HARRY STYLES / KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY

It’s been a few days now and the dust is beginning to settle following one of the most anticipated new album releases in some time, as Harry Styles releases his fourth solo studio album ‘Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally’.

It’s needless to say, but the record has been flying off the shelves at Back to Mono Records and music shops globally, and with a following and a fandom like Harry Styles has curated throughout his career, it’s not surprising at all. But is it all pop culture hype? Is it a generational thing where kids that grew up watching him in alternative incarnations continue to enjoy his growth and habitually support his releases? … in a word I’d say, no.

As a fourth solo album and a ninth career record the continued evolution of Style’s sound and mastery of his musical identity grows in impressive increments. The title of the album would suggest a more electronic disco based edge and it’s certainly present, but whilst remaining consistently cool and versatile, employing a deliberate tempo that doesn't overstep into the realms of "summer party anthems". The whole record can be encapsulated by words such as energetic, cool, sexy and fun. In the first run through alone it was hard to focus as multiple tracks almost demanded an immediate repeat playback. The synths are present throughout the majority of the record, representing that sly disco presentation, but they’re also stripped away at the perfect opportunities to make way for a sentimental and acoustic gem, planted there to put the fun on hold momentarily, focusing on that subtle vocal style which heavily assists his laid back presentation. The maturity of the record and the artist, continue to prove that One Direction was a long time ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDo6jQo3-iCao&v=o6jQo3-iCao

I wanted so much to point out stand out tracks, but it’s genuinely difficult as the albums laid out perfectly to take you on a small journey where each piece is complimented by the track before, and the track thereafter. However special mention might be made for ‘Taste Back’, ‘Dance No More’ and ‘Paint By Numbers’.

2026 has already made the race for album of the year extremely competitive and were barely in March. But between Gorillaz, A$AP Rocky, Bad Bunny and now Harry Styles, I’m already looking forward to looking back at the year to see what my personal favourite was. 'Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally' has a strong chance of being up there!

You can pick up the record from Back to Mono Records, Lincoln NOW, and you can also catch the Netflix live special 'One Night in Manchester'.

Article by Stuart Green