After years of radio silence and various speculations by fans about his next move, Harry Styles is back, putting his own spin on disco and… techno-house? Seems like it.
Styles’ announcement of his highly anticipated fourth studio album “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” stirred excitement among his fans for his return and new dance music, perfect for a night out or dancing with friends.
The first single, “Aperture,” explores an abundance of emotions, but the overarching theme is a love letter to new relationships, capturing the uncertainty that comes with that leap of faith.
The track opens with the soft, beaming tone of an electric piano and techno beats with some users online drawing comparisons to Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn’s song “Dancing on My Own.” Others drew ties with one of Styles’ previous songs from “Harry’s House,” particularly the opening verse in “Satellite.”
After four years of no contact, Styles utters his first lyrics to us: “Take no prisoners for me / I’m told you’re elevating.” The song starts off with a slow, somber vibe, then builds to a fiery, slow-burning one. Though the wording is quite cryptic, it shows an evolution in Styles’ artistry as he approaches situations differently.
In his interview with the BBC on Jan. 23, Styles noted that the making of “Aperture” took place toward the end of the process for his album composition “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.” The song provides a sneak peek into Styles’ new era of dedication to the love and positivity that the world has to offer.
“It was the culmination of all that was happening around me making this record,” said Styles. “ [‘Aperture’] was like a perfect little bow, and once this song happened it was like ‘oh, the record’s finished.’”
As the song builds to the pre-chorus, the symbolism of “Aperture” reveals itself: “It’s best you know what you don’t / Aperture lets the light in.” Styles accepts that entering a new phase of life — or even a romance — without any expectations is freeing. Although it opens the door to uncertainty, it’s still worth exploring rather than letting the feeling pass by in regret.
The lyrics show how although Styles is pushing down his inner thoughts, they remain prevalent, something we can all relate to at one time or another. It contradicts human nature to dive into something without knowing the ending, but waiting only costs us valuable time we can never get back. As Styles said, “Time won’t wait on me / I wanna know what safe is.”
But in the midst of that uncertainty, taking a leap of faith becomes essential; otherwise, the lingering “what ifs” begin to cloud one’s mind. Styles finds closure by embracing vulnerability as he wrote, “We belong together / It finally appears it’s only love.” This realization shows that he had been hiding from an opportunity for love, a love that represents connection and completeness.
Yet, without stepping outside his comfort zone and embracing life, he would never have discovered what awaited him. The song serves as advice, encouraging people to step outside of their comfort zones and begin personal journeys, embracing the discomfort of exploring the unknown.
For Styles, his next journey will bring him to New York for a residency at Madison Square Garden, proving that he’s here to stay, ready to reclaim his crown and has plenty more to say.
