Harry Styles is poised to redefine pop stardom once again with his highly anticipated album, 'Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally,' slated for release on March 6. His recent single, 'Aperture,' has already offered a glimpse into a new sonic chapter, embracing pulsating dance rhythms that are both unexpected and a natural evolution of his artistic journey. This shift promises a refreshing sound that stands apart in today's music scene, affirming Styles' continuous innovation and influence.
Harry Styles Charts a New Course with 'Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally'
In a compelling discussion on the 'Rolling Stone Music Now' podcast, Rob Sheffield and host Brian Hiatt delved into the remarkable trajectory of Harry Styles' solo career. Since embarking on his solo path, Styles has masterfully carved out a distinct niche in pop music, moving beyond the R&B-infused sounds that often characterize male pop artists since the era of Justin Timberlake or even New Kids on the Block. His musical explorations have consistently drawn from diverse influences, ranging from the Brit-pop, classic rock, and indie vibes of his debut, through the Laurel Canyon-inspired textures of 'Fine Line,' to the vibrant Eighties aesthetic and occasional funk elements found in 'Harry's House.' This eclectic approach has allowed Styles to not only sidestep prevailing trends but also to pioneer new ones. Sheffield likened the current musical landscape, where several new artists have seemingly followed Styles' lead, to the period when artists like Fabian and Bobby Vee temporarily filled the void during Elvis Presley's military service in 1960. He suggested that these new artists now face the challenge of proving their staying power as Styles returns to the forefront.
The podcast episode also provided an in-depth analysis of 'Aperture,' with Sheffield drawing connections to influential acts such as Talking Heads, Depeche Mode, Chicago house, and Detroit techno, aligning with Styles' own admission of listening to LCD Soundsystem. Notably, 'Aperture' marks a lyrical shift for Styles, focusing on a collective narrative with its dance-floor anthem, 'we belong together.' Sheffield beautifully described it as 'a multiplicity of voices gathering on the dance floor,' suggesting a subtle challenge to his musical progeny. Furthermore, Sheffield highlighted a seemingly intentional nod to Leonard Cohen's poignant line, 'there is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in,' reflected in the song's core imagery. This artistic choice, according to Sheffield, speaks volumes about Styles' ambitious musical vision, demonstrating his ability to evoke profound depth within an electro-pop track designed for the dance floor.
Harry Styles' unwavering commitment to artistic evolution and genre exploration is truly inspiring. His ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical styles while maintaining authenticity challenges both established norms and emerging artists. This constant reinvention not only keeps his music fresh and engaging but also encourages listeners to embrace new sounds and perspectives. Styles demonstrates that true artistry lies in the courage to push boundaries and forge one's own path, rather than merely following the crowd.