MACKENZIE SMITH / CONTRIBUTOR

From pop star to pilgrim, Harry Styles has embraced many identities — and it seems he’s taking on a new one. On March 6, Styles ended his four-year hiatus with the release of his fourth solo album: “Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.”

Britanny Broski hosting Harry Styles in her ‘Royal Court,’ a YouTube talk show. Photo courtesy of @brittany.broski/Instagram

Different from anything he’s released before, “Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.” highlights Styles’ break from the music scene. Consisting of 12 tracks, the album combines a variety of sounds. However, most of the songs, including “Are You Listening Yet?” and “Aperture,” take on an electronic beat that feels like it belongs on the dance floor of a late-night club.

“Aperture,” the first single, released on   Jan. 22  debuted  at No. 1 on the  Billboard  Hot 100. The four-year wait pushed the song to popularity, with fans widely  anticipating new music and Styles’ return to the music scene.

USD junior Leilani Youmans commented on Styles’ return.

“I am so excited he’s back,” Youmans said. “I already have tickets to see him in New York. I’m glad he took some time to heal, focus on himself and run some marathons. Now he’s coming back better than ever.”

Styles first grew to fame on “The X Factor,”  joining the band, One Direction. One Direction grew popular in the early 2010s and released five albums before going on a permanent hiatus in 2015. This wasn’t the end of their popularity, however, all five members went on to have successful solo careers, Styles in particular.

Styles began his solo career in 2017 with his self-titled album, featuring songs like “Sign of the Times,” and leaning heavily into a   classic  rock sound. This was followed in 2019 with “Fine Line” and in 2022 “Harry’s House.” These albums featured songs like “Watermelon Sugar” and “As It Was,” reverting back to pop rock, similar to his One Direction days. “Fine Line” and “Harry’s House” ultimately launched Styles’ solo career into mainstream success, with “Harry’s House”  winning “Album of the Year” at The Grammys in 2023.

Shortly after “Aperture” debuted, Styles announced a global tour featuring extended residencies in seven cities. Fans were   incredibly  excited  about this announcement, and seeing Styles back on stage. Getting tickets didn’t come as easily as expected though. His tour titled “Together, Together”  listed tickets between $900 and $1,200 for the Madison Square Garden shows. 

Styles is only visiting New York City within the U.S., making it inaccessible for all of his fans to attend his shows. While he is offering 30 nights at Madison Square Garden, some fans are frustrated that he won’t be performing on the West Coast.

USD  first-year Kaitlin Trauscht shared her frustrations about the lack of American tour locations.

“It’s  frustrating he isn’t coming to LA as of right now,” Trauscht said. “I’m hoping I can make it to one of his shows since there’s  an  insane  number of shows in the few cities he’s visiting.”

Despite facing criticism for the ticket prices and limited tour locations, fans still flocked to the album for one reason: Harry Styles was back. 

USD first-year Sammy Gancasz shared her thoughts on Styles’ return.

“The album was alright,” Gancasz stated. “It could have been better, but I don’t care because he’s finally making music again.”

USD junior Savannah Harlan agreed with Gancasz’s argument that the album was lacking in some aspects. 

“I feel like it was very disco-y, but not as lyrics heavy,” Harlan commented. “I was looking for more of that. I’m feeling very neutral.”

“Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.” contains a unique contrast of songs, opening with more intense electronic sounds and mixing in slower ballads like “Paint By Numbers” and “Coming Up Roses.” Overall, the album matches its title, blending love songs and upbeat beats into a soundtrack made for dancing.

Trauscht explained the liveliness of the album.

“Every song, from start to end is so different from his older music but so good,” Trauscht said. “I naturally prefer upbeat songs, so my favorites right now are ‘Ready, Set, Go’ and ‘Pop.’ I was listening to it all day while walking around campus.”

Ahead of the album’s release, Styles appeared in an interview with Brittany Broski on “The Royal Court,” helping generate excitement and attention for the album.

USD sophomore Lucy Shoen talked about his recent publicity. 

“I didn’t listen to a lot of his music beforehand except for ‘Watermelon Sugar,’” Shoens said. “I watched the interview he did before the album came out with Brittany Broski that I really liked and it  made me want to listen to the album.  For not having   listened to a lot of  his other stuff I really enjoyed the album.”

Harry Styles walking at the 2026 Grammy award ceremony five weeks before releasing his new album. Photo courtesy of @harrysarchive/Instagram

The hiatus appears to have paid off for Styles, who has returned to the spotlight in full force, captivating longtime fans and bringing in new ones.

Pictured is part of Styles’ album cover, ‘Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.’ Photo courtesy of @grazia.my/Instagram