Harry Styles Review: 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally' Marks a Personal and Bold Return
Where has Harry Styles been? Not where fans might have expected. Since concluding his world tour in 2023, the pop sensation has been on a journey of self-discovery, from rubbing shoulders with locals in Roman bars to a poignant reset in Italy that reshaped his perspective. Now, he's back with a triumphant new album, 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally', ready to reclaim his crown as pop's millennial king.
A Transformative Hiatus in Italy
Styles' time away from the spotlight was marked by personal reflection and loss, including the death of former bandmate Liam Payne in 2024. In Italy, he found la dolce vita, recalling moments like sitting in a café and realising he'd never truly paused to enjoy a simple coffee. This reset gave him a newfound clarity, which shines through in his latest work. "Let light come in once in a while," he sings, encapsulating the album's theme of openness and renewal.
An Experimental and Playful Sound
'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally' is Styles' most playful, bold, and experimental album to date. Gone is the self-consciousness that plagued earlier efforts, replaced by a relaxed confidence. The opening track, "Aperture", sets the scene with a dizzying, euphoric dance beat layered with lush harmonies and pulsing synths. Styles commands, "Go forth, ask questions later," and he follows his own advice throughout the record.
Vulnerability and Curiosity
This album delves deeper into Styles' psyche than ever before, exploring themes of relationships, adulthood, and loss of innocence. Tracks like "American Girls" blend Eighties Italo disco with French house, while "Ready, Steady, Go!" features chaotic brilliance with contributions from Sons of Kemet's Tom Skinner. "Dance No More" riffs on Rick James's "Super Freak", with Styles squawking, "Respect your mother!" showcasing his playful side.
Songwriting in Vignette Form
As with his previous solo work, Styles favours vignette-style songwriting. "Pop" is a sexy, explorative number with squelchy funk beats and blurry lyrical snapshots. He questions his identity on "Are You Listening Yet?" and wrestles with guilt on "Paint By Numbers", seemingly addressing his split from Olivia Wilde. His voice yearns on "The Waiting Game", echoing Bowie over Radiohead-style guitar chords.
Standout Tracks and Vocal Brilliance
"Coming Up Roses" stands out with its orchestral arrangement by Jules Buckley, featuring violins and cello. Styles channels Chet Baker here, delivering perhaps his best vocal performance with gorgeous phrasing. "Tell me your fears," he sings, showcasing a maturity that contrasts with the album's disco energy.
A Return with Clarity and Pizzazz
In a pop landscape where women have dominated recently, Styles returns with no true male peer, unmatched in pizzazz. By stepping away, he silenced fears of being left behind and gained clarity. This album sounds authentically like him—personal, bold, and finally free from past pressures. He let the light in, and it shows in every track, making 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally' a must-listen for fans and critics alike.
