Olivia Dean - The Art Of Loving

Olivia Dean’s 2023 debut ‘Messy’ was itself eagerly awaited; this successor arrives with yet more attention on the singer-songwriter, via various high-profile appearances including a lunchtime Pyramid Stage set at last summer’s Glasto, and the poignant ‘It Isn’t Perfect But It Might Be’ becoming the soundtrack to this year’s Bridget Jones movie. There’s a sense of warmth underpinning the Londoner’s second full-length, recorded in an East London house-turned-studio. First impressions ‘Nice To Each Other’ and ‘Lady Lady’, both lean into a lighter, more flamboyant edge, momentarily revisiting the carefree spirit glimpsed on ‘Messy’, even as much of Olivia’s work continues to dwell in more reflective, tender spaces. ‘So Easy To Fall In Love’ is similarly upbeat; a romantic retelling of the early stages of falling for someone over tinkering keys and decorative drums.

The opening lyrics of ‘Close Up’ (“Chasing rabbits don’t usually end with happily ever after”) match a certain unease provided by the twang of a descending piano, as the song opens into an expansive chorus, before the bookending ‘Loud’, soaring vocals front and centre, is bolstered by delicate plucked guitar and cinematic strings. ‘Loud’, also deserving of flowers for its emotional depth and transparency, brings listeners back to her ability to communicate the complexities of human relationships, the warmth of her voice radiating sincerity. ‘I’ve Seen It’, meanwhile, provides a round-up with an anthemic ending: a final declaration of knowing one’s self-worth. ‘The Art Of Loving’ is all of these lessons; from the need for independence (‘Man I Need’) to the art of letting go (‘Let Alone The One You Love’), Olivia manages to convey all wisely, without becoming preachy.