Throughout the last year, the rise of London-born soul singer Olivia Dean has been nothing short of sensational. After her debut album, Messy (2023), gave her the hit song ‘Dive’, a series of three singles in 2025 – ‘Nice To Each Other’, ‘Lady Lady’, and ‘Man I Need’ – have launched her into new-found stardom. On the 26th September, she released her second studio album, The Art of Loving, with much anticipation from her ever-growing fanbase.
The album opens with an ethereal introduction titled ‘The Art of Loving (Intro),’ before flowing into the already popular track, ‘Nice To Each Other.’ It is clear to see why it became an instant fan favourite, given its catchy chorus and the soothing tones that Olivia has become so recognisable for. This is followed by ‘Lady Lady,’ again already released, and containing a funky chorus that nicely compliments the soulful verses.
‘Close Up’ then follows with a lovely orchestral sound and powerful piano that perfectly matches Olivia’s typical smooth, comforting vocal performance. Olivia stated that she brought her own piano from home into the studio in order to create a “homey feeling and warmth” to the record, and this is certainly apparent in the next song, ‘So Easy (To Fall In Love)’. With its cool, jazzy start and glorious vocals, the song becomes even more alive with its recently released music video, which sees Olivia having fun as a matchmaker, setting up love and couples around her.
‘Let Alone The One You Love’ builds from these slow, swaying verses into a ballad-y chorus that feels like a triumphant old school Disney song through the short orchestral procession that follows each chorus. Then we have ‘Man I Need,’ the third single dropped before the album’s release, and which recently became a number one single. It is easy to see why this is her biggest hit off the album; it is incredibly catchy and the beat just has you tapping your feet throughout. The vocal performance is also so elegant, and my favourite line is “I kind of like it when you call me wonderful” – there is something about her delivery that just really hits the spot.
It is easy to see why [‘Man I Need’] is her biggest hit off the album; it is incredibly catchy and the beat just has you tapping your feet throughout.
‘Something Inbetween’ and ‘Loud’ both show the impressive instrumental range of the record. The former is a lovely exploration of wanting something but without being fully committed, containing a delicate vocal performance and gentle piano, the latter instead using soft strings to build its verses. And when the chorus hits, there are echoes of Adele and Billie Eilish, especially their tracks for the James Bond franchise, Skyfall and No Time To Die respectively. The vocal performance, accompanied by the orchestra behind it, feels made for the title song of a Bond film, so watch this space.
‘Baby Steps’ contains another groovy start. With a catchy chorus once more and the inclusion of soulful harmonies throughout, it feels so comfortable and intimate, particularly in its bridge section. Olivia said that she “made the album to at least first be listened to on headphones”, and this is perhaps best shown here. ‘A Couple Minutes’ begins with a strong orchestral introduction reminiscent of the powerful opening to Madonna’s ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,’ before returning once more into the realm of Olivia’s piano, as it provides an intimate background for a particularly soft and soulful vocal performance.
The closing track, ‘I’ve Seen It’, is actually my favourite. Delicate piano and strings provide a platform for Olivia’s most calming performance on the album. To me, the chorus echoes the melody of ‘Just the Two of Us’ by Bill Withers and Grover Washington, and the whole song really embodies the intimate feel that is so prevalent throughout the record. The same words – delicate, comforting, soothing – come to mind again, and it is a wonderful end to an emotional and personal piece of work that sums up everything this rising star is all about. I cannot wait to see where Olivia Dean goes next.
