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Harry Styles' New Album Lacks Excitement
"Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally" is a tepid attempt at dance music that fails to captivate
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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Harry Styles' latest album "Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally" is a disappointment, according to columnist Kofi Mframa. While the album has some bright spots when it leans into dance music, overall it is a half-hearted and uninspired effort that lacks the energy and subversiveness fans have come to expect from Styles. The album is described as "OK all the time, pretty good occasionally", with many of the tracks sounding oddly dated. Mframa argues that despite Styles' potential to be a leading pop star, the music on this album is simply "achingly boring".
Why it matters
As one of the most prominent young pop stars, Harry Styles' new music is highly anticipated. However, this album fails to live up to expectations, lacking the creativity and excitement that fans have come to associate with Styles. The lukewarm reception to this album highlights the challenges Styles faces in maintaining relevance and captivating mainstream audiences, especially as the music industry searches for a new dominant pop figure.
The details
Mframa criticizes Styles' new album for being a "half-hearted foray into dance music" that is merely "OK all the time, pretty good occasionally." The lead single "Aperture" is praised for its groovy, thumping sound, while tracks like "Pop" and "Dance No More" also have an energetic, electronic-tinged vibe. However, many of the other songs on the album are described as "oddly dated" and "tepid," with lyrics that are "opaque" and fail to convey any real depth or meaning. Overall, the album is seen as a missed opportunity for Styles to truly embrace a dance-influenced sound and captivate listeners.
- The album "Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally" was released on March 8, 2026.
The players
Harry Styles
A British singer-songwriter who rose to fame as a member of the boy band One Direction and has since embarked on a successful solo career, known for his eclectic style and musical experimentation.
Kofi Mframa
A columnist and digital producer at USA TODAY and the USA TODAY Network, who wrote the review of Harry Styles' new album.
What they’re saying
“Styles is just a guy, and all the legendary comparisons, boy band iconography and gaudy, sequin getups can't distract from the fact that he's so achingly boring.”
— Kofi Mframa, Columnist (USA TODAY)
“Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally," or "Kissco" as some fans brand it, takes the latter half of its title a bit too literally. It's best when it dances.”
— Kofi Mframa, Columnist (USA TODAY)
The takeaway
Despite his potential to be a leading pop star, Harry Styles' new album "Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally" falls flat, lacking the creativity and excitement that fans have come to expect from the artist. The album's tepid and dated sound highlights the challenges Styles faces in maintaining relevance and captivating mainstream audiences in an evolving music landscape.
