Harry Styles doesn’t care if you think he’s cool. His string of recent public appearances leading up to the release of his new album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, which is out Friday, is proof.
Rather than project and maintain a carefully curated public image, Styles seems more concerned with earnestly navigating this next chapter of his career — and he couldn’t care less about what that looks like: He’s rocking ballet flats, dancing his heart out and getting really into marathon running. I’ve followed the “Aperture” singer through every phase of his solo music career and evolving public persona — from his early days as a deeply introspective singer-songwriter to his emergence as an over-the-top, theatrical pop performer — and this version hits different. It’s Styles at his most relaxed and assured.
A new Styles era is here — and it feels like his most joyful yet. Here are five moments from his Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally press run that stand out.
The joy of global dance parties
If there’s one thing Styles is going to do, it’s throw a series of disco-themed listening parties in cities around the world to ring in his new musical era. A sweaty, vibrant night spent dancing and connecting with strangers as Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally plays from start to finish? No notes.
(Lia Toby via Getty Images)
Leaning into the uncool
Nonchalance? Out! Trying really hard and not caring who knows it? In! While chatting with author and fellow marathon runner Haruki Murakami for the March issue of Runner’s World, Styles opened up about masculinity — and his changing perception of it.
“We live in a time when making such an effort can be considered quite uncool, and there’s this romanticism that comes with the idea of being an artist, as if it’s this almost spiritual thing that just happens to you,” Styles said. “But in your work I see a lack of fear around being uncool.”
Styles decided to take after Murakami and care less about the public’s perception of him. He’d rather just do his own thing.
“When you write about sex and masculinity, your characters aren’t all experts at sex — there are a lot of scenes of them fumbling around. There’s an innocence to them, as well as vulnerability, and shame,” Styles added. “That has definitely changed the way I view being masculine and being vulnerable.”
A major choreographed moment
Miu Miu ballet flats?! A Chanel suit?! Hard-hitting choreography?! If this performance is any indication of what’s to come on his Together, Together world tour, then fans are in for a blissful treat. Styles made his triumphant return to the stage at the Brit Awards last week, where he performed “Aperture,” the lead single of his new album.
With his troupe of backup dancers in crop tops and vintage denim, Styles launched into a movement-heavy, synchronized dance sequence while sporting the biggest smile ever.
A playful nod to those hairline rumors
It’s a rumor that’s been heard ‘round the world: Did Styles get a hair transplant? During his Feb. 25 appearance on Brittany Broski’s Royal Court, the British pop star poked fun at the speculation with one cheeky line. When Broski playfully asked Styles if his teeth are fake, he said no, before quipping, “This hairline though …”
Setting up shop in New York City
The British pop star famously played a record-breaking 15 shows at Madison Square Garden as part of his Love On tour — but this time, he’s doubling that. As part of his upcoming Together, Together world tour in support of his new album, he’ll set up shop at MSG for a whopping 30 nights.
Though the residency has sparked backlash from fans who were disappointed to learn that the pop star wouldn’t be traveling to any other American city, it signals that Styles is marching to his own beat and doing what feels right for him.