On Friday, Sept. 25, Olivia Dean released her second studio album: The Art of Loving. The album explores not only romantic love but also the complexities of independence and self-love. Known for her soul-infused pop, Dean explores more vulnerable, human themes throughout The Art of Loving’s 12 tracks.
Dean first broke into the music scene by self-releasing “OK Love You Bye” and “Reason to Stay.” In 2019, she signed with EMI and released her debut EP, named OK Love You Bye. She released her debut album, Messy, in 2023. Messy’s soulful production and themes surrounding the complexities of growth caught the attention of audiences and pushed her to become more well-known. Dean’s music is vulnerable and inspired by iconic R&B and soul singers Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse.
The album opens with simple stripped-down production, layered vocals, and light strings on “The Art of Loving (Intro).” Track one introduces major themes on the album, such as the complexities of love. “Something lost and something gained in the art of loving,” Dean sings. Although “The Art of Loving (Intro)” is not a standout track on its own, it does exactly what it needs to do, acting as initial intrigue that interests listeners in what the album will bring.
Following the intro comes track two, a previously released single that came out in May, “Nice to Each Other.” The lyrics capture independence in romantic connections through contrast. “Meet me on the mountaintop, I’ll be in the shallow end,” Dean sings. Dean describes a relationship where the push and pull create uncertainty. Similarly to the contrasting lyrics, the mellow, playful production contrasts the song’s complex themes – a skill Dean artfully utilizes frequently throughout the album.
On track four, “Close Up,” Dean slows things down. The track demonstrates Dean’s ability to master both light, pop music and warm, smooth R&B soul. Here, Dean’s musical inspiration, Winehouse, is wonderfully apparent in Dean’s jazzy, soulful vocals. Further, the song’s rich production highlights her vocals, but doesn’t take over. Lyrically, Dean covers being in a relationship with someone who gives mixed signals. “How can you get close to someone you keep out of reach? Where does that leave me?” Dean sings.
Dean falters on track eight, “Something Inbetween.” Despite vulnerable lyrics about feeling restrained in a relationship, the song’s muffled rhythm falls flat. “Something Inbetween” had an opportunity for a light string or instrumental build and more harmonies on the bridge or final chorus, but never transitions into a more upbeat tone. Without this, the song feels anticlimactic and like it’s missing layers.
Track 10, “Baby Steps,” is a standout self-love song. The bright, sunny production and steady beat lead this track to possible success as a single. Instrumentally, “Baby Steps” possesses a diverse range, from rich organs to groovy percussion layered with background vocals. “There’ll be roses on the shelf ’cause this house gon’ love itself,” Dean confidently sings. Dean’s lyrical themes of self-love are a refreshing and underrated theme in the pop genre.
The Art of Loving’s greatest strength is its ability to transition between sunshine-y pop hits and soulful, jazzy ballads, all without falling into cliches. In today’s breakup-focused pop landscape, Dean’s album feels like a warm glow. Rather than chasing trends, Dean seems interested in releasing songs that both accept and question the complexities of love.
What stands out most from the album is Dean’s exploration of love in varying forms, which is a theme that carries throughout the album from start to finish. The Art of Loving is both confident and captivating. In 12 tracks, Dean takes listeners on a journey of love that leaves them crying, dancing, and smiling, earning The Art of Loving five out of five feathers.
