Harry Styles returns to the music scene following the release of his highly anticipated album “Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.” The album was released on March 6, following a four-year drought since Styles’ most recent album, “Harry’s House.” His new album features a total run time of 43 minutes and a total of 12 songs.  

Styles released his song “Aperture” on January 23, as a teaser for what was to come. The release was controversial because it coincided with the release of his former bandmate, Louis Tomlinson new album “How Did I Get Here?” Styles also faces criticism from fans for his lack of enforcing fair ticket sales and ignoring fans’ concerns for overpriced tickets and high resale values. It seems that the release of the album isn’t as exciting as it should be, overshadowed by concerns from fans and critics.  

Now the album itself brings a different vibe from previous albums, the title itself implies that the music touches on topics about romance and human connection, and of course disco but only occasionally. The music itself seems to pass on the typical pop sounds that Styles leans into and implements more disco tech and rock type beats. Although you can feel the influence of Styles’s past music in this album it feels lackluster once you take a listen. The style of music alongside the artistic production doesn’t evoke the same emotion and wow factor that Styles’ past music has had on listeners. It also seems like there is less fanfare from devoted fans about the album’s release, with a smaller presence on social media. It is hard to say if the lower viewership comes from controversies or a change in popular pop music.  

“Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally” features 12 songs, each that touches on social relationships and connection between individuals. As mentioned in his album kissing seems to be at the forefront of Styles’ mind, with his song “Coming Up Roses” there is a strong connection to the romantic message. Lyrics tell the story of trying to live in the moment with the person you love while also battling with selfishness and troubles that come up in relationships. The song definitely features a romantic aspect with a long orchestra crescendo following the last minute of the song.  

But Styles quickly moves back to the high pop style that he seems comfortable being in, his song “Pop” is reminiscent of the typical pop and synth-wave style. “Pop” brings out that love-hate relationship between staying away and chasing who you want. If following someone was so good it made you pop, then Styles captures that moment in his song faultlessly. Although the song captures the essence of the album well, it is hard to find a real groove connection to the song.  

“American Girls” leads the album off following “Aperture” with another highly pop and synth-wave beat just like “Pop.” The focus of this song seems to be feeling alone in a world where everyone loves you. The lyrics “American girls all over the world” gives the idea that fans will be everywhere but the ability to really find someone to connect with is difficult. There’s no chance in being able to kiss all the time, as Styles puts it. The song is also the only one to have a music video produced for it. The premise is Styles acting as an action man, even though he has a stunt double to perform the dangerous scenes. It seems like Styles really tries to put across how split he feels living as a superstar.  

For fans the drought is over, Styles quenches the thirst for listeners with the release of “Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.” Maybe for you the album hits all the right spots, with the bounce between disco, pop and rock type styles. In comparison to previous albums and project that Harry Styles has worked on, it seems like his newest album has some ground to gain into becoming the bang that fans hope it becomes. Listen to the album on streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube Music.