Olivia Dean // The Art Of Loving

The Neo-Soul star returns with her much loved nostalgic flair

★★★★☆ (4/5)

ALBUM ARTWORK

Olivia Dean continues to weave an old school charm into the patterns of contemporary music, in her second studio album, The Art of Loving. Her timeless vocals and tender lyricism serenade the modern ear, with the album consumed by a divine blend of soul, jazz, pop, and R&B, elegantly sewn into its 12-song tracklist. 

Playing like a coming-of-age soundtrack, “The Art of Loving (Intro)” sets the scene with orchestral sounds and earthly tones before flourishing into a playful, summer setting with the pre-released single “Nice To Each Other.” This track details the complexities of modern dating as Dean rejects societal norms to explore romantic connections, before the album ventures into a place of empowerment, acceptance, and self-worth, with the soulful “Lady Lady.” 

Embracing womanhood and personal growth, Dean embraces inevitable life changes in “Lady Lady,” with the lyrics providing warmth and reassurance to those who need it during unprecedented times in life. “Close Up,” on the other hand, confronts unwanted change, with a raw and intimate observation into relationship woes, as Dean sings from a place of vulnerability and sadness, encased in a moody, atmospheric, Jazz arrangement. From downcast Jazz to an influence of upbeat Motown, Dean elevates the mood with the feel-good “So Easy (To Fall In Love)” before circling back to a place of melancholy with the emotional “Let Alone The One You Love.” These songs go back and forth on a journey through happiness and despair with Dean’s music speaking to the soul as she depicts honest and relatable encounters with herself and those around her. 

Co-written with Tobias Jesso Jr. and Zach Nahome, Dean’s rollercoaster of love reaches a euphoric high with the flirtatious yet sophisticated “Man I Need.” This song radiates a movie-like glow with an uplifting sound that captures a rom-com feel of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Here, Dean allows us to live out our main character moment before “Something Inbetween” and “Loud” reintroduce mellow tones. “Loud” fuels a desire to hear Dean featured on the soundtrack of a James Bond movie, with the song honing in on her entrancing, rich vocals against the song’s cinematic composition. 

After the dramatics on “Loud,” “Baby Steps” walks The Art of Loving through a calming ambience as the end of the album begins to appear in sight. With its orchestral and soulful tones, “A Couple Minutes” beautifully winds down The Art of Loving with a magical and delicate touch before Dean rediscovers her self-worth, bringing the album to a poignant end through the soothing and dulcet sounds of “I’ve Seen It.” 

Mirrored through the intertwined notions of upbeat, cheerful, melodies and downbeat, melancholic, sadness, The Art of Loving navigates us through the highs and lows of authentic and intimate love experiences. 

The Art of Loving stands as a classic piece of modern day music, unshadowed by the incredible success of her 2023 debut album Messy, with the songs on the album further solidifying Dean’s position as a shining star of the neo-soul genre.

Review By: Courtney Willis