After four years and many HS4 at midnight rumors, Harry Styles is back with “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” or “KATTDO.”
On my first listen, I had no idea where the album was going, and when I finished, my first thought was that it was just okay, because it has such a different sound.
On these 12 new tracks, Styles is experimenting with a new sound, leaning into a synth-pop, funky and club-esque style. But the more I listen, the more it grows on me, and it’s still at its core very him. I don’t know what he’s saying entirely, but I’m still having a great time. Some of the funniest responses to the album online are people questioning where the disco is, and I have to laugh because I didn’t realize people were expecting the second coming of ABBA.
The first track and first single, “Aperture,” wasn’t what many fans were anticipating going into a new project by Styles because of how different the production is, but it sets the tone for the rest of the album. It’s an all-around good time, and even though there are probably better choices on the album for lead singles,“Aperture” really encapsulates the theme of the album itself.
“American Girls” is suspected to be the next single, and after the surprise music video drop on release day, that’s looking to be true. It’s not as intense with its production, which allows Styles’ vocals to really come through. The song itself is about that loneliness you feel when all your friends are in happy relationships, and you want to be okay with being single, but there’s a yearning to find that someone special.
“Ready, Steady, Go!” is criminally short but such a good time. It is about the unpredictable rush of starting a relationship, and the production mirrors that. The verses are calm with a lovely bass in the background; the chorus then slows down and gets stripped back, and the outro intensifies and speeds up, repeating “ready, steady, go.” The song isn’t a lyrical masterpiece, but replicating the different emotions of a relationship that’s moving quickly is a feat in itself.
“Are You Listening Yet?” is a song centered on self-reflection, with Styles posing the title question to address aspects of himself he might otherwise avoid. The instrumental layers create tension that mirrors the struggle between awareness and taking action, reinforcing the introspective theme while maintaining a lively feel.
“Taste Back” was a standout for me on my first listen, and it stayed as a favorite from the project. It’s another relatable song about the complex feeling of having someone come back into your life and trying to figure out if you want to lean into the nostalgia of it all or leave them in the past. It’s not as intense production-wise, which I think helps set the mood for the song. I love the repetition of the lyrics “Did you get your taste back? / Or do you just need a little love?”
“The Waiting Game” stans, please come to the front because I’m here to give the song its flowers. I love this song so much, it’s easily in my top three. The production is reminiscent of “Sunflower Vol. 6” off “Fine Line” and it’s more easygoing than some of the other songs on the album. It’s about a person who doesn’t want to take responsibility in their relationships and how “playing the waiting game” and waiting for things to change while not doing anything won’t result in things actually getting better.
Now, when we all saw the track list for “KATTDO,” track seven intrigued everyone, as it’s called “Season 2 Weight Loss.” Fans could only imagine what the song would be about, and surprisingly, it’s about fame and being in the public eye, which Styles is no stranger to. It’s a very raw song, reflecting on being a figure that so many people love, and how to continue to live up to their expectations. The production also feels almost overwhelming; I think to make the listener feel the anxiety Styles does.
“Coming Up Roses” is the only song on the album that Styles wrote solo, and it’s a true testament to his writing ability. The song is gorgeous as he steps away from the synth and incorporates an orchestra instead. It’s about trying to fix a relationship while you’re also understanding your own wants and worries. Someone needs to call the producers of “Bridgerton” or Shonda Rhimes immediately because I have a song for them.
“Pop” is the cool older sister of “Cinema” from “Harry’s House.” It’s another fun one that’s simply talking about being excited to be with someone.
“Dance No More” and “Paint By Numbers” are definitely my least favorites from the album. I’ll be honest, I don’t entirely understand what “Dance No More” is about. All I know is that he’s yelling at me to respect my mother and that DJs don’t dance anymore. “Paint By Numbers” sounds like an early 2000s song, and it’s just not my style.
“Carla’s Song” is the perfect closing track to the album and it’s great. It’s a celebration of the beauty of life and a reminder that the whole is out there for us. It was inspiring for Styles because it reinforced his love for being an artist and making music that touches so many people. The production makes it feel very cinematic, and it’d be perfect to lay over the end of a coming-of-age movie.
“Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally” isn’t going to be for everyone, but I really love it. It’s such a fun project full of absolute bangers and a lot of reflection and growth from Styles. As the temperatures rise and I’m finally able to roll the windows down, the album will be going triple platinum in my car.
Rating: 4/5