Harry Styles' New Album Fails to Excite, Says Leading Critic
Excitement had reached fever pitch ahead of the release of Harry Styles' fourth solo album, but according to music critic Mark Beaumont, fans will find little to celebrate on Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. The much-anticipated record, arriving four years after the global success of Harry's House, is described as a lacklustre effort that falls short of its predecessor's innovative spirit.
A Step Back from 'Harry's House'
Beaumont recalls having a fabulous time with Harry's House in 2022, praising Styles' shift from sophisticated solo work to future soul and funk dynamics. He noted it was a fan-challenging move that pushed pop music forward. In contrast, the new album sees Styles sinking into a desire for alternative authenticity, resulting in what Beaumont dubs a "Dozeville" experience.
Derivative Sounds and Lacklustre Delivery
On Kiss All The Time..., Styles largely resorts to narcotic ambient sounds and textures that have been prevalent in leftfield electronic pop for over a decade. While tracks like "Aperture" and "American Girls" might inspire algorithms to push fans toward artists like Tame Impala or LCD Soundsystem, Beaumont argues that this sound works best with passionate performances. He points out that Styles' delivery is so disconnected and lacklustre throughout the album that it undermines even catchy tunes like "Taste Back" and "Are You Listening Yet?".
The 'Berlin Album' Influence Falls Flat
Beaumont suggests this may be Styles' attempt at a "Berlin album", inspired by David Bowie's mid-'70s move to the city and his collaboration with Brian Eno on ambient-influenced records like Low and "Heroes". Styles and his producers, Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson, decamped to Bowie's studio Hansa, embracing a similar emotional coldness. However, Beaumont criticises this approach, noting that the electronic sounds Bowie experimented with were cutting-edge in 1976, whereas Styles' use feels tired and behind the times.
Missing the Mark for Gen Z
Instead of inspiring his generation with exciting music to bond over on dancefloors, Beaumont argues that Styles panders to the worst cliches about modern youth—portraying them as isolated and emotionally hollowed out. While there may be some enjoyable hooks buried in the haze, the thrill and exuberant escape of great pop music are almost entirely absent. With Styles set to play a record-breaking 12 nights at Wembley Stadium this summer, Beaumont advises fans to "bring a book" if they expect to hear much of this new material.
In summary, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. is seen as a flimsy facsimile that fails to live up to the hype, offering derivative sounds and a delivery that leaves much to be desired.
