Harry Styles – Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.

I am a Harry Styles fan. My proper introduction was on the release day of his epompmus debut (May 12, 2017). I got up for a bike ride, planning to listen to the new Todd Rundgren album on the ride. I noticed that Harry Styles’ solo debut was out, so I decided to try it. Styles’ appearance on SNL earlier that spring had caught my attention enough to tempt me to change my listening plans. I was blown away. My wife and I caught the tour supporting that album and were absolutely charmed by Styles’ performance.

When I first reviewed his debut, I said the album made me think

“…of three Bs: Jeff Buckley, Beck, and dare I say, David Bowie.  The more I listen, the more influences I hear (as the Bard says: ‘Steal a little and they throw you in jail/Steal a lot and they make you king’).”

Since the debut, Styles has released two competent pop albums, Fine Line (2019) and Harry’s House (2022), starred in some movies, and rivaled Taylor Swift as the biggest pop star on the planet, and disappeared. He has reappeared with a new single, “Aperture,” announced and sold out residencies across the world, including a 30-night residency at Madison Square Garden late summer/fall, and has now dropped Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.

Albums I like fall into two categories: love at first listen and growers. Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, is a grower. First listen – vapid. Second listen – ok, there are some songs I like. Third listen – this is good. Fourth listen sold. The album is subtly arranged and performed. It is a slow burn, what used to be called a quiet storm.

There are no stiffs on the album, highlights from initial listens:

• Aperture – lead single
• American Girls – deceptively danceable
• Coming Up Roses – a gorgeous string-infused ballad
• Pop – dance floor jam
• Dance No More – play that funky music white boy!

Secret ingredient: drummer Tom Skinner (Sons of Kemet and The Smile).