“Kiss All the Time, Disco Occasionally”
12 songs
Aperture– This song has had me hooked from the beginning. After such a harsh drought, the opening synths of his primary track brought me straight back to my uncontainable excitement from the debut of “Harry’s House” in 2022
American Girls– Track 2 takes my first place honor. It was the song I could most easily recall after a frenzied initial listen, and it has stayed on repeat since then. The vocals take me straight back to Harry’s One Direction days and make me feel nostalgic for the album already.
Ready, Steady, Go!– This punctuated song puts me on edge in a good way. I feel angsty and ready to move, a feeling that the discotheque and synth-based beats of the album repeatedly brought out in me.
Are You Listening Yet?– I am very much listening, Harry. This song feels powerful and invigorating, with some subtle feminist lyrical nods that are gold coming from Mr. Styles.
Taste Back– “Taste Back” is my second favorite. It is such a simply beautiful song with dynamic lyrics that make me want to hug everyone close to me. Its sentiments make me think of the heartache I will have for my senior year once I leave for college.
The Waiting Game– This song feels like a pleasant stroll through a beach town, until you take a moment to listen to the lyrics. This song is painstakingly real and plays on the feeling of despair and longing to draw you in.
Season 2 Weight Loss– Such an intriguing title does not disappoint in its musical performance. The synths and fast beats make me want to brave a new city.
Coming Up Roses– From the very first notes, this song takes you on a heavy-feels trip of revering someone and blooming with happiness, which the listening experience is not much different from.
Pop– His vocals really shine on this track. The repeated, “Am I in over my head?”’s are an enthralling climax to the beginning of the end of the album.
Dance No More– I love this one, it is so fun. It wouldn’t be a Harry Styles album without a carefully calculated dirty metaphor.
Paint by Numbers– This song didn’t super stand out to me, but I think it is one of those songs whose lyrics will become very meaningful to me after a couple of listens.
Carla’s Song– By the end of the album, I was so overcome with excitement that I began to lose track of what each song actually sounded like. However, now that some time has passed since the release, this song has become one of my favorites. The beat and lyrics marry beautifully in a hopeful tune that I see carrying me through the next couple chapters of my life.
It’s hard for me to find a critique of Mr. Styles. He has seen me through so much of my life, and after such a painful hiatus, I would have been happy with a voice note. His last album came out as I was graduating from middle school, so it feels full circle to have this album to carry me through high school graduation. I can already picture a scenario and time in my life for each of these songs, and I am so satisfied with this new soundtrack to my life.