Background

Harry Styles knew that time wouldn’t wait for him. He didn’t know these spaces but her let the light in anyways with “Aperture”.

“Aperture” was released in January 2026 as the lead single from Harry Styles’ upcoming fourth album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. The song was written by Harry Styles and Kid Harpoon, with Harpoon being the sole producer.

Time Travelling Harry

Harry time travelled from the 1970s to the future. The guitar, drums and piano were thrown out the window, and electronic/techno music came in the picture. The band disappeared and is replaced by recording machines. The warmth he exuded is exchanged for the cold and the mystery.

The contrast is drastic. After three albums, he was due for a reinvention. Whereas before, he’s stripped down his production from the heavy boy band style to soft rock, he’s now transported himself to a completely different universe.

He also made wide strides. He is not constrained by the three minute length that TikTok tracks need for virality. He takes a full five minute swing. The music isn’t instant nor would “Aperture” be classified as a headliner for a popstar. There’s nothing like it on mainstream radio. But it definitely sent the message that there was also nothing like him doing it now.

The Mood Tracks That Play on Youtube

Applications like Youtube or Headspace have music for any mood a person wants to be in. And I cannot help but relate “Aperture” to a very specific occasion that a listener wants to bring themselves into.

“Aperture” doesn’t try to fit in every instrument possible. The sound starts muffled and suddenly becomes bright and sharp. The music shifts from quiet to loud and creates space to appreciate every minute detail of the track, including Harry’s lyrics. He leaves what’s left to be scrutinised and digested. There’s an intentionality to the choices, and ironically, what I understand the track advocates for.

The atmosphere is introspective. I can be alone or in a group listening to the song. It’s perfect for winding down but still within the context of an after party. Things are settling and “Aperture” is my company.

What is Aperture Anyway?

I’ve never heard of the word aperture until this January 2026. And like Taylor Swift, Harry’s helping me out to slowly but surely improve my vocabulary.

The fear of vulnerability and opening up is a common theme not just in Harry’s music, but also in recent literature on mental health, and most especially, all our lives. Using an aperture as the central image to depict the safety in closure and the risk of overexposure for opening up is unique, clever and memorable.

The conflict is relatable. Staying in my bubble is human, flawed, and understandable all at the same time. While listening to the song, I am rooting for Harry and myself as well.

Conclusion

The song is strikingly different from the rest of his discography. And that is to be expected from someone who is also strikingly different.

If the track shows me anything, it’s that he’s being vulnerable and taking risks. And that is a mood I want to be in.