Olivia Dean - The Art of Loving

Olivia Dean’s second album ‘The Art Of Loving’ isn’t really a concept album in the traditional sense, but in terms of illuminating the conceptual idea of what drives Olivia and her work, it is the perfect collection of the musical passions and emotional desires that fuel her writing and give her music such emotional clarity and deftly realised classic charm.

Love and what it means in all its mysterious ways has always been a fascination for Olivia, and here she ruminates on feelings that go from ebullient cloud-bursting joy to sad laments that capture the overwhelming feelings of love in its purest form. There’s an emotional connection here that has sparked Olivia to become the hottest new star in Britain. You feel what she’s saying, and you trust her, and you’re enlightened by her lucidity and grace. Love is the easiest thing in the world to write about, but perhaps the hardest without sounding clichéd and glib. Olivia is far too smart a songwriter for that.

The nostalgic approach to her sound, with echoes of Motown and timeless soul music, is woven through a modern prism to make her soulful songs feel fresh and vibrant. The ‘classic stuff’ as she sings so memorably on the playful hit single ‘Nice To Each Other’ works very well for Olivia, with her pristine and dexterous voice raising every song to a different level. Inescapable late summer banger ‘Man I Need’ is the exultant ecstatic highlight, but elsewhere ballads like the beautiful ‘Let Alone The One You Love’ are tender and perfectly placed.

‘The Art Of Loving’ is the blossoming of a supreme songwriting talent having the moment of her life. It arrives in that magical time for every major pop star when they can do no wrong and everything they touch turns to gold. Of course, when the album was written, no one could predict the stunning level of success she is currently enjoying, but she has delivered a perfect record to meet that moment. ‘The Art Of Loving’ is Olivia Dean’s ascension to the very top of Mount Pop.