The moment has arrived at last for Harry Styles fans. Cool haircuts, ballet pumps, marathons, Italian cookery and an impeccably trousered appearance at the Brit Awards can all be set aside as HS4 has finally reported for duty.
“Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally” is ready if you are …so let’s dive into a selection of the tracks. ‘American Girls’ begins with a beautifully dreamy piano chord progression leading into perfectly layered verse vocals and is one of the album’s stand out tracks. It also contains Harry’s most One Direction chorus to date – an ironic nod or a subconscious statement ? I reckon it would make the perfect second single from the album.
“Ready,Steady,Go!” takes the cake for coolest bass line on the album (and there are a few). With its playful hypnotic verses and killer distorted chorus, this song exemplifies the impact and importance of Kid Harpoon’s deft production on Harry’s music.
In fact, most of the album displays that clever understanding of ensuring that super cutting-edge production doesn’t detract from the quality of the actual songs.
Are You Listening Yet? is perhaps the boldest track on show and one which totally jumps out on the first few listens to the record. As the song builds, Harry seems to semi-emulate Tinie Tempah’s rap featured in ‘From Miami 2 Ibiza ‘(if it was performed by Talking Heads’ David Byrne). Just as you get your head around that particular concept, a choir driven chorus and 80s percussion sounds fill the room. The understated guitar solo is irresistible, and I get the feeling that this song could become a powerful highlight of HS live shows.
‘Dance No More’ is another slinky, groove laden affair which falls somewhere in between ‘Music For A Sushi Restaurant” and Jamiroquai …and attempts to capture a Chic Good Times feel (check the bass line). Chants of “respect your mother” is a laudable if rather comical inclusion.
There are ballads on the record such as ‘Paint By Numbers’ and ‘Coming Up Roses’ which add a more classic respite to the funky essence that dominates the record but my personal favourite on the album is the excellent “Pop”.
This song for me epitomises the entire project – a cool, sophisticated vibe with bubbly synth sounds and an indie guitar line on the lift off that works a treat and is seriously catchy. It’s the brightest star on an album that has an abundance of highlights from which to choose.
There is maybe a sense of artistic freedom on this record more so than on any of the first three albums. The peculiar dichotomy faced by a hugely popular and successful artist is one of “I can take musical risks because the fans will come with me,” but equally “I can’t take risks because the biggest risk is disappointing the fans”. However, I think Harry Styles has cleverly hit that sweet spot – the record is a cool progression but it still contains enough highly accessible and perfectly crafted pop songs to keep everyone on board. After all who could dislike an album that contains ‘favourite pastries’ and “well fed therapists”?
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