Harry Styles has released his fourth solo album, "Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally," marking a significant shift in his musical direction. The new record, available since March 6, delves deep into electronic music and '80s Dark Wave influences, moving away from the pop sensibilities of his previous work.
This album, his first in four years, demonstrates Styles' willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of his sound. Fans and critics are noting the adventurous nature of the new tracks, which blend pulsing synths with enigmatic lyrics.
Key Takeaways
- Harry Styles' fourth album, "Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally," released March 6.
- The album features a distinct shift towards electronic music and Dark Wave '80s influences.
- Lead single "Aperture" topped the Billboard Hot 100 in February.
- Styles collaborated with producer Kid Harpoon, drawing inspiration from artists like Jamie xx.
- The album includes twelve tracks, showcasing Styles' experimental approach to songwriting.
A New Sonic Direction
The album opens with "Aperture," a track that immediately signals a change from the bright, brass-infused pop of Styles' Grammy-winning "Harry's House." "Aperture" quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, Global 200, Streaming Songs, and Digital Song Sales charts in February. This success highlights the audience's readiness for Styles' evolving sound.
Styles, now 32, worked closely with his longtime producer Kid Harpoon on the album's twelve tracks. Their collaboration focused on experimenting with various electronic elements, including roiling synths. This creative partnership aimed to craft a sound that is both challenging and engaging for listeners.
Album Fact
"Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally." is Harry Styles' fourth solo studio album. His previous album, "Harry's House," earned him a Grammy Award.
Influences and Collaborations
The duo drew inspiration from several artists, notably British DJ and producer Jamie xx. This influence is evident in the album's electronic textures and rhythmic complexity. Jamie xx is also slated to join Styles for his Madison Square Garden shows this summer, suggesting a continued artistic connection.
The album's titles, such as "Season 2 Weight Loss," "Ready, Steady, Go!," and "Taste Back," are as distinctive as the music itself. The lyrics often require close attention to decipher, with phrases like "But you call Leon/you call it only in my head" from the Eurotrash disco track "Ready, Steady, Go!" and the call-and-response coda "Gotta get your feet wet/Respect!/Respect your mother!" from "Dance No More."
"The message seems to be, don't worry about understanding it, just feel it."
This approach encourages listeners to immerse themselves in the sound and emotion rather than seeking a literal interpretation of every line. It reflects a desire to create a visceral musical experience.
Deep Dive into Standout Tracks
Among the twelve tracks, several stand out for their unique qualities and artistic ambition. "Are You Listening Yet?" is notable for its verbose lyrics and cascading keyboards. Styles employs a speak-singing style over intricate musical arrangements, which build to a clattering chorus and an unexpected electric guitar break.
Artistic Growth
Harry Styles has consistently shown a desire to evolve as an artist since his debut. This new album marks his most significant departure from mainstream pop, embracing a more experimental and electronic sound.
'80s Echoes and Emotional Depth
"Taste Back" offers a strong '80s industrial synth-pop vibe, reminiscent of bands like Depeche Mode and Soft Cell. Styles' vocals are sweet and melodious against the synth backdrop as he explores themes of loneliness and the need for connection, singing, "Must be lonely in Paris if you talk like that… Did you get your taste back?/Or do you just need a little love?"
In contrast, "Coming Up Roses" is a string-infused ballad, showcasing a more openhearted and vulnerable side of Styles. Its lush, old-fashioned feel, combined with a magical lyric about "hangover chasing," makes it an intriguing listen. This track's softness provides a surprising moment within the album's overall electronic framework.
- "Carla's Song": Driven by bright synths and a throbbing bass, this album closer features rattlesnake shakes and cryptic lines like "It's all waiting there for you."
- "American Girls": A slow-grooving, piano-pulsing track with a singsong chorus: "I've known you for ages/it's all that I've heard/my friends are in love with American Girls."
Embracing the Experimental
The track "Pop" is perhaps the closest the album comes to Styles' earlier pop sound, yet it still incorporates repetitive techno elements. Here, Styles seems to be grappling with his own artistic identity, questioning, "Am I in over my head?/This could go anywhere/I do it and do it again/it's meant to be pop." The emphasis on the word "pop" highlights his playful deconstruction of the genre.
His lyric, "It's nice to mix two flavors together," encapsulates the album's experimental spirit. It suggests that the blend of seemingly disparate genres is intentional, creating a unique sonic palette. This willingness to combine elements and challenge expectations is a hallmark of the album.
Throughout "Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally," Styles commits to artistic progression, even if it means moving away from readily accessible radio hits. The EDM-imbued tracks are expected to deliver a powerful impact in live performances, transforming the concert experience for fans.
This album marks a bold step for Harry Styles, solidifying his reputation as an artist who is not afraid to evolve and explore new musical territories. It offers a fresh perspective on his capabilities and promises an exciting new chapter in his career.