Album cover photo by Jack Davison.
With a sudden crusade of the charts, Olivia Dean is on everyone’s lips and in their ears becoming the first artist since Adele to have three songs in the top twenty at the same time. The debut album ‘Messy’ was critically acclaimed yet didn’t make the dent in the charts like it should have, however, ‘The Art of Loving’, which is described as a tender, intentional deep into the dimensions of love, is destined to. Known for blending neo-soul, pop, and R&B the stage is hers for the taking.
The album starts with the title track which offers classical elements, birds chirping and graceful vocals which opens the world to the listener and guides you to the pearly gates.
‘Nice to Each Other’ was the first single and perfectly encapsulates the album. Starting with a drum beat and acoustic guitar with whirlwind like effects underneath. Dean’s vocals carry the whole song with the other elements acting as fine tuning.
Sensations of running out of time are embodied in ‘Lady Lady’ however hints of optimism are evident. Percussion is minimalistic and the piano and guitar come in waves, but with transcendent vocals do they need to do more?
Piano driven ‘Close Up’ is packed full of soul and desire. The drums and brass section puncture the song with Motown inspiration. A plea to a lover but sung as the swan song. The vocals leak emotions all over. The strings of the guitar calls for help much like the heart.
Trumpets introduce ‘So Easy to Fall in Love’ and a more positive outlook is offered, bouncy vocals which show Dean is just having fun. Latin inspired guitar playing and the piano catch the vibe and run with. The backing vocals are used like it is its own instrument.
‘Blues’ is radiated from ‘Let Alone the one You Love’ from the guitar playing, depressing keys or heartbreak in her voice. Each lyric slashes the ears of the listener as many know the feelings too well. The melodies will be sung in unison at the arenas Dean’s sold out.
‘Man I Need’ needs no introduction sitting in the top ten as you read. The chorus is an instant classic with everyone and their nan being able to sing it. The bass and drums act like a current which the vocals and piano have conquered.
The drums on ‘Something in Between’ which sound like a heartbeat is perfect for a run or in a house track. On top of that, the powerhouse vocals would be perfect for a MK mix. The guitars and bass keep it all grounded.
Finger picking is the driving force behind ‘Loud’ whilst the strings act like the posher cousin backing it up. The sheer desperation can be heard, and no backing vocals are needed with vocals like that.
Opening with a piano, ‘Baby Steps’ shows the ‘neo soul’ aspect to Dean’s repertoire. The bongos and shakers show the basicness of the themes but give a rich sound. Both sets of vocals serenade the listener.
Classical opening before becoming Motown inspired ‘A Couple Minutes’ is a Thee Sacred Soul anthem from a woman’s perspective. The guitars glide through whilst the drums add turbulence. A narrative is added through the use of male backing vocals.
Birds chirping brings the album circular with ‘I’ve Seen It’. It wouldn’t look out of place on ‘Rubber Soul’ with the beautiful storytelling. Basic arrangement yet so powerful.
There is no wonder why she is everyone’s new favourite artist. Every song is a single in its own right. Not many albums are crafted in the present day to work cohesively and tell a story and ‘The Art of Loving’ does just that. Each song is its own entity with genres blended and mastered. ‘Loud’ is a personal favourite but, that could be said about any song of the album. Olivia Dean has filled the void the UK charts has been missing.
Olivia Dean: The Art of Loving – Out 26 September 2025 (Capitol Records)
