After a four year hiatus, Harry Styles released his fourth studio album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.
“Aperture” is the first and only single released off of the album. Initially, the song wasn’t my cup of tea. Not that it was bad, it just didn’t really feel like something that I was used to from Styles. But as I continued to listen, the song grew on me. The repetition of the line “We Belong Together” continued to pull me in as I listened to the song. The electric synth/dance pop song is the perfect opening for the album. It sets the mood for the rest of the songs and makes the listener curious about what Styles is bringing to the table for the rest of the album.
“American Girls” is right after the opener, and it connected with me faster than the single. I love the vocals that Harry brings with the piano melody. The piano pulled me right in during my first listen. I love the percussion and the bass line that gives this tune a groove that works with the vocals. This song very much reminds me of the band,The 1975; the overall vibe of the song gives off a very “I like it when you sleep for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it” feel.
“Are You Listening Yet?” is a funk-synth-pop tune that I’ve been on repeat since it was released. The thumping instrumental works with Styles’ voice, and I will say the tune has grown on me over the weekend. Not going to lie, but I’ve had the chorus stuck in my head since. I do like the guitar solo during the bridge before the hook comes back into the mix.
“Season 2 Weight Loss” is my favorite track on the project. Style goes for this ballad that is centered around a 80’s synth vibe that blends beautifully with his voice. It uses the concept of a television show’s second season, where characters often return looking “amazing” after access to trainers and nutritionists, as a metaphor for personal reinvention and appearing stronger or more refined. The song addresses his own desire to return to the public eye after a break, questioning if he is loved for who he is or for a persona he is expected to present. The line “Do you love me now?” is repeated throughout the song, pushing the question of will his fans still love him after the long break he took.
“Paint By Numbers” is a track that feels out of place with its more acoustic-pop vibe. Still fitting into the album, it just switches the vibe I got from the rest of the songs.
“Clara’s Song” is the closer on this record with an 80s synth-pop vibe, which is a pretty easy one to enjoy.
Overall, the new album from Styles isn’t his best, but it’s definitely high-ranking among all of his albums. Though “Coming Up Roses” and “Paint By Numbers” are good but out of place on an Indie-electronic/synth-pop project, I still think this album is a pretty good one. Styles’ other albums have a bit stronger material that clicked with me faster than this new album has, I’m still glad that he has returned with new music.
