Professional Fangirl- Katelyn Benschoter
At last, the four-year-long Harry Styles drought is over. Happiness has been restored to the world. On March 6th, 2025, Styles dropped his fourth studio album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally (KATDO). Because of the name, some may assume that the album would have a disco or funk sound; they would be wrong. But assuming that this album has an upbeat dance focus is absolutely correct. This album stands out in Styles’ discography in this way. The album is very fun and has done incredibly well with the fans thus far. Styles hosted listening parties prior to the release date, and fans were instantly raving. Styles has seemingly made an epic comeback to the music world and seems to be thriving as well.
An important part of a new album is picking what the lead single is going to be, and Styles struck gold with his choice. The lead single of KATDO is titled “Aperture” and is a song about adopting a new mindset and welcoming positivity into your life. The word aperture relates to cameras; it is the setting that determines how much light is brought into the shot. In this context, the English artist uses the aperture setting on a camera as a metaphor for letting positivity in. The song is upbeat, but also vulnerable, which reflects the album well. The album has both super upbeat and danceable songs, but also a few emotional, reflective songs as well. Therefore, “Aperture” was a perfect sample of what the entire album was going to be. Another important aspect of a lead single is catchiness, as you want the song to stay in fans’ heads and get them thinking about your new project. At first listen, I liked the song, but I did not think that it had a catchy chorus. It is very bright and lively, but it is generally slow, so it was a bit of a risk for a single. But, it only took until a few hours later, I found myself singing “we belong together, aperture lets the light in” to myself on repeat. Therefore, “Aperture” was a great choice for Styles’s lead single and was only the beginning of this new era.
A few of the songs I felt were most notable on the album are “Ready, Steady, Go!”, “The Waiting Game”, and “Dance No More.” These songs encapsulate the full scope of the album. Starting with track three of the album “Ready, Steady, Go!” This song is a stark turn on the album with an energizing beat in comparison to the first two tracks, being “Aperture” and “American Girls,” both being slower, indie, and lyric-focused tracks. “Ready, Steady, Go” has crisp drums and a funky baseline; additionally, some of Styles’ vocals are even distorted in the chorus. The song overall is very funky and sets a new tone on the album when listening to it in order. This is a new sound for Styles and was really intriguing during the first listen.
Next up is track six, “The Waiting Game.” This is one of the three slower songs on the album, and feels most reminiscent of Styles’ previous works. That being said, Styles has proven that he is never going to repeat himself and is always experimenting with new sounds. Getting back to the song, this is my current favorite song on KATDO. The song deals with the frustrations of modern dating culture and how so many people feel as if they are just playing “the waiting game” with their partners. This is easily one of the most reflective tracks on the album, and has hit home for many fans. The chorus goes “You found someone to put your arms around/Playing the waiting game/But it all adds up to nothing.” The song is slower and reflective, but yet still catchy, and I really enjoy the hook of the song. “The Waiting Game” has a nostalgic sound, which is why it has become a fan favorite amongst fans. I know I have been hearing the sound all over my social media in different edits, and I have been enjoying it.
The last notable track off KATDO is the definition of a dance pop hit, and that song is titled “Dance No More.” The name itself is a little ironic, as when I hear this song, I can’t help but bop my head at least. The song is about de-stressing and the desire to just escape into music sometimes. The song is very repetitive and just pure fun. In particular, I am obsessed with the bridge. It goes “Get your feet wet/Teach them all to respect their mother/You gotta get your feet wet/Respect, respect your mother.” It is fun, sassy, and begs to be danced to. This song to me really encapsulates the fun energy of this album. While all of the songs have some sort of deeper story taking place, the album really is just a good time. I am sure when these songs are played live, the stadiums are just going to erupt into a dance party.
Overall, I, like many, am overjoyed that Harry Styles is back with an album, appearances at award shows, and even hosting SNL. His new album, Kiss All the Time. Disco Occasionally, is everything one may want from a Styles album. It has a fun upbeat dancey vibe, a few gut-wrenching ballads, and a new playful sound. Styles is back, and since he is not touring here in Minnesota, I will be keeping the album on repeat and imagining as if I am at the show.