The rising British soul-pop star Olivia Dean won the Grammy for Best New Artist in February. Her album, “The Art of Loving,” brought her into the Billboard Hot 100. As of the week of February 28th, her song “Man I Need” reached third and “So Easy (To Fall In Love)” reached 14th.
Below are the 12 songs which comprise the award-winning album and a brief personal interpretation of each.
The Art of Loving (Intro): This song, only 40 seconds long, successfully encompasses the general topic of the album: love and how it impacts our lives. However, due to its brevity, “The Art of Loving (Intro)” struggles to stand on its own if not followed in succession by the rest of the songs.
Nice to Each Other: An upbeat tune with a lighthearted tone, this song introduces the narrative of two individuals trying to balance the expectations of modern dating while maintaining their freedom. The claps in the background track both help keep the beat and make for a catchy tune.
Lady Lady: Taking on a slower tempo, fans listen to the narrator’s struggle with change and moving away from home. At the end of the song, the phrase “That lady lady, she’s the” is left without a conclusion, making the song feel a bit incomplete without a conclusion to the phrase. This could be meant for the audience to fill in the blanks, or shift the tone more towards uncertainty.
Close Up: Now, the tone shifts into something darker and more mysterious. The narrator describes the uncertainty and confusion that comes along with being in a situationship, where a ‘relationship’ lacks definition, commitment or even a future. This leads the narrator to feel disconnected from her partner and unsure of the sustainability of their relationship.
So Easy (To Fall In Love): The first of the two charting songs from this album, “So Easy (To Fall In Love)” discusses the importance of confidence and self-love when navigating the ups and downs of love. Coming after the dreary “Close Up,” this lighter and more flowery-toned piece brings hope back into the hearts of the narrator and listeners alike.
Let Alone the One You Love: Recognizing and then taking action when a relationship is unhealthy for you is painful but necessary. This song takes on a slower tempo, which can make it feel a bit disconnected from the rest of the album and a more jarring difference from the light tones of “So Easy (To Fall In Love).”
Man I Need: Switching back to a quicker pace, the narrator holds onto hope that her partner might change for the better and become the person she needs in a relationship. She expresses the need for clear communication, not mixed signals.
Something Inbetween: The narrator does not want complete independence or codependence in her relationship, a struggle many young adults face. The high, breathy notes mixed with lyrics such as, “I’m not your all or nothing” not only brought across her message beautifully, but sent shivers down my spine the first time I listened to it.
Loud: The oxymoron of the lyrics “the silence is so loud” reveals the defeat or failure of the ideas expressed in “Man I Need,” as communication has only since dwindled as the lover pushes the narrator away. The title of the song is misleading in this sense, making “Loud” seem like a completely different song without the context of the lyrics and the driving oxymoron.
Baby Steps: This song discusses the loneliness and difficulty adjusting to life after a relationship falls apart, emphasizing the need to take things one day at a time and take care of yourself while healing. Touching on the values from “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” it demonstrates how self love is important to one’s success both during and after a relationship.
A Couple Minutes: Both the narrator and her partner know it’s time to move on with their lives. But the important aspect here is the focus on happy memories and no regrets, despite their relationship beginning to fall apart. Leaning more into classical jazz tunes, at times it can feel like the lyrics are overwhelmed by the instrumental track.
I’ve Seen It: With an emphasis on the bittersweet tones of love, this song tells the story of all the times love has woven its way through the narrator’s life, including romantic, platonic, familial and self-love. It gives off a nostalgic feel, prompting listeners to reflect on how love has impacted our own lives. All in all, a satisfactory and beautiful ending to a heart-felt album.
The album “The Art of Loving” includes a strong musical selection, following the narrative of love, healing and self-acceptance. No matter who tunes in, there is bound to be a song one can connect with.
