On The Art of Loving, Olivia Dean weaves her trademark charm through raw, heartfelt emotion, crafting an intimate testament to self-love.
Two years on from her debut, Messy, Olivia Dean returns with The Art of Loving, an album that feels both like a continuation and a bold new chapter, marked by greater authenticity and emotional depth. Following a year defined by her passionate single It Isn’t Perfect But It Might Be, which found a cinematic spotlight in last year’s Bridget Jones film, Dean’s return with new music feels eagerly awaited. A sense of warmth radiates through the neo-soul stars’ record, felt vividly in recent highlights like lead single Nice To Each Other and the carefree Lady Lady. Add that to a summer of high-profile appearances, including Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, and it’s clear her fanbase has never been stronger; this new release may well be a crowning moment in her ascent.
Opening with the brief yet evocative title track, The Art of Loving, Dean immediately establishes the album’s warm and affectionate tone; at just over 40 seconds, the experimental introduction feels more like the opening scene of a story or film than a conventional song. From there, Nice to Each Other and Lady Lady offer the first full impressions of the record, leaning into the light, flamboyant textures that have long defined her music, and both of which proved their strength as singles over the summer. The same buoyant energy spills into So Easy to Fall in Love, a blissful recall to the first rush of romance, where Dean’s unmistakable vocals intertwine with twinkling keys and a radiant, soft brass.
The uneasy, descending piano that opens Close Up offers the first brassy, vintage flourish of the record, perfectly framing the line “How can you get close to someone you keep out of reach?” Its moody verses open into expansive, sun-lit choruses lifted by punchy horns, a superb example of Dean’s willingness to veer into nostalgic textures without losing her contemporary edge. The melodic sweetness of Let Alone the One You Love then gives way to Man I Need, which slides effortlessly into a midtempo R&B groove, balancing modern punch with a smooth, understated shuffle. Listen closely and faint echoes of ‘80s pop, even shades of Tears for Fears, ripple beneath the surface. It’s this blend of heartfelt lyricism and polish that defines The Art of Loving, making the record as thought-provoking as it is irresistibly listenable.
The record shifts again with Something in-between, carried by a soft yet driving synth line that mirrors the uncertainty between two people caught in love’s grey areas. That theme of doubt deepens on Loud, where the lyric “The silence is so loud” anchors one of the album’s most poignant moments. With a sparsely plucked acoustic accompaniment, Dean allows the raw ache of miscommunication to seep through her voice, creating a strikingly vulnerable contrast to the album’s brighter passages. Together, the two tracks expand the emotional landscape of the record, reminding us that love here is as much about its fractures as its joys.
A standout comes with Baby Steps, a playful track paced like a slow stroll, its instrumentation perfectly mirroring the lyrical message of taking love one step at a time. Dean’s soulful delivery of “B-B-B-Baby Steps” lingers long after the track ends, and the song’s nostalgic flair ties it neatly back to earlier moments on the album. Before the album begins to wind down, A Couple Minutes introduces a sweeping orchestral backdrop in one of the most soulful offerings. After so many dynamic shifts, this piece feels like the album’s quiet heart, reminding us that the art of loving exists as much in calmness as in chaos. It’s a quietly powerful reflection of Dean’s ability to find peace in her own company, a sentiment that will resonate deeply with listeners. I’ve Seen It closes the record with a gentle acoustic backdrop, as Dean reflects on the many ways she has experienced and interpreted the art of loving. Vocally radiant and emotionally assured, it feels like a quintessential summary of her musical identity and an authentic, mature conclusion that gracefully ties the album together.
Whether she’s exploring the thrill of connection or the heartache of miscommunication, Dean approaches each theme with vulnerability and a clear-eyed insight. If Messy established her as one of UK soul’s brightest voices, The Art of Loving pushes her artistry further, refined but never diluted. It’s a record fitting for solitary reflection as it is for a relaxed evening shared, and, like love itself, it extends a warm invitation to all who listen.
