Review: Radical Optimism by Dua Lipa
7/10
Dua Lipa explores a new(ish) sound in the tropical summer oceans, but fails to find solid ground
Coming off the heels of one of the most successful eras in pop music with Future Nostalgia and a Barbie Soundtrack super hit, Dua Lipa is easily one of the undisputed hitmaker of pop. Starting her career opening for the brilliant Troye Sivan, she has found solid status with just two albums in the industry. Even though this album comes 4 (what?) years after Future Nostalgia, it doesn’t feel like Lipa ever disappeared or took a break from music. Some of her avid fans would say she is the only artist left in pop music who really does a complete era - filled with a tour and multiple music videos. Regardless, this album was much anticipated. With Lipa expected to leave behind the classic dance sound that made her popular, the world was waiting to see what the superstar does next. Radical Optimism arrives with a new(ish) sound, and some very cool song ideas.
Radical Optimism doesn’t reinvent the pop behemoth, nor does it reinvent Dua Lipa’s sound, instead it takes a little detour and then drives parallel to familiar routes. If i could describe the sound shift visually, it sounds as different as the same song would in a nightclub vs in a convertible driving somewhere in Central America. The album opener, End Of An Era, has Dua Lipa in prime form - dance beats, simple but meaningful lyricism yet it doesn’t hit as hard as her previous album openers. Following are two singles which depart from the otherwise ocean-y sound of the record to go back to familiar grounds but fall short if hitting the peak we have seen with Dua at her best. There are some tracks where this new coastal sound works really well (These Walls, Illusion, Maria). Dua Lipa finds very interesting song ideas and producers Andrew Wyatt and Danny Harle (Tame Impala) complement them with equally interesting production. These Walls finds Lipa lamenting about an upcoming break-up. Maria is a thank you to her current boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend (pretty cool idea for a pop song). Illusion finds her learning from her mistakes and trying her best to prevent them again (also the best single so far). This album works when Lipa is telling a story which, unfortunately, isn’t very often.
The album highlight, and arguably one of her best vocal performances to date unfolds in Falling Forever. The massive production pairs perfectly with her strong voice, and lyrics that find her wondering if a relationship can stay exciting as time passes. It is bound to be a single, and I am excited to see what she does with this album on tour. If we have learned anything from Lipa’s last two albums is that she doesn’t need to start off at number 1 on the charts for a successful album, and I trust her team and her to make this album bigger than it seems right now and give her at least one (if not more) massive radio hits. Until then I will just close my eyes, put this album on, and pretend I am on vacation.
