After almost four years, Harry Styles is finally back with his new album Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally. As his fourth album, this release feels much more explorative and experimental as he teases his new disco persona. It is safe to say that the title perfectly describes the album, as the discotheque is most definitely only occasional, whilst his signature upbeat optimism and romantic charm are omnipresent.
Styles has been praised for the release, which acts as the boldest, most polarising contribution to his discography yet. Despite some fans being disappointed by the lack of overtly disco, electro pop sounds, other fans are simply obsessed and already speculating how the songs will sound when performed at his upcoming Together Together Tour.
The album has been out since March 6th, and fans have had time to re-listen and decide on their favourites. As a whole, the album is a breath of fresh air in Styles’ catalogue and the wider world of pop music, paying subtle homage to the sounds of the 1970s and ‘80s. Simultaneously, his careful experimentation still showcases his much-loved upbeat pop sound, expertly mixed with moments of raw sentimentality. Below is a track-by-track breakdown, ranking each song on this genre-defying, creative masterclass.
12. “Season 2 Weight Loss”
The intro for this song features a striking synth and drums, and overall, it’s an anomaly in Harry’s wider discography. Many would agree that it feels unfamiliar and defiant against his signature sounds. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as Kissco acts as Style’s first real attempt at experimentation in his solo career. The lyrics of the song are repetitive and undoubtedly catchy, featuring the simple, yet evocative chorus:
“Holding. Holding out. Hoping you will love me now”.
This slightly existential track is ranked last, more by comparison than by fault, since it feels the least standout in the set. On first listen, it is questionable whether this would be any fan’s favourite. Although it can definitely be argued that it is one that will grow on you.
11. “Are You Listening Yet?”
Similar to “Season 2 Weight Loss”, this song starts in a way that is so unconventionally Harry. This time, we hear an interesting spoken verse where Harry is pondering themes of fulfilment and further existentialism. There is a constant bass line in the background, which acts as the song’s driving force. Overall, this one is probably causing the most divide between fans in terms of its reception. Some will love the fact that this song is unlike any of his others, perfectly demonstrating his exploration of techno-inspired production. However, some will mourn the
“Watermelon Sugar”-esque pop prince energy that this track pointedly avoids.
10. “Paint By Numbers”
Harry’s signature romanticism is back in full force with this one, acting as a beautifully sentimental moment of introspection. However, compared to the other notably slow, romantic songs on the album “Coming Up Roses”, this song seems to be lacking something. Perhaps it is the lack of embellishment, or maybe it’s pure simplicity. It feels nostalgic of childhood, with lyrics about “kids with water guns” and, of course, “painting by numbers”.
On another note, there has been a lot of speculation amongst fans that this song is a subtle tribute to Harry’s close friend and One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, who tragically passed away back in October 2024. This is because of the line “not even 33”, as Liam was only 31 when he died. Additionally, fans think Harry is putting into perspective the importance of making the most of life’s simplicities, as he himself is only 32.
9. “Ready, Steady, Go!”
This song definitely features the playful element of Harry’s newfound disco alter ego, most notably in the relentless descending synth that penetrates the chorus. “Ready, Steady, Go!” is Styles’ latest contribution to your getting-ready playlist. Its upbeat drive feels addictive and definitely satisfies our disco craving. The perfect simplicity of the chorus undeniably gears this track up to be an anthem of the spring and summer.
8. “Taste Back”
This song could easily be mistaken for a song on Harry’s third album, Harry’s House, as we catch a glimpse of his much-loved, classic pop flair. “Taste Back” is a fine example of Styles’ signature pop brilliance, whilst incorporating a synth motif to explore his electro-pop counterpart. The track is all about the uncomfortable familiarities of a person who re-emerges from your past (a theme that Harry is no stranger to).
However, there is a new maturity to Styles’ sound and his expression of these bittersweet romances, as the hints and subtleties of disco and electro pop peak through just enough to make it sound fresh and exciting, whilst maintaining the instant recognisability of a Harry Styles song.
7. “The Waiting Game”
This is definitely a track that fits the “kiss all the time” element, as it centres around how love seemingly leads to an inevitable emptiness and heartbreak. One can question whether it hints at Harry’s own self-loathing and insecurities, referring to himself as a “dirty clown”. However, the crux of the song is the chorus’s most poignant line:
”It all adds up to nothing”
making this song easy for his listeners to relate to and connect to when reflecting on their own experiences. “The Waiting Game” has already been doing the rounds on TikTok, acting as the perfect soundtrack to relationship edits of our favourite fictional couples. A personal favourite is definitely edits of characters Jim and Pam from The Office to this song, who undeniably had to play “The Waiting Game” in their relationship.
6. “Coming Up Roses”
It is fair to dub this song as the long-lost sister to “Fine Line”, as it stunningly performs as Kissco’s most heart-wrenching offering. The balance between the string ensemble and Harry’s raw vocals of romantic optimism and vulnerability is strikingly beautiful. This song stands out from the track list as the only one that feels emotionally pure throughout, and showcases Harry at his best from start to finish.
His “la la las” at the end epitomise the vulnerability that Harry is hiding from in the rest of the album. With this description in mind, “Coming Up Roses” being ranked at only the sixth spot feels like a mistake. However, when looking at the album as an entire body of work, there are still tracks that balance the kiss/disco battle to an even more perfect degree.
5. “American Girls”
“American Girls” is another one for those who love Harry’s typical pop prince persona. Acting as the second single, the song is a perfect example of Styles’s slight shift in the world of pop music. It feels familiar with themes of romance and youth, whilst also shining the spotlight on his newfound obsession with a driving bass and synth.
The music video for the song was released alongside the album, and it currently sits as the second most-streamed Kissco track on Spotify with over 54 million streams (despite the fact it was released less than two weeks ago). Overall, “American Girls” has surely secured a spot on the Together Together setlist and contains all the ingredients that a brilliant Harry Styles song requires.
4. “Aperture”
“Aperture” was our first taste of the Kissco era. From its exciting synths to the expertly simple chorus “We belong together”, the song feels like the perfect opener to what was set to be an incredible album. The extended synth intro builds anticipation that is eased by the verses and chorus, creating a sense of freedom and rediscovery. It feels almost as if Harry has rediscovered himself and found his sound again after a lengthy break. Except that he has revolutionised it to welcome these elements of experimentation.
As the opening track, the song really does set the tone. On first listen, fans were shocked slightly at this unexpected new sound from him, perhaps mirroring his exploration of genres throughout the album as a whole. It is safe to say that the song is a great addition to his discography, with the chorus feeling reminiscent of “Treat People With Kindness” (a mantra that feels more important than ever).
3. “Pop”
“Pop” truly stands out on this track list, as it feels like our first true encounter with Styles’ disco counterpart. The chorus is irresistibly catchy, with the synths feeling like a subtle tribute to the prime disco era whilst also remaining uniquely his own. Ironically, this feels like his attempt at expanding the boundaries of “Pop” music, which he executes with admirable expertise.
The song feels like it will be accompanied by disco balls and glitter in the upcoming tour. It is hook-heavy, upbeat, and three-and-a-half minutes of uninterrupted fun.
2. “Carla’s Song”
The closing track features Harry’s contagious optimism at its best. “Carla’s Song” is undoubtedly the perfect end to Kissco. It feels almost like a note of encouragement and reassurance, as he reminds us that
”It’s all waiting there for you”.
The song is smiling with synths and energy, and will be an appropriate soundtrack to memories made with friends in the summer. Harry really did decide to leave us filled with bittersweet nostalgia. He’s drowning in his own success yet endeavours to share it with his fans. The song feels honest, like he’s telling us something and means it. It’s as if he’s saying, “I know the album is over, but think of all the memories you will make listening to it and what we’ll accomplish in this era”. There’s something special about that for sure.
1. “Dance No More”
The number one spot in this ranking goes to the song that flips the narrative. “Dance No More” is definitely disco all the time, as opposed to only occasionally, and is an absolute masterclass from his disco alter ego. It feels fresh, exciting, and like a love letter to the disco age. It is overtly clear that Styles is paying homage to this, whilst blending these inspirations with his own pop prowess to create a sound that is uniquely his.
The line “respect your mother” feels amusing, yet captures the sense of community that the song seems to preach (it does feature a gospel choir after all)! This song was made for the dance floor and is sure to be a true spectacle on tour. The potential for its production this summer is limitless, and fans are excited to see what he has in store. Ultimately, it cannot be denied that “Dance No More” fulfils the disco that Harry Styles promised us in the album title.
