In the kingdom of pop, it’s no secret that Harry Styles is high up on the hierarchy. And after a four year hiatus, he has officially returned to the spotlight with his fourth studio album, “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.”
With his previous album “Harry’s House” winning Album of the Year at the Grammy’s, there was high anticipation and expectation for this album, and after multiple listens, it’s safe to say that it has surpassed every expectation. It’s exactly what you’d expect from Styles, it’s pop, it’s whimsical, and danceable, but most importantly—it’s intimate and raw.
The album opens with the lead single “Aperture,” and this one has not only already dominated the charts, but it sets the tone for the rest of the album. It uses the aperture of a camera lens as a metaphor for opening yourself up to new opportunities and embracing uncertainty because it’s usually those moments that breed positivity.
The next songs “American Girls” and “Ready, Steady, Go!” are both incredibly reflective tracks about relationships, with a dance-worthy beat. “American Girls” explores the feeling of witnessing your friends in close relationships while you simultaneously fear the risk that comes from that connection and long for it, “’Cause time will show/That you should try it/Those American girls you spend your life with.” “Ready, Steady, Go!” is about the excitement and intimacy that comes with a new relationship, “You touched me goodnight/Butterflied both our bellies.”
While the tune of the next two tracks remains upbeat, the meanings take a sad turn. “Are You Listening Yet?” is a retrospective song about bad habits and mental struggle. It opens with “God knows your life is on the brink and your therapist well-fed.” The title track poses a question to Styles himself and listeners. Are you aware of the life you are leading and the impact of your choices? It’s the ultimate self-awareness mantra.
“Taste Back” follows the previous song’s ideas of reflection and bad habits, as it explores reconnecting with an old flame and the complexity of that connection. He sings “Always a consequence/When you call me baby” and “Did you get your taste back? Or do you just need a little love?” highlighting the questioning of the eventual crash when it burn of a relationship.
Following the theme of relationships and habits, the next track “The Waiting Game” encapsulates being trapped in the cycle of holding yourself back from opportunity or growth because you’re waiting for the perfect moment, or to be ready for it. This is prominent when he sings “And you always justify/Playing the waiting game/When it all adds up to nothing.”
Track seven “Season 2 Weight Loss” uses weight loss as a metaphor for returning to the spotlight after a period of self-growth and change, such as his long hiatus. This track is incredibly raw and brings up the complexity of his return to the public eye.
The next song “Coming Up Roses” is my personal favorite from the album, and it’s a tearjerker. In a discography filled with melodies of broken love and misfortune, this tune takes a turn. The combination of violin and message about living in the moment and accepting love as it comes makes this an emotional piece. Simply put, it’s a love song. “If we stay the course, we could get it right/But I’m not devoid of an appetite” and “See out the night with your head on my chest, me and you/There’s only me and you,” both capture the core idea that love may not be everlasting, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful.
The next track “Pop” is an electro-pop, dance worthy beat about the passion of intimacy and romantic endeavors. He sings,“Am I in over my head?/This could go anywhere/I do it and do it again.” Styles illustrate the uncertainty of new experience and the thrill of chance.
“Dance No More” is impossible to not bop your head to. This song feels different from the rest. It clearly has a strong rock influence while sticking to the electro genre found in the rest of the album. It’s catchy, addicting, and about losing yourself to the beat.
The second-to-last track “Paint By Numbers” is a short and slow song about the struggle of coping with expectation and fame. The metaphor of painting by the numbers refers to having your life planned out for you and having to live up to those presumptions. This is a tough one for all the eldest daughters.
The final track is titled “Carla’s Song” and it is the epitome of the album. It’s about seizing opportunity and the beauty of life and music. Styles has shared in an interview with Zane Lowe that this is a personal piece about his return to music, catalyzed by his friend Carla’s enjoyment and wonder when listening to a song for the first time. “Through your eyes, in awe/ Melodies like the tide.”
At its core, this album is about the importance of now. Live your life, prioritize yourself, kiss the girl, and don’t let opportunities pass you by. Don’t play the waiting game and don’t let life pass you by. You belong, and we belong together!
