Harry Styles album review: The funkiest existential crisis in pop After wrapping his Love On Tour shows in summer 2023, Harry Styles had spent 22 months on the road—or was it 13 years? The singer, who had been active since One Direction’s formation in 2010, launched his solo career in 2017 with three albums in five years. His latest work, Harry’s House, earned album of the year accolades at both the Grammys and the Brit Awards. Now, on the verge of turning 30, Styles took a step back, reflecting on his career and personal life. In a recent interview with The Times, he admitted, “It was time for me to stop for a bit and pay some attention to other parts of my life.” He acknowledged the addictive nature of his profession, stating, “I’d always thought, or hoped, that I was the kind of person who didn’t need the dopamine hits that doing this job often gives you. But I hadn’t actually removed myself from it, and it’s hard to eliminate the doubt that maybe if it all went away, I’d really miss it.” During this period of recalibration, Styles retreated to Italy and took up marathon running. He described the experience as a way to “fall in love with music all over again,” embracing the perspective of a fan. Inspired by LCD Soundsystem’s immersive live performances, he sought to channel that joy into his art. “The inspiration from them came of, ‘Oh, that’s how I want to feel when I’m on stage,’” he told BBC Radio 1’s Greg James. His new album, Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally, reflects this introspection. While the title suggests a playful approach, the album leans into bass-heavy dance music with funky syncopation and skittering drums, often produced by Tom Skinner of Sons Of Kemet.#tom_skinner #harry_styles #lcd_soundsystem #the_times #tom_tom_club
