By Matija Šerić
One of the most anticipated music albums of the year saw the light of day on March 6. On that date, Harry Styles released his latest album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, abbreviated as HS4. This is the fourth studio album by one of today’s most popular pop singer-songwriters. Fans and many music critics would say: “it was about time,” considering that Styles’ previous album Harry’s House, which won the Grammy for Album of the Year, was released in 2022. The audience had been longing for new songs, and the British artist, aside from film projects and other artistic ventures, has finally devoted himself to creating new music.
A carefully crafted album
Many have criticized him for not releasing the album sooner, but in his defense, it can be said that with Harry’s House, Styles reached the peak of success, and in such situations it is not easy for many artists to find inspiration for new singles. That may have partly been the case here, considering that the album was developed during 2024 and 2025. Released under Columbia and Erskine Records, it was recorded in two London studios (Abbey Road and RAK) and one in Berlin (Gansa).
Collaboration with elite artists
The producers he worked with on the album are renowned American producer Tyler Johnson and his British colleague Kid Harpoon. This partnership (which is not new, as they also collaborated on previous albums) ensured the success of HS4. Johnson has worked with major artists such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus, and Beyoncé, while Harpoon has collaborated with Shakira, Shawn Mendes, Florence and the Machine, and others. Styles also worked with the London-based House Gospel Choir and English singer Ellie Rowsell for backing vocals, as well as composer Jules Buckley.
Exploring new musical territory
The album consists of 12 new songs with a total runtime of just over 42 minutes. The lead promotional single Aperture was released on January 22, and on the album’s release day (March 6), the concert film Harry Styles: One Night in Manchester was released on Netflix. Styles participated in writing all the lyrics, and he wrote the song Coming Up Roses entirely on his own.
The album is a genre blend of dance, synth-pop, and pop rock. This marks a departure from his previous work, which leaned more toward R&B and city pop. Nearly two months later, reactions remain divided. Some praise HS4 for its bold and more mature sound and outstanding production, while others argue it plays it safe and lacks energy and major hits. A track-by-track analysis leads to more nuanced conclusions.
Aperture – a universal hit
Aperture falls into electro-pop, although the rest of the album is mostly free of electronic elements. With a runtime of 5 minutes and 11 seconds, it signals that this album is different from his previous work. It is an artistic piece that seeks value in its entirety rather than in radio-friendly hits. The song stands out as a successful experiment: electro pop-house works exceptionally well in Styles’ interpretation. The electronic sound is particularly effective as the rhythm gradually builds from soft to intense. The track is catchy, inspiring, emotional, and suitable for dancing. The lyrics deal with vulnerability, personal growth, and maintaining a positive outlook on life. It was a clear success. However, the same level of consensus does not exist for the remaining 11 tracks.
Deep introspection at its core
American Girls is the second single, with its music video released on the album launch day. For the author of this article, it is the standout track, and many fans agree. The synth-pop and indie-pop influences reminiscent of the 1980s create nostalgia through a slower tempo, enriched with Italo disco elements and dynamic drums. The lyrics reflect Harry’s friends marrying American women.
Ready, Steady, Go! is an extremely energetic track designed for dance floors and concerts, full of positive energy. It explores the rush and uncertainty of a new romantic relationship developing rapidly.
Are You Listening Yet? features Styles’ recognizable lively rhythm that builds gradually. It is the most honest track on the album, where the artist openly questions his inner voice and the meaning of life in the context of fame and celebrity status. Some categorize it as spoken singing. It contrasts an energetic rhythm with deeply introspective lyrics.
From passion to mental health awareness
Taste Back has been embraced as a quiet hit. It is an intimate and melancholic song about reconnecting with a former partner, filled with desire and emotional fulfillment. The Waiting Game is a deeply personal ballad combining digital strings and acoustic guitar, criticizing passivity in modern relationships.
Season 2 Weight Loss, as the title suggests, explores physical appearance and health, serving as a metaphor for mental well-being and self-improvement. Coming Up Roses is perhaps the emotional highlight of the album, a heartfelt orchestral ballad reflecting on relationships that do not last but leave lasting lessons.
Honesty amid celebrity illusion
Pop is a more intense, playful track with catchy lyrics, seen as a successor to Cinema from his previous album. It humorously critiques the artist himself. Dance No More is euphoric yet introspective, exploring the tension between his public persona and private imperfections. Paint by Numbers reflects on fame, identity, and pressure from public expectations. The closing track Carla’s Song is a gentle tribute to a friend who introduced him to music.
Mixed critical reception
Some critics (a minority) have pointed to thematic superficiality, occasional repetition, and cliché metaphors in the lyrics, which make parts of the album feel underdeveloped. They also note disconnected acoustic interludes that disrupt cohesion. Despite its polished production, they argue the album sometimes prioritizes aesthetics over emotional depth. However, most reviews remain positive.
Major success
There is no doubt the album is a high-quality release. In the UK, it achieved 183,045 album-equivalent units in its first week, marking a career record and the most successful debut album by any artist in the UK in the past decade. In the US, it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 430,000 album-equivalent units. A major world tour, Together, Together, is planned, spanning 67 concerts across seven cities and four continents.
Awards remain to be seen, but what is clear is that Styles has continued evolving into new directions of pop, electronic music, and house. Fans have received a strong and ambitious body of work. He has successfully combined youthful playfulness with deep emotional expression. The upcoming tour will show just how much he has captivated audiences — and there is little doubt it will be a spectacular experience.
