No matter what stage you’re at in your love life, Olivia Dean’s latest project undoubtedly has a song for you.
The British pop-soul singer’s second studio album, “The Art Of Loving,” released on Sept. 26, takes a holistic approach to romance. Dean structures the album chronologically, beginning at the start of a relationship and ending with an encounter after the breakup. Listeners are brought into the many layers of love while in a relationship, from playful encounters to sorrowful reflection. Not only does Dean capture all of these emotions excellently, she does so with rich vocals and colorful soundscapes, creating an unskippable record.
The lead single, “Nice to Each Other,” provides listeners with a strong first impression of the album. With a catchy melody, upbeat electric bass and smooth vocals, the song is an instant hit. Dean sings about not wanting to define a relationship with any labels, opting to simply treat one another with grace: “’Cause I don’t want a boyfriend / But we could be nice to each other.” She excellently captures the hesitation around definitive terms while still delivering a song that reflects the fun and excitement of a new relationship.
On “Man I Need,” Dean changes her tune on the relationship. Uplifted by vibrant instrumentals from the keyboard and layered vocals, Dean throws away her previous hesitations and asks her partner to be all in. She sings, “Just come be the man I need / Tell me you got something to give, I want it / I kinda like it when you call me ‘Wonderful.’” These lyrics, while seemingly simple and sweet, also subtly play with bending traditional gender dynamics. Rather than submitting to her partner’s desires, she makes him uphold her standards of commitment. This slight change elevates this track from a nice love song to a celebratory anthem for women in relationships.
“Close Up” has the fiercest sound on the album. Here, she examines the moment when someone reveals their true colors in a relationship after the honeymoon phase. She sings, “’Cause you don’t make it easy, now I’m all close up / I can’t tell if you need me or want me all that much” against a slow, classically R&B beat. Again, Dean offers a different perspective to an insecurity many face in relationships — the worry that they’re not meeting their partner’s expectations. Rather than channeling this frustration in devastating lyrics about how she doesn’t feel good enough, she turns it into a sassy piece about her partner’s failings.
Showcasing the album’s duality and ability to shift between moods, Dean includes a single striking ballad, “Loud.” Underscored by dramatic piano, this song tracks the downfall of a relationship. Dean realizes that she no longer wants to be involved with this person who is treating her poorly and being uncommunicative. She laments, “And everything’s unspoken now / I’m out, the silence is so loud.” With stripped-back instrumentals, her voice is given space to shine on this track. Her belt is powerful, giving justice to the heavy lyricism. “Loud” sits perfectly within the album, breaking up the more poppier and upbeat tracks with its darker tone.
“So Easy (To Fall In Love)” also adds a nice variety to the record. The song, similar in tone to Corinne Bailey Rae’s jazzy “Put Your Records On,” serves as a testament to self-love. Dean’s vocals are soft and fluttery, pairing nicely with the playful melody and lively instrumentals. She sings about all the ways in which she is lovable, from the way she styles her hair to her humor. The track reaffirms that self-love is the most important kind of love, an attitude that often gets forgotten. “So Easy (to Fall In Love)” is an adorable track that feels equal parts refreshing and exciting.
The album is bookended perfectly with “The Art of Loving (Intro)” and “I’ve Seen It,” two songs with a dreamlike quality, with airy vocals that speak directly to the ethos of the album, suggesting that love is “something lost and something gained.” No matter how a relationship turns out in the end, Dean asserts that love is always worth it. This sweet sentiment is apparent in every track, connecting them together wonderfully.
Dean was clearly not affected by the sophomore slump. For this only being her second album, she’s identified and mastered exactly what sound works for her, curating a truthful and beautiful body of work. On “The Art of Loving,” listeners gain 12 new soulfully crafted songs that create a cohesive soundtrack for every shade of love.
Contact Skylar Boilard at [email protected].