Harry Styles released his highly anticipated fourth studio album “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” on Mar. 6, giving fans a listen of his new sound. Fans anxiously waited for Styles’ new record, the first to release following a four-year musical hiatus.
“KATTDO,” or more commonly referred to as “KISSCO” by his fans, features 12 tracks over a period of 42 minutes. Styles took his fans through a journey of dance, reflection, disco and vibes.
The album was produced by Styles, along with Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson. The two also worked on Styles’ 2022 album “Harry’s House,” which won a Grammy for Album of the Year.
In celebration of his new album, Styles hosted a one-night-only concert in Manchester, inviting fans to experience the album in a way it will never be performed again: from top to bottom. Netflix acquired filming rights for the concert, allowing it to be livestreamed and forever immortalizing the night.
“KISSCO” is an album that will truly flourish when experienced live as fans will get to hear the intricacies of the production and the funky layering of sounds. Styles announced his “Together, Together” tour spanning seven cities around the world, with New York City being the only U.S. location. Styles is scheduled for a 30-show residency at Madison Square Garden from Aug. 26 to Oct. 31, an arena where he previously completed a 15-day residency in 2022.
Styles told Runner’s World that his extended break allowed him to travel and to experience music from an audience’s perspective. He revealed that “KISSCO” was heavily influenced by his experience in Berlin’s club scene and being on the dance floor. “It was so immersive, like, this is how I want to feel when I’m on stage too,” Styles told Runner’s World. “I don’t want it to feel like a sermon I’m delivering. I wanted it to feel like, oh, we’re in this music together.”
The album opens with “Aperture,” a powerful first single and fitting opening track. The track was released prior to the album to let fans hear his new sound and exploration of all things disco.
The chorus has an anthem-like tune with Styles repeating the phrase “we belong together.” Fans were quick to note its similarities to his other famous line “treat people with kindness.”
“American Girls” follows with a music video. The catchy and melodic song gives listeners a view into Styles’ experience of fame and grappling with his occupation.
The next two songs “Ready, Steady, Go!” and “Are You Listening Yet?” lean into the disco aesthetic with catchy choruses and vocal layering. The pop-rock tracks feature a medley of amazing instruments like guitars, the trumpet and the saxophone. The songs complement each other, carrying over a funky vocal effect and frenetic feeling.
“Taste Back” and “The Waiting Game” are slower paced songs with lyrics reflecting Styles’ vulnerability in life and in past relationships. The electric pop feel of “Taste Back” coupled with the synth-pop ballad contributes to the introspective portion of “KISSCO.”
Styles continued with his playful experimentation of sound with “Season 2 Weight Loss,” giving fans another groovy electro-pop song highlighted by his distorted vocal effect. The lyrics highlight Styles’ reflection on love and uncertainty as he continues his journey of introspection.
Styles’ pattern of musical whiplash from his previous album “Harry’s House” continues in “KISSCO” as he follows the romantic piano ballad “Coming Up Roses” with the undeniably catchy disco track “Pop.”
Contrary to its title, track 10 “Dance No More” is made for dancing. The catchy lyrics combined with the groovy rock beat capture the feeling of the album, making this track disco personified.
Styles closes off the album with two dreamy tracks, “Paint By Numbers” and “Carla’s Song,” as he reflects one last time on his journey of fame and his dedication to celebrating life and music.
“KISSCO” details Styles’ quest for love and enlightenment through this new era of music featuring a beautiful medley of rock, pop, funk and of course, disco.
