After Harry Styles released his top-hit album “Harry’s House” in May 2022, the pop singer went quiet for four years following Love on Tour and the tragic death of his friend Liam Payne.
On Jan. 15, 2026, he announced his newest album, “Kiss All the Time, Disco, Occasionally.”
Some fans grew up listening to former boyband One Direction. Others have recently discovered his music. Still, listeners are excited to see what Styles has in store with this album. However, it is not the only project of his that will set the stage for 2026.
“The music icon announced that he will hit the road this year for a trot around the world in what Styles is calling the Together, Together tour,” said Bryanna Cappadona, managing editor for Today.com.
GCSU students shared their expectations and thoughts for the upcoming album release.
“I honestly don’t have many expectations as Harry has always done something different with each album,” said Grace Lovell, a sophomore middle grades education major. “I’m quite open to it.”
Other students are looking back at past albums and letting those shape their expectations.
“I think the new album is going to have a similar vibe to his first album. Maybe a little bit more upbeat and happier songs, though,” said Phoebe Davis, a freshman exercise science major.
Shortly after announcing his new album, Styles released the album’s feature single, “Aperture.”
“An hour after the song’s release, the official audio for ‘Aperture’ was already within Youtube’s Trending music chart, earning more than 360,000 plays in its first 90 minutes,” said Jeff Benjamin, a senior contributor to Forbes.com.
Some GCSU students have already listened to the song and expect a new range of sounds.
“Based on his single that he just released, I’m expecting a bit more techno or club vibes,” Lovell said.
Lovell shared her plans for getting tickets to the upcoming tour.
“I’m definitely planning on attending [the tour] and I’ve already signed up for presale for a few shows in New York,” Lovell said.
Styles announced his tour through Instagram, which blew up online. Many people were already eager to get tickets. However, the popularity of the tour means tickets sell out fast, especially in the “Big Apple.”
“I would love to go to his new tour, but the only shows are in New York, so I probably won’t get to,” Davis said.
Sometimes, plans overlap, creating the ideal conditions for seeing a favorite artist live.
“I’m looking at getting last-minute tickets for London since I’ll be visiting at the same time as the Wembley shows, so I’m hopeful to get tickets,” said Lily Walsh, a freshman business management major.
Styles’ music is popular among college-aged individuals for many reasons. The pop-rock genre with hints of techno pulls the listener in, and the lyrics evoke images of individuality, belonging, self-expression and change.
“I think his music is very personal,” Lovell said. “They [the songs] all tend to have a much deeper meaning. I feel like his music can resonate with anyone, but especially college students since we are in such a time of change and figuring out who we are.”
Lovell is not the only one who sees the effect of Styles’ music on college students. Others have shared their personal experiences beyond the catchy lyrics.
“I think his music provides a wide range of emotions and stories that almost anyone can find a song they connect to,” Davis said. “Also, most of us have grown up with him from One Direction to his solo career.”
Many students have found an overall theme among the messages in the songs.
“His music and the way he presents himself encourage people to truly live, to be fully themselves and to feel things deeply,” Walsh said.
Four years have passed, and Harry Styles is back with a new tour on the horizon. “Aperture” and the quick-selling tickets of Together, Together show this year’s pop culture is about to take a sensational turn.
