Embarking on my journey with Dua Lipa‘s Radical Optimism this past Friday morning, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and a hint of apprehension. After the profound impact of Future Nostalgia, an album that served as my musical anchor throughout the tumultuous year of 2020, I knew that Radical Optimism held the potential to be a significant game-changer for me.
Despite my anticipation, I found myself questioning how Dua could possibly surpass the immense success of her previous album. Each track on Future Nostalgia had resonated deeply with me, setting an exceptionally high bar for her subsequent work. However, as I soon discovered, doubting Dua turned out to be a mistake.
From the moment “End of an Era” began to play, a smile stretched across my face, remaining steadfast throughout the entirety of the 11-track journey. The song flawlessly sets the tone for the album, articulating its theme with lines like “What’s it about a kiss that makes me feel like this, makes me an optimist.” From the spoken-word pre-chorus with the lyric “Another girl falls in love, another one leaves the club”—which I would say perfectly encapsulates Dua’s signature style—to the cheeky “La Las” in the bridge that actually elicited a giggle from me, each element contributed to the album’s irresistible charm.
Each track on Radical Optimism feels tailor-made to captivate listeners: her vocals soar to new heights, perfectly complemented by impeccable production. The collaboration with her dream team—Kevin Parker, Danny L Harle, Tobias Jesso Jr., and Caroline Ailin—elevates the album to a level that Dua hasn’t taken her music to before. Behind-the-scenes footage of their joyous collaboration reinforces the infectious energy that permeates the music. It’s also a testament to Dua’s strong artistic perspective that, despite this album being crafted by a mostly different team than her last, the threads from Future Nostalgia remain ever-present.
Throughout the weekend, I found myself continuously drawn back to Radical Optimism. Whether I was dancing with friends or meticulously analyzing each lyric, every listen revealed new layers of depth and emotion. The previously released singles “Houdini,” “Training Season,” and “Illusion” seamlessly integrated into the album’s flow while also standing out as undeniable hits, prompting fond memories of their dynamic music videos and electrifying live performances. (Who could forget her legendary Grammy’s opening dance break that went viral on TikTok?)
Tracks like “These Walls” delicately explore the inevitability of a breakup, while “Watcha Doing” and “French Exit” exude sensuality, with Dua’s deep, sultry voice perfectly complementing the production’s seductive basslines and captivating guitars. Dua’s vocals, particularly on “Falling Forever,” evoke a triumphant 80s vibe that resonates deeply. Another standout is “Anything for Love,” co-written with Julia Michaels, a prolific pop songwriter known for her work on “Pretty Please” from Future Nostalgia, leaving me overwhelmed by their sheer beauty and infectious energy.
However, Radical Optimism delves beyond catchy beats and infectious hooks, exploring deeper themes with tracks like “Maria.” Offering a perspective seldom heard in pop music, Dua expresses gratitude to the ex of her new lover, acknowledging their role in shaping her relationship. The album concludes with “Happy For You,” where once again Dua takes the high road. Her willingness to venture into uncharted territory while maintaining a clear, cohesive message is truly commendable.
The fact that Dua penned over a hundred songs for this album speaks volumes about her dedication to perfection. Despite being crafted by a different team, Radical Optimism seamlessly integrates into Dua’s signature sound, showcasing her growth and maturity as an artist.
Radical Optimism is more than just an album—it’s a transformative journey that I’m deeply grateful to have experienced, and one I’ll continue to enjoy throughout the summer.
Radical Optimism is out now.
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