SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2026 | WRITTEN BY AMANDA ALDRIDGE
After taking a four year hiatus since closing out his record-breaking concert tour, Love On Tour, Harry Styles returned to the spotlight with his fourth studio album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.
This bold, disco-electronic pop album introduces a new and more experimental side to Styles that has fans ready to hit the dance floor and enter a state of self-reflection. While the album may not be as lyrically strong as his previous studio albums, Fine Line and Harry’s House, the beats and eclectic sounds of Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. showcase his exploratory talents.
The album starts by letting the light in with "Aperture," the slow-burning, club-type beat that Styles released as a single sets the tone for the rest of the tracks. The build up and crochendo of the single make up for the simple songwriting, allowing the listener to feel the music more than just sing along to it.
Toning it down a bit, the next track, “American Girls,” begins with an isolated piano, simple drum beat, and Styles’ calm vocals. In this lonely song, he talks about feeling that friends he once was close with are now settling into lives that may not include him anymore. Whether it be moving places or starting a family, it’s something that everyone can relate to. With lyrics that say, “I’ve known you for ages, is all that I’ve heard, my friends are in love with American girls.”
Picking up the pace with “Ready, Steady, Go!” This track feels like the start and rush of a race, which can feel like new beginnings and relationships that you may not be ready for. Despite being ready or not, the race is starting and it’s up to you to keep up with it.
With “Are You Listening Yet?” and “Taste Back,” it’s clear that Styles was doing some serious self-reflection on the consequences of his actions, whether it be in life or relationships.The former is an eye-opening power ballad with a steady, monotone beat that focuses on the consequences of your actions; you only listen to a problem if it’s directly affecting you, which is a perfect representation of our society today. The latter focuses on the rekindling of an old flame, which isn’t always the best or most sane decision. The catchy, easy-going tune has a complex synthetic beat that pairs well with the complex feelings one can have when meeting up with someone you used to be close to.
While the sixth track on Styles’ percussion heavy and electronic pop album is “Waiting Game,” it was the first song he wrote when he settled in Italy, and the song that sets the tone for the entire album. In a world where we get instant feedback and gratification, Styles questions if the work is worth it if it all adds up to nothing. “Do you tantalize and titillate, knowing it won’t make the grade? Do you leave it on the table?”
Styles characterizes “Season Two Weight Loss” as the mission statement of this record, where he feels like he came back into the spotlight stronger than ever, with a new version of himself and the synth-pop style of music he’s producing.
We catch a glimpse of the “old” Styles with “Coming Up Roses,” a piano and vocal heavy track that is one of Styles’ favorite songs on the album because of how organic and natural it came to him. To me, this is Styles’ strongest song lyric-wise on the album with it being obvious that he’s pouring emotion into the song. Just like flowers, or roses, relationships can still be beautiful even if they don’t last long. Sometimes, they can be something to be enjoyed in the moment. “And everything seems to be coming up roses but I’m scared if we’re both right, does that mean we’re not aligned.”
Starting with a funky bass line, “Pop,” is undoubtedly the catchiest song on this record. Similar to songs on his debut album, “Harry Styles,” the former One Direction band member starts this track with a calm tone and strong beat, allowing for anticipation to build. Once the beat drops, his energy explodes, causing the song to embrace rock-funk themes. Just like the beginnings of a new relationship, “Pop” is fun, exciting and fearless. His lyrics say, “Am I in over my head? This could go anywhere, I do it and do it again it’s meant to be pop.”
“Dance No More” was inspired by a friend who said that DJs don’t dance anymore — an opinion Styles challenges with this track that is sure to make you want to bust a move. It’s meant to be a conversation had with the performer and their audience. With verses that say, “Move it side to side with your hands up high” being from the DJs perspective, and ones that say “And that there’s no difference between the tears and the sweat” being from the audience. Styles said in an Apple Music interview with Zane Lowe that he wrote this song from personal experience, and can relate to both sides of the conversation.
Closing out his fourth studio album with “Paint By Numbers” and “Clara’s Song,” Styles leaves listeners with somber, yet hopeful feelings. “Paint By Numbers” explores the struggles with being in the spotlight and having fame, and now tight the lines are to stay within — like pressure to color within the lines, there’s not much room for mistakes. However, on the other side of the coin, “Clara’s Song” sheds light on the beauty of music and why it’s so important for listeners to relate and connect with. The singer told Lowe that this song became the most important to him, because it reminded him why he loves performing and making music.
Dance All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. was made for Styles’ fans just as much as it was made for himself. Multiple songs on this album reminded the singer why he loves making music and the importance of new beginnings, while his listeners can relate to the troubles life brings and the importance of letting go and dancing to music.
While this might not be his most popular album, I think the message, lyrics and instruments involved in its creation embody who Styles is — someone who isn’t afraid to break away from the norm and to create music that resonates on a deep level.
