Uplifting, spiritual and full of laidback sonic wonder, Harry’s fourth solo album is a revelation. Immaculately mixed, Hazza exudes confidence maintaining mystery with enticing lyrics that are suitably vague, contemplating over arching themes of isolation, slowing down, letting go, reflecting on former relationships plus plenty of dancing..sometimes with dirty feet.
A lot has been made of the new club direction and yes it bangs in places riding a wave of electronic adventure throughout. However, the biggest change is the way Harry sings, it’s as if he’s been attending the Damon Albarn school for laconic crooning, only without the muffled Gorillaz style distortion. Easily his most accomplished work this brave new Styles will sound immense on tour throughout 2026.
Here’s our track by track of the album.
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HARRY STYLES / Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally ****
Aperture
The woozy, clubby introduction to Harry’s new happy house sound sets the tone for all the melodic invention that is to follow. Trancey and slow building, it creeps under the skin and refuses to leave.
American Girls
A West Coast warmth simmers throughout this gem as Harry hollers: “My friends are in love with American girls” and he’s not talking about Zayn. This is another post club banger, giving flashbacks of Cafe del Mar Ibiza sunset vibes, musing on somebody Harry’s “known you for ages”.
Ready Steady Go!
Set against a low slung bass, this flirty number could’ve been on Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia LP. There’s a mad piano break in the middle and it’s one Harry clearly likes dancing too with “dirty feet”. When he’s not talking in Italian Harry gets suggestive with a lover who “butterflied both our bellies” and then calls “Leon” whoever that might be?
Are You Listening Yet?
Half spoken, Harry’s borderline rapping on the verses of this sparse rhythmic anthem which he says will keep “your therapist well fed.” Delivers some fascinating lyrics including the gem: “You’ve had your tummy tickled ”. Yes we have.
Taste Back
Harry does a great impression of Lemonheads singer Evan Dando on this ode to an ex lover and her favourite pastries. Could it be former squeeze Olivia Wilde who is “lonely out in Paris”? Arguably the album’s poppiest moment framed by Bronski Beat synths, with a honey sweet chorus that repeats: “You just need a little love”.
The Waiting Game
The twisted acoustic guitar at the start of this spacey paean to missed opportunities recalls the innocent wonder of kids TV classic Bagpuss. There are some delicious chord changes especially the moment he refers to someone who ‘tantalises’ and ‘titillates’ as a “dirty clown”. The looping saxophones bring to mind Penguin Cafe Orchestra – ask your parents!
Season 2 Weight Loss
Harry’s borrowed the old Stylophone David Bowie used on Space Oddity for this epic dance tune. Harry sings with a choir – including Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell – “You’ve got to sit yourself down sometimes” over old school analogue synths straight off a Depeche Mode LP. The intensity of Harry’s life is reflected in the chaos of the drums: “holding out hoping you will love me now.”
Coming Up Roses
A softer moment with gorgeous orchestrations courtesy of Jules Buckley questioning a relationship and whether the lovers are “aligned”. There’s regret in the lyrics: “Now I see your tears, on account of my wants and now it appears….Am I back seating your life. Judging while you drive””
Pop
A funky disco stomper disco with plenty of innuendo about mixing two flavours together. “I wanted to behave but I know I’ll do it again it’s making me pop,” he sings against big abrasive Daft Punk-ish synths. Another girl gets mentioned – Katie “to be your game day saviour.”
Dance No More
This is George Michael style disco bop with a big bottom end. “DJs don’t dance no more they said,” goes the hook ecoing a Zapp or Thomas Dolby style vocoded vocal hook. It’s full of ridiculous statements like “Respect your mother” and er… “Fox!”
Paint By Numbers
A fragile Noel Gallagher style acoustic ballad (or Gary Barlow?) with a waft The Beatles thanks to a heroic trumpet. “Holding the weight of the American Children whose hearts you break,” croons Harry on this standout slowie.. “Was it tragedy when you told her I’m not even 33,” he sings to somebody…now Harry is currently 32.
Carla’s Song – Similar in spirit to Aperture’s clubby spiritual ambiance. This one builds to a crescendo and will have arms in the air this summer as Harry sings: “I know what you’ll like I don’t have to read your mind…You’ve been a baby sleeping upon a candy bar.”
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