On Friday, March 6, Harry Styles released his fourth studio album: “Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.” Out of all of Styles’ albums, this is our favorite. With a bright techno/dance vibe, it is sure to boost your mood. The album’s a perfect mix of pop beats with incredible lyricism.
This album has been long-awaited, as Styles has not released new music for nearly four years, with his last release being his Grammy award-winning album “Harry’s House” in May of 2022. On Jan. 14, after much speculation about the release of a new album, Styles confirmed it on his Instagram, simply posting “Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. March 6th.” along with the album cover.
1. Aperture
Fans got their first taste of the album on Jan. 22, when Styles dropped the lead single for the album, “Aperture”. The word aperture is a photography term, describing the space where light is allowed to enter. In the context of the song, Styles uses the term as a metaphor for opening up and trying new experiences. Musically, the track picks up slowly and adds new layers of sound gradually, with a 45-second intro of electronic beats taking place before Styles begins to sing. His voice adds warmth to the techno rhythm, and the lyric “We belong together” sets the tone for the album, showcasing themes of self-reflection and growth.
Maddy – 8.5/10
2. American Girls
Although this song sounds upbeat and high-energy, it has a deeper meaning with the loneliness and sadness he mentions feeling in the lyrics. This song sounds very coming-of-age, and was very enjoyable to listen to.
Sophia – 8.5/10
3. Ready, Steady, Go!
“Ready, Steady, Go!” is one of the most upbeat and fun songs on the album. It has a bright and fast-paced vibe, with a beat driven by drums and lively guitar. The momentum that takes place within the beat makes it feel like pushing towards action, something that the lyrics reflect. This song brings a burst of energy to the more thoughtful and deep parts of the album.
Maddy – 6/10
4. Are you listening yet?
Styles revealed that this song was the oldest on the album. It feels very different from his usual style, having more synthpop style and house music instrumentals, rather than his usual, raw and emotional use of rhythms and instruments. This song felt very unique and interesting, and was refreshing in comparison to his usual tracks.
Sophia – 7/10
5. Taste Back
With “Taste Back,” Styles leans more towards a laid-back sound. This track, about hearing from an ex, has become easily one of the most popular on the album, with several TikTok trends being centered around the lyrics. The instrumentals are slow and mellow, while Styles’ voice effortlessly glides over the beat.
Maddy – 10/10
6. The Waiting Game
Styles admitted he wrote this song while living in Italy. Styles says that this song is a callout to himself, regarding his own habits. The instrumentals were very interesting and almost satisfying to listen to with the unique drum beats and sounds. It’s slightly slower than his usual pop songs, but still very upbeat.
Sophia – 7.5/10
7. Season 2 Weight Loss
The title of the song “Season 2 Weight Loss” compares life to a TV show’s second season. It is all about growing as a person and coming back stronger, wondering if people will like you better now that you’ve changed. The topic itself is reflected in the music, with slower and more melancholy-toned vocals. While still having a pop feeling, the main beat is very electronic.
Maddy – 7/10
8. Coming up Roses
This song is one of his most popular since Styles released it a week earlier than the rest of the songs. In contrast to the others in this album, it focuses more on softer and orchestral instrumentals. It’s a softer song that sounds very similar to many of his older songs, and was very enjoyable.
Sophia – 8/10
9. Pop
“Pop” is another one of the most energetic on the album, and it lives up to its name. Catchy and full of life, “Pop” is about fame, attention, and people watching you wherever you go. Musically, it has no shortage of crisp percussion, while Styles sings smoothly over it. This is one of the more memorable tracks on the album, and feels very “Stylesesque”.
Maddy – 9/10
10. Dance No More
“Dance No More” was inspired by a night out in Berlin. Styles was inspired by standing in the middle of the dance floor and feeling like himself. It’s very high-energy with strong beats and instrumentals. This song was very catchy and sounds similar to many older 2010s pop songs.
Sophia – 8/10
11. Paint By Numbers
Unlike most other songs on the album, “Paint By Numbers” is much more emotional and heavy. Blending gentle piano with soft electronic instruments, the track creates a calm but reflective atmosphere. The song captures the feeling of having to follow other people’s expectations instead of choosing your own path. Because of this, it stands out as one of the deepest songs on the album. Its slower pace and emotional tone make it a powerful track, especially for listeners who are dealing with their own feelings.
Maddy – 6/10
12. Carla’s Song
This song isn’t about a romantic relationship, but a waitress Styles met in a diner. It tells the story of someone who has been through so much but still chooses to be kind in the world. It has fast instrumentals, but his singing is still slower-paced, which balances out the song and makes it feel calming.
Sophia – 7.5/10
This is Styles’ best album to date. Each song offers a different experience, making the album enjoyable and interesting from start to finish. Although Styles experiments with new and different types of sounds, every piece feels spot on with his musical style. The balance between trying new things and staying authentic is what is making this album successful now, and why it will continue to be a classic in the future.
