fosters new connections.
Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, has a good balance of romance and disco, making it a cohesive album overall. While Style’s lyrics can sometimes feel obscure or abstract, he makes up for it with the dynamic, thrilling sounds you hear throughout the record and a fun time.
8/10
Enjoyed reading this? You might also like:
Comments