Harry Styles released his fourth studio album, “Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally” (KATTDO) on Friday, March 6, four years after his third album, “Harry’s House,” released in 2022. During an interview with Capital FM, Styles admitted that he was worried no one would remain interested in his music after four years of not releasing any, but he felt loved when he received positive reactions from fans.
He released the lead single, “Aperture” in January, which recently surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify. It was his 37th song to do so, and at the time, he only had 37 songs released. “Aperture” opens the album, setting the tone of the record. “KATTDO” heavily leans into synth-pop with a buzzing baseline, which is unlike anything he has previously done. It has disco elements, occasionally, which make for a fun pop album.
Notable songs with an upbeat feel are “Pop,” “Are You Listening Yet?” and “Dance No More.” While doing promotions before the drop, Styles went on Brittany Broski’s “Royal Court,” where she asked him to make a face representing the album. He made a perfect groovy stank face that goes with every song.
Even the slower, mellow songs, like “Coming Up Roses,” “Paint By Numbers” and “Season 2 Weight Loss,” have spunk, adding to the disco feel of the album. In these songs, he showcases his soft vocals well. Every song – whether it’s upbeat or calm – makes you want to dance.
His previous album genres have primarily been pop, pop-rock, indie-pop and rock. With “KATTDO,” Styles proves that he can take on any genre and excel. In his Capital FM interview, he talks about spending much of his time off traveling. While in Berlin, he listened to different types of music that influenced the sound of this album. He took his time with it, saying that he wanted to slow down instead of constantly being on the go. After he finished his most recent tour, “Love On Tour,” in 2023, he needed a strong reason to make another record other than “I finished the tour, so now I’ll make another album.” He took the time to hang out with his friends and attend other concerts – something that he doesn’t get to do much when he is touring himself.
Styles is going back on tour in May, though. Starting in the Netherlands, the tour will be called “Together, Together.” In August, he will play 30 consecutive shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden, doubling the time of his residency from 2022. In New York, Styles is also bringing back his Halloween show, affectionately called “Harryween.” In December, the tour will end in Australia after seven months on the road.
Country singer Shania Twain is joining Styles on tour for all 12 nights at Wembley Stadium in the United Kingdom. He names Twain as a huge inspiration for his singing career and remembers singing along to her songs with his mom when he was young.
Styles said that he wants fans attending the tour to bring their friends, to be whoever they want to be and to just let go.
“I just want them to come ready to dance,” Styles told Capital FM.
Styles has been receiving backlash about the ticket prices for his shows, with fans saying that they are too expensive. The “nosebleed” seats average at $300, with lower seats going for over $1,000. Despite the sky-high prices, Styles doesn’t have to worry about his shows not selling out.
Putting as much time into the album as he did paid off, and it shows up in the quality. It’s meaningful and intentional with a carefree attitude. “KATTDO” was definitely worth the wait.
