After nearly three years missing in action, Harry Styles is back. Since his Love On Tour ended in mid-2023, a lot has happened, but one thing has remained present in fans’ minds: Styles’ absence. At a time when the world feels dark most days, Styles has emerged from the heavens, illuminating the sky with the joyous sounds of “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.”
The album starts with “Aperture,” a single released in January. “Aperture” is mostly just five minutes of techno beats overlaying your next mantra. It’s a solid first track because it sets the bar incredibly low for what comes next, while also introducing the sonic soundscape of the album.
The next track, “American Girls,” is just the beginning of Styles’ self-reflection journey. The song is catchy, but it hints at something deeper: loneliness. “Ready, Steady, Go!” is about moving too quickly in a relationship; it’s fast-paced, matching the relationship’s intensity. Clearly, Styles has had his fair share of relationship problems, and he is making it everyone’s business.
“Are you Listening Yet?” is a reflective, existential, and lyrical internal monologue, portraying the feeling of ignoring your wants and needs. By the time you finally hear yourself, the song and the moment are over. If you’re hungry for some alphabet soup, it is a great listen.
“Taste Back” is a song that is well-suited for an 80s movie montage. Styles asks whether a former partner has changed and if rekindling would be worth it. This song prompts the question: Is the feeling of nostalgia simply one that requires going back to every once in a while? In the next track, “The Waiting Game,” he sings about being in the limbo of dating. The relationship described in the song ends as it began: as nothing.
“Season 2 Weight Loss” is about self-improvement and hoping someone will take notice and love you. It asks: how much do you need to change to be the best version of yourself? Will it be enough? “Coming Up Roses” is about accepting short-term love, reminding us that it can end well and is not necessarily less meaningful, however brief.
“Pop” is a five-out-of-five; you should listen. I have no notes. “Dance No More” is focused on the conflict between individuality and success, and the bass in the beginning is funky, fun, and fresh. “Paint By Numbers” is beautiful and delicate. If you want to cry, listen to it.
Finally, the last track is “Carla’s Song,” a beautiful song about optimism and friendship, and it is a beautiful way to end such a refreshing and reflective album. As a whole, “Dance All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” feels like a continuation of Styles’ previous album, “Harry’s House,” but it is also able to stand by itself.
Overall, the album is four out of five Big Oles. If you don’t like it on the first go around, I recommend another listen. The more you listen, the better it gets. The wait might have been worth it, but Harry, please never leave us waiting for that long again.
