Harry Styles’ New Era of Disco

 By Ashley Harris

"It’s all waiting there for you." These words, from Carla’s Song, the closing track of Harry Styles’ newest album, feel like both an invitation and a promise. With his fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally., Styles invites listeners into a world of shimmering disco, playful grooves, and quiet introspection.

Unlike previous albums, this record leans heavily into synth-driven production, giving it a distinctly retro yet modern feel. You can hear the echoes of Prince and David Bowie throughout the songs. The head-nodding beats, layered synths, and occasional funky flourishes all feel like a nod to those legends while still sounding unmistakably Harry. From the opening track to the reflective close, the album balances energy and intimacy in a way that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish.

Tracks like “Aperture” and “Dance No More” are immediate highlights, bursting with catchy hooks and infectious energy. Aperture, released as the first lead single for this era, already has a visually striking music video that helped define the album’s aesthetic. Meanwhile, “American Girls” was released on March 6th, the same day as the album, and received a vibrant, funky music video, enhancing the project’s creative vision. And then there’s Carla’s Song, which closes the album with a quietly powerful moment, anchored by the lyric “It’s all waiting there for you,”  serving as a reflective reminder of the emotional depth threaded through the record.

Personally, I find this album shows a different side of Harry than we’ve heard before. While he has always loved to experiment with his art, here it feels even more daring, textured, and synth-forward. Styles continues to genuinely pour his heart and soul into his work.  Every note, every beat feels intentional, a carefully crafted experience designed to connect with listeners on multiple levels.

Critics have had mixed reactions, but most agree the album showcases Styles’ artistic growth. Rolling Stone praised the record for its adventurous and unusual sound, calling it “delightfully weird,” while Billboard highlighted it as a mature and cohesive next step in his career. The Guardian admired its moodier and subtler moments, though Pitchfork argued that the album can feel emotionally distant at times and is hesitant to fully embrace its dance influences. Positive takes from NME and The Independent noted that the new sonic direction gives the project a fresh energy.

Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. proves that Harry Styles isn’t just building on past successes. He’s exploring new creative territory with authenticity and heart. With tracks that make you move and lyrics that make you pause, it’s clear he remains one of the few artists in pop who genuinely puts his soul into his work.

Stay tuned this Saturday, March 14th, to see Harry host & perform on Saturday Night Live at 11:30 pm EST.