“The Art of Loving" - Olivia Dean Album Review

Olivia Dean is here with her sophomore album, “The Art of Loving,” a record that invites listeners on a journey to explore the meaning of love.

The 12-track project is drenched in jazzy, autumnal vibes, offering the perfect soundtrack for the crisp evenings and cozy mornings to come.

Dean’s signature lies in her rich, warm vocals that add depth to every track alongside a jazz-infused pop production that has become her calling card.

Standout singles like “Man I Need” and “Nice to Each Other” have taken the world by storm this summer. Both are dreamy pop bangers that make you feel like you’re floating down the street; no one is immune to a little step-and-snap when they come on.

Another single, “Lady Lady,” didn’t receive as much mainstream attention, but it speaks directly to this recurring exploration of femininity in Dean’s music. The airy, light textures of this track evoke images of Mother Nature, spirituality, and softness, highlighting her ability to weave different themes into her sound.

She showcases her evolution most clearly on “Close Up,” which sets a playful, lively tone with its brass flourishes and soulful groove. Dean resembles the rawness of fellow British singer Amy Winehouse here, but with her own twist of sophistication and warmth.

“So Easy (To Fall In Love)” is an instant highlight. With breezy instrumentation and playful lyricism, Dean radiates confidence as she sings, “I'm the perfect mix of Saturday night and the rest of your life / Anyone with a heart would agree.” It’s a song that makes falling in love feel effortless.

But the album doesn’t shy away from love’s darker corners. “Let Alone The One You Love” dives into the pain of toxic relationships, confronting contradictions and heartbreak with lines like, “You react like I'm crossing a line / I'm too much to handle, and, "just dial it back a bit" / Well, well, I'm not having it, babe.” It’s brutally honest and deeply relatable.

The 26-year-old continues to explore love on “Something Inbetween,” addressing the rarely acknowledged uncertainty of being caught between closeness and distance in a relationship. The fresh theme, paired with an earworm of a chorus, makes it a track listeners will want to keep on repeat.

The record takes a breath with “Loud,” a stripped-back ballad where Dean’s vocals truly shine. Her growth since her debut album is undeniable, and this track proves she can captivate with just her voice alone.

Later tracks like “Baby Steps” and “A Couple Minutes” lean into a Motown-inspired groove, suggesting resilience and healing in her love journey. She sings, “It's alright, think I'm fine with the silence / There's some good in goodbyes,” recognizing a sense of closure and strength.

The album closes with “I’ve Seen It,” a tender meditation on how love appears everywhere in daily life: “I've seen it after school and in the park / Sat right across me on the tube / Seen it miss a stop or two / Seen it trying not to fall apart.” It’s sweet and simple yet quietly powerful and emotional.

“The Art of Loving” is a testimony to Dean’s journey of love; a nuanced exploration in all its contradictions of joy, pain, fleeting moments, and lasting endurance, showing how love appears in so many forms at different points in her life.

Overall, this sophomore album is an impressive accomplishment from Dean and only cements her place as one of Britain's most promising pop stars, and it's clear she’s only just beginning.

Rating: 9/10

Reviewer’s Favorite Tracks: “Man I Need” and “I’ve Seen It”

Reviewer’s Least Favorite Tracks: N/A

Madison Rush is a fourth-year majoring in public relations. To contact her, email mkr5957@psu.edu.