After nearly four years of silence, Harry Styles is back. He has re-entered the music landscape with a sophisticated and braver sound, alluding to a total musical transformation in his new album, *Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally*.
Styles has released the first single from the record, “Aperture,” accompanied by an incredible music video. “Aperture” captures Harry Styles at his most artistic and what feels like his most authentic self. Having been at the forefront of pop since his solo career began, this new single shows how Styles has matured—pushing and even redefining the boundaries of pop music.
Since last year, Styles has been spending significant time in Berlin. This move feels pointed, even poetic, as a nod to David Bowie and one of the most radical creative rebirths in pop history. The traces of Berlin are also evident in the electronic influences of “Aperture” and its communal, euphoric message. This radical side of Styles marks a new era—one that pop desperately needs.
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### “Aperture” Is the Voice of Warmth Pop Music Needs
Since launching his solo career, Harry Styles has been taken seriously—and rightly so. Nearly four years since his last release, “Aperture” ushers in a totally new era of authentic artistry. The song feels well-considered, with Styles using it as a platform to truly say something meaningful.
“Aperture” was reportedly inspired by Styles’ experience seeing LCD Soundsystem live—and you can tell. I say that in the best possible way, as recent pop has been missing the soulful essence that electro-pop synthesizer pulsations can bring. While no one may top how LCD Soundsystem infuses electronica with warmth, Styles manages to do so in a cleaner, contemporary, and genuinely fun way.
The “We belong together” mantra Styles belts through the choruses of “Aperture” speaks to a euphoric, communal love we can experience. The initial promo teasing new music and a new tour featured an image of a close-knit crowd—signaling that we should aim for more collective happiness.
He sings, “It finally appears, it’s only love,” and he’s right. Love is the easiest emotion to feel but perhaps the hardest to express in today’s turbulent, cold-feeling world. Styles reminds us that we really do belong together—and I’ll happily oblige.
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### The Chaotic Choreography and Figure of Hope in “Aperture”
One standout element of the “Aperture” music video is the enigmatic antagonist who quickly turns into Styles’ dance partner. This dark and mysterious figure first appears as Styles climbs an escalator but then waits across the hall at the top.
The figure carries a plastic bag emblazoned with a yellow smiley face and the phrase, “Thank you, have a nice day!” before placing it down and abruptly running toward Styles in what seems like a chase. Naturally, Styles runs away—but attempting to escape was a miscalculation. After all, the figure carries a message wishing a nice day.
Following some playful scuffles, Styles takes a quick drink before running toward the figure in retaliation. The figure lifts Styles overhead, spinning him Dirty Dancing-style. Together, they break into arguably the most iconic dance routine of recent years, traipsing through the building side by side.
The overriding message is powerful: the very possibility of kindness is disarming and seen as a threat in today’s world. But through rejecting suspicion and violence—and by embracing those around us—we can dance through life, having a fabulous time and mirroring those we once feared were different.
The lifts and flips at the end of the dance sequence deliver a moment of freedom and liberation that can be felt through the screen. It’s almost impossible not to smile watching it. And just as quickly, Styles calms back down to a normal state, showing the cathartic power of dance.
Adding to the hopeful resolution, a receptionist appears at the previously empty hotel desk, symbolizing a restoration of humanity and the artistic aperture’s closure.
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### The Cinematic Genius of the “Aperture” Music Video
Directed by Aube Perrie, the “Aperture” music video is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. Its clear, crisp lines reinforce the sophistication of the new and improved Harry Styles that the song itself presents.
The first verse sets the scene in a mundane environment. Styles is the only character in a soulless-looking hotel, decorated with dull beige furnishings and devoid of human life—until the mythical figure appears.
Yet, glimmers of hope are cleverly and beautifully woven through this mundanity. When Styles brushes his teeth, the sound subtly matches the rhythm of the song. Similarly, the ringing bell at the hotel desk and the tapping footsteps align perfectly with the percussion of “Aperture,” seamlessly fusing song and video.
While synchronizing diegetic sounds with music isn’t groundbreaking, the way it’s done here is deeply poetic. It’s a reminder that the simple things in life are truly beautiful when executed with care.
By intertwining the sonic world of “Aperture” with everyday sounds, Styles shows us that art is inherently embedded in our lives—whether we’re aware of it or not. In these elevated, ephemerally meaningful moments of synchronization, the video reminds us that artistry exists all around us.
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Harry Styles’ “Aperture” heralds not just a musical comeback but a revitalization of pop music’s emotional warmth and creative daring—a much-needed breath of fresh air in today’s musical landscape.
https://collider.com/harry-styles-aperture-perfect-music-video/