Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism is destined to get bodies on the dancefloor - review
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Dua Lipa's strong determination is truly inspiring. During the creation of her first album in 2017, she informed her A&R manager, Joe Kentish, that she intended to collaborate with Kevin Parker from Tame Impala on her third album. Kentish chuckled and advised her to not get ahead of herself. Nevertheless, here we are, seven years later, and Dua Lipa has released her third album, Radical Optimism, featuring Parker as a producer and musician on seven of the album's 11 tracks.
From the start of her career, the Albanian-British artist's determination to be true to her art has been one of her strongest characteristics. This resolute spirit is present in her 2017 hit "New Rules", the assertive "Don't Start Now" from 2019, and also in "Houdini", her latest single in which she challenges a potential partner with the bold lyric, "Prove you've got the right to please me." With an energetic, upbeat, and funky style, Lipa embodies the essence of snap-your-fingers optimism throughout her new album.
From the very beginning, she asserts her dominance. The song "End of an Era" starts with a fast-paced intro featuring flutes that sound like they're from the 1970s. The iconic rubber-band-bass comes in, signaling her arrival onto the dancefloor and taking charge. She demands, "Hey, what's your name? Come with me." Parker adds some live percussion such as a hi-hat, bells, and chimes to the upbeat mix, giving it a more natural sound that complements Lipa's energetic disco pop style.
However, she doesn't require a band playing live to add excitement. She has always appreciated the combination of bass and vocals, accompanied by shimmering synthesizers, to quicken heartbeats. In the track "Houdini", the tune intensifies as she pleads with a romantic interest to "catch" her before she departs, escalating the tension to cosmic levels by emphasizing that "time is fleeting like a solar eclipse". Time is ticking away, so act fast!
In the "Training Season" section, the consequences are significant and can determine success or failure. A snare drum creates a sense of urgency to motivate those who are not yet prepared. "Whatcha Doin'" features a bass line that is so flexible that it propels Lipa towards a romantic encounter. In "Illusion", Lipa revels in the club beat as she laughs off a player who is trying to win her over for life, taking her for a ride. Her high level of energy and self-assurance has a way of inspiring others.
It's appropriate for Lipa as an artist with worldwide appeal to add some European disco flair to certain tracks, accompanied by energetic skirt-twirling and party vibes associated with sambuca shots. "Maria" and "French Exit" both showcase a Latin strum and flamenco-style handclaps, with the latter referring to leaving without any farewell.
The song "These Walls" includes a beautiful American slide guitar that plays in a lower key. Even though it's actually a breakup song, the melody is so upbeat that non-English speakers might not even realize it. "Falling Forever" features some amazing ululation that makes you want to root for Lipa in Eurovision 2025. The beat is fast and powerful, and Lipa's vocals are strong and impressive, despite usually being more pouty or breathy.
Unlike a lot of other pop singers, Lipa doesn't reveal much about her personal life in her music. In a recent interview, she joked that being British means she's not one to share intimate details. Lipa seems focused on getting people moving and dancing to her music. She wants everyone to feel energized and pushed to their limits, just like in an 80s aerobics class. So, put on something comfortable and get ready to move with Lipa. Her music is all about feeling the positive energy and optimism. You'll be glowing by the end of it!
