Olivia Dean Explores ‘The Art of Loving’ Through Jazzy Soul-Pop Vibes

The album debuts following Dean’s hit single “Man I Need,” which has been climbing the Billboard Hot 100 and U.K. charts since its release in August. This follows an expansive two-year journey for Dean, marked by her breakout debut “Messy” in 2023, collaborations with renowned artists like Sam Fender, and contributions to soundtracks like “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.”

Dean pays tribute to her influences, notably Lauryn Hill, whose legacy inspires her middle name. The album tracks, such as “Loud,” reflect the essence of artists like Amy Winehouse and Adele, with Dean’s dynamic voice interwoven with strings and guitar melodies. The track “Close Up” showcases similar immersive instrumentation, while the smooth sound of “A Couple Minutes” incorporates a nostalgic guitar riff from Hot Chocolate’s 1971 classic “We Had True Love.”

In “Baby Steps,” Dean explores themes of self-love post-breakup, echoing sentiments from her earlier hits like “Ladies Room.” She sings about empowerment, expressing a desire to nurture oneself with lines like, “I’ll be my own pair of safe hands.” The steady percussion and rich organ build a confidence that resonates throughout the track.

Delving Into Themes of Love

The poignant album opener, “The Art of Loving,” presents a reflective exploration of love’s complexities. Dean articulates this beautifully: “It’s the art of loving / It wasn’t all for nothing,” suggesting a journey of gains and losses.

The closing track, “I’ve Seen It,” conveys the message that love is ever-present if sought out: “I’ve heard it laced in every song.” Dean’s gentle delivery emphasizes a feeling of assurance as she concludes, “I know it’s somewhere in my chest / I guess it’s been inside me all along.”

With her talent and determination, Dean is set to tour with Sabrina Carpenter in the U.S. this fall, followed by her first arena tour in the U.K.

Album: “The Art of Loving” by Olivia Dean

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Standout track: “A Couple Minutes”

Track to skip: “The Art of Loving”

Recommended for fans of: Laufey, Adele, Raye, and autumn music vibes