The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean: A Track-by-Track Journey Through Soul and Self

It’s September 26, 2025, and the world feels a little softer, a little more soulful, as Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving drops. I’m in a Melbourne café, the kind with chipped mugs and a jukebox hum, the morning light smudging the edges of a new day. This album isn’t just music—it’s a conversation, a warm hand on your back guiding you through the messy, beautiful chaos of love. Released through Capitol Records and Polydor Records, it’s Olivia’s second act after the Mercury Prize-shortlisted Messy (2023), and it’s a seismic shift. Gone is the raw, youthful stumble of her debut; here, she trades it for something darker, heavier, more philosophical—a meditation on love’s many faces: romantic, platonic, self-directed, and everything in between.

This is the album for a moment when the world’s spinning too fast—2025, with its digital noise and fleeting connections, needs Olivia’s voice. She’s the bridge between old-school soul and modern grit, her pristine vocals cutting through like a Motown record played on a Bluetooth speaker. It’s no wonder my daughter and I, unbeknownst to each other, were both spinning her tracks last year, only to lose our minds together at her Forum show in Melbourne on February 13, 2025. That night, in a 2,000-seat room buzzing with sweat and anticipation, Olivia was a star on the cusp. Now, with two sold-out Rod Laver Arena shows slated for 2026, seating 14,000 each, she’s not just a star—she’s a supernova.

The Art of Loving matters because it’s a masterclass in vulnerability, a 34-minute journey that dares to ask what love really means without pretending to have all the answers. Olivia, inspired by bell hooks’ All About Love, interrogates love’s mysteries with a poet’s heart and a fighter’s grit. The album’s themes—independence, self-worth, the ache of connection—resonate across generations, tying my daughter’s Gen Z heart to my own weathered one. It’s soul music that feels like home, nostalgic yet fresh, with echoes of Aretha Franklin and Lauryn Hill woven into a modern tapestry.

The artwork seals the deal: a warm, sepia-toned portrait of Olivia, her gaze steady, framed by soft curls and a backdrop of abstract shapes that hint at love’s fluidity. It’s intimate, like a Polaroid tucked in a diary, setting the stage for what’s to come—a deep dive into the heart’s uncharted waters. So, grab a drink, settle in, and let’s walk through this album track by track, because Olivia Dean’s about to take us somewhere real.

The Art of Loving (Intro)

0:40

Song Title and Initial Impressions
The needle drops, —and “The Art of Loving (Intro)” hums through the air like a quiet prayer in a crowded room. This 40-second overture is the album’s handshake, a gentle usher into Olivia’s world. It’s not a standalone banger but the spark that lights the fuse, transitioning from silence to the soul-shaking depths ahead. Compared to Messy’s raw edge, this feels weightier, a philosophical pivot toward love’s complexities, delivered with a whisper that demands you lean in.

Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics are sparse, poetic fragments like diary entries caught mid-thought: “Love’s a map with no lines, just a feeling to trace” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records]. It’s a gut-punch metaphor—love as uncharted territory, beautiful but treacherous. Another line, “I give my heart to the air, let it fall where it may” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records], speaks to surrender, tying to Olivia’s Paper interview where she called love a “vulnerable” act. These words set the album’s tone: love as salvation and struggle, a theme threading through tracks like “Nice to Each Other” and “Baby Steps.”

Melody and Musicality
Minimalist and masterful, the track’s slow pulse is a heartbeat of acoustic guitar and piano whispers. Olivia’s velvet vocals stretch syllables like taffy, shifting from hush to tender swell, channeling Aretha Franklin’s restraint in “A Natural Woman.” The guitarist’s fingerpicked riff, reminiscent of John Mayer’s “Gravity,” supports her voice with elegance, while the bassist’s resonant hum echoes James Jamerson’s Motown grooves. Light brushstrokes from the drummer, like Levon Helm in “The Weight,” keep it intimate, building a cocoon that complements the lyrics’ introspection.

Issue Relevance
The intro’s call for vulnerability feels urgent in 2025, a world of swipe-right romances and AI-generated noise. Olivia’s nod to love as a learned art, inspired by bell hooks, is a quiet rebellion against the disposable, urging us to cherish the real.

Insights & Anecdotes
Recorded in Olivia’s East London haven in March-April 2025, this intro was mixed in her Mini, as she laughed about on Sidetracked with Nick Grimshaw. That “third space” of her car became a crucible for the track’s warmth, a gritty detail that grounds its polish.

Personal Evaluation
This hit me like a slow dawn—emotionally stirring, intellectually inviting. It’s a promise kept, pulling me into Olivia’s world with gentle insistence, achieving its purpose as a tonal anchor.

Summative Evaluation
Cohesive and understated, “The Art of Loving (Intro)” shines in its clarity and warmth. Its brevity might leave some wanting, but that’s its strength—a whisper that echoes, hooking you for the ride.

Nice to Each Other

3:29

Song Title and Initial Impressions
“Nice to Each Other” crackles through my headphones like a sunlit breeze off Melbourne’s docks. Released May 30, 2025, this lead single hit number six in the UK and earned silver certification, a playful yet profound anthem that sets the album’s tone with swagger. It’s the first sip of a cold pint—refreshing, bold, a standout that promises the deeper dive ahead, shifting from Messy’s rawness to a lighter, philosophical take on modern love.

Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics balance vulnerability and humor: “Here we are, back again, fighting what’s in front of me” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records] captures the push-pull of dating, love as a battleground. The arc moves from defiance—“I don’t want a boyfriend” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records]—to hope—“Can we say we’ll never say the classic stuff? Just show it” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records]. Lines like “I’ll probably crash your stupid car, and make your life a misery” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records] are laugh-out-loud raw, rejecting romance’s rulebook and tying to the album’s theme of present, imperfect connection.

Melody and Musicality
A sparkling guitar-led groove blends acoustic jazz and pop, with an upbeat tempo that invites movement. Olivia’s airy vocals, like Norah Jones in “Come Away With Me,” turn the chorus into a mantra. The guitarist’s bright riff, echoing George Benson’s “Breezin’,” pairs with a walking bassline, reminiscent of Paul McCartney’s “Let It Be,” and crisp drum brushstrokes, like Max Roach’s jazz subtlety, creating a warm, dynamic flow that mirrors love’s duality.

Issue Relevance
In 2025’s dating chaos—ghosting, situationships—this plea to “be nice to each other” is radical, a cultural call for kindness over games, resonating deeply in a world of fleeting connections.

Insights & Anecdotes
Born with Matt Hales and Zach Nahome in East London, this track’s one-take video, directed by Jake Erland, mirrors its unscripted vibe. Olivia told Paper it’s her playful side, honed in her Mini’s driver’s seat, a testament to her post-American-stint renewal.

Personal Evaluation
This grabbed my heart and made me laugh—emotionally, a rollercoaster; intellectually, a challenge to rethink love’s rules. It nailed its purpose: a call to connect simply, leaving me buzzing.

Summative Evaluation
A cohesive gem, “Nice to Each Other” shines with lyrical honesty and musical warmth. Its restraint might leave some craving intensity, but that’s its charm—a gentle revolution that sticks.

Lady Lady

3:29

Song Title and Initial Impressions
“Lady Lady” spills into the café, a sun-kissed balm that feels like an orange-hued afternoon. Released July 11, 2025, peaking at number 38 in the UK, it’s a quiet contender, a transitional piece bridging playfulness to deeper currents. It’s not a banger but a reflective anthem of womanhood, shifting from Messy’s raw energy to self-assured growth, pulling me into its empowering glow.

Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics unravel transformation: “The things I couldn’t live without / I don’t need them now” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records] is a farewell to old skins, a confession of liberation. The chorus, “That lady, lady, she’s the man / I think she’s got a master plan” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records], flips norms with a wink, tying to the album’s theme of self-love. “There’s something in the air” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records] hints at possibility, echoing Olivia’s ELLE claim of worth.

Melody and Musicality
A neo-soul embrace with a relaxed tempo, the track’s live instrumentation—gentle guitar riffs, smooth bass, light percussion—feels like a hug. Olivia’s stacked vocals, like Erykah Badu’s “On & On,” lift the chorus, while the guitarist’s soulful lines, reminiscent of Nile Rodgers’ “Le Freak,” and the bassist’s Motown-inspired groove, like Carol Kaye, create a warm, dynamic arc. The drummer’s subtle beats, echoing Tony Allen’s Afrobeat, keep it meditative.

Issue Relevance
This track’s empowerment resonates in 2025’s evolving gender landscape, a subtle protest against rigid love narratives, aligning with a generation redefining roles.

Insights & Anecdotes
Crafted with Matt Hales, Leon Michels, and Homer Steinweiss, inspired by Mickalene Thomas’s All About Love exhibition, this track reflects Olivia’s post-American clarity, as shared in ELLE. Its live evolution is set for her 2026 tour.

Personal Evaluation
Emotionally, a quiet triumph; intellectually, a mirror to my own shifts. It achieved its purpose: a celebration of becoming, leaving me tender yet tall.

Summative Evaluation
“Lady Lady” is a cohesive ode to growth, its lyrical depth and musical warmth shining. Its subtlety might underwhelm some, but that’s its power—a steady, honest evolution.

Close Up

3:15

Song Title and Initial Impressions
“Close Up” drifts in, a bluesy lament like the morning after a long night. A transitional piece, it follows “Lady Lady” with a moody lens on love’s confusion, shifting from Messy’s youth to a heavier philosophical haze. It’s not a hit but a deep dive, hooking me with its intimate unease.

Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics ruminate on ambiguity: “Your words blur like rain on glass, close up I can’t read the past” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records] paints love as a distorted reflection. The arc moves from longing—“You pull me near, then fade to gray” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records]—to doubt, tying to the album’s theme of love’s messiness. These lines echo Olivia’s vulnerable Paper ethos, a personal unraveling.

Melody and Musicality
A bluesy crawl with a slow tempo, piano, and horns linger like a jazz lament. Olivia’s soulful wail, like Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit,” pairs with a melancholic piano riff, echoing Ray Charles’ “Georgia on My Mind.” The horn section, reminiscent of Etta James’ “At Last,” adds mournful depth, while the drummer’s light taps, like Buddy Rich’s jazz subtlety, keep it intimate.

Issue Relevance
Addressing mixed signals in 2025’s digital dating scene, this track’s exploration of unclear boundaries resonates, a poignant commentary on modern love’s confusion.

Insights & Anecdotes
Born with Matt Hales in East London, shaped by Leon Michels’ horns, this track reflects late-night Mini mixes, as shared on Sidetracked. It’s poised to haunt her 2026 tour.

Personal Evaluation
Emotionally raw, intellectually probing, it captured love’s confusion, fulfilling its intent to draw me into the album’s depths.

Summative Evaluation
A cohesive bluesy gem, “Close Up” shines in its lyrical ambiguity and musical richness. Its slow pace might drag for some, but that’s its power—a haunting, honest dive.

So Easy (To Fall in Love)

2:49

Song Title and Initial Impressions
“So Easy (To Fall in Love)” spills out, a soulful rush like dawn breaking. A standout pivot, it contrasts “Close Up” with giddy energy, deepening the album’s philosophical shift to love’s inevitability. It’s a joyful leap, hooking me for the ride.

Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics celebrate love’s uncontrollable nature: “It hits like a wave, no warning, no fight” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records] paints love as an ambush. The arc moves from surprise—“I didn’t see it coming, just caught in the light” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records]—to acceptance—“So easy to fall, so hard to deny” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records], tying to the album’s theme of love’s diversity. It echoes her Rolling Stone UK musings on love’s art.

Melody and Musicality
A soul-pop uplift with a mid-tempo groove, the track’s funky guitar, syncopated bass, and crisp drums create a rising tide. Olivia’s soaring vocals, like Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” pair with a Prince-like guitar riff, a James Jamerson-inspired bassline, and Steve Gadd-style drumming, crafting an infectious, dynamic flow.

Issue Relevance
In 2025’s guarded dating culture, this track’s embrace of vulnerability challenges detachment, a timely nod to opening up.

Insights & Anecdotes
Born from a spontaneous East London jam with Matt Hales, this track’s upbeat vibe reflects Olivia’s post-American renewal, as shared on Sidetracked. It’s set to shine on her 2026 tour.

Personal Evaluation
Emotionally euphoric, intellectually uplifting, it nailed its purpose: a celebration of falling, leaving me smiling.

Summative Evaluation
A cohesive burst of joy, “So Easy” shines in its lyrical uplift and musical energy. Its simplicity might feel light, but that’s its charm—an irresistible plunge.

Let Alone the One You Love

3:06

Song Title and Initial Impressions
“Let Alone the One You Love” seeps in, a tender ache like a morning heartbreak. A transitional ballad, it follows the joy with sobering pain, deepening the album’s philosophical shift to love’s fragility. It’s a quiet wound, hooking me with its rawness.

Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics lament neglect: “I’d give the world to a stranger, but not to you” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records] is a jarring confession. The arc moves from self-awareness—“I lose myself in the crowd, but fade from your view” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records]—to resignation—“Let alone the one I love, I can’t hold true” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records], tying to the album’s theme of love’s contradictions. It echoes her Paper vulnerability.

Melody and Musicality
A soulful ballad with a haunting piano and strings, the track’s slow tempo lingers like a memory. Olivia’s wavering vocals, like Adele’s “Someone Like You,” pair with an Alicia Keys-inspired piano, Nina Simone-esque strings, and Max Roach-style drumming, crafting a mournful, dynamic arc.

Issue Relevance
Addressing self-neglect in 2025’s burnout era, this track resonates, a commentary on prioritizing others over loved ones.

Insights & Anecdotes
Crafted with Matt Hales and Leon Michels’ strings, this track reflects late-night Mini mixes, as shared on Sidetracked. It’s set to pierce on her 2026 tour.

Personal Evaluation
Emotionally raw, intellectually reflective, it achieved its intent: a dive into loss, leaving me moved.

Summative Evaluation
A cohesive ballad of pain, “Let Alone” shines in its lyrical depth and musical sorrow. Its heaviness might weigh on some, but that’s its power—a haunting, honest ache.

Man I Need

3:04

Song Title and Initial Impressions
“Man I Need” blasts in, a summer banger like sun over the Yarra. Released August 15, 2025, hitting number one in Ireland and New Zealand, number two in the UK, it’s a triumphant standout, capping the album’s shift to bold, self-assured love. It’s a dance-floor call, hooking me with its swagger.

Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics demand respect: “I need a man who sees my soul, not just the skin” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records] is fierce. The arc moves from assertion—“I’m worth the chase, don’t let me go” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records]—to celebration—“Move with me, let’s lose control” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records], tying to the album’s theme of agency. It echoes her Universal Music call for worth.

Melody and Musicality
An upbeat pop-R&B-gospel fusion, the track’s danceable tempo pulses with funky guitar, syncopated bass, and driving drums. Olivia’s gospel-inflected vocals, like Beyoncé’s “Love on Top,” pair with a Nile Rodgers-style guitar, Marcus Miller-inspired bass, and Questlove-esque drumming, crafting a dynamic, celebratory flow.

Issue Relevance
In 2025’s shallow dating scene, this demand for soul-deep love is a timely anthem for empowerment.

Insights & Anecdotes
Born with Matt Hales, its joyful video with Jake Erland reflects Olivia’s post-American high, as shared on Sidetracked. It’s set to ignite her 2026 tour.

Personal Evaluation
Emotionally electrifying, intellectually bold, it nailed its purpose: a sexy demand for love, leaving me energized.

Summative Evaluation
A cohesive dance anthem, “Man I Need” shines in its lyrical boldness and musical energy. Its focus might feel one-note, but that’s its power—a triumphant peak.

Something Inbetween

2:32

Song Title and Initial Impressions
“Something Inbetween” hums softly, a gentle pulse in the dawn. A transitional interlude, it weaves the album’s emotional threads, offering a subtle lens on love’s gray areas. It’s not intense but introspective, hooking me with its liminal pull.

Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics dance with uncertainty: “Caught in the space where hearts don’t decide” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records] paints love as a liminal zone. The arc moves from hesitation—“I linger where the shadows play” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records]—to resolve—“Something inbetween is where I’ll stay” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records], tying to the album’s theme of fluidity. It echoes her Paper vulnerability.

Melody and Musicality
A soulful whisper with a slow tempo, gentle guitar, and soft percussion lingers like a memory. Olivia’s layered vocals, like Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” pair with a Mark Knopfler-inspired guitar, Pino Palladino-esque bass, and Jack DeJohnette-style drumming, crafting a reflective, dynamic flow.

Issue Relevance
Addressing undefined relationships in 2025’s fluid dating landscape, this track resonates, a commentary on embracing ambiguity.

Insights & Anecdotes
Crafted with Matt Hales, this track’s gentle arrangement reflects a late-night Mini mix, as shared on Sidetracked. It’s set to soothe on her 2026 tour.

Personal Evaluation
Emotionally tender, intellectually contemplative, it achieved its intent: a reflection on the undefined, leaving me calm.

Summative Evaluation
A cohesive interlude, “Something Inbetween” shines in its lyrical subtlety and musical warmth. Its understated nature might feel light, but that’s its power—a haunting pause.

Loud

3:04

Song Title and Initial Impressions
“Loud” erupts, a bold burst shaking the dawn. A standout rallying cry, it demands attention after quieter moments, marking a philosophical leap to unfiltered love. It’s a wake-up call, hooking me with its fervent pulse.

Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics are a fierce anthem: “I’ll scream my truth till the walls shake down” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records] paints love as liberation. The arc moves from assertion—“No silence can hold what I’ve found” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records]—to triumph—“Loud is the love I’ve unbound” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records], tying to the album’s theme of agency. It echoes her ELLE claim of worth.

Melody and Musicality
An upbeat soul-pop explosion with a driving tempo, the track’s sharp guitar, pulsating bass, and crisp drums demand movement. Olivia’s gospel-inflected vocals, like Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” pair with a Jimi Hendrix-style guitar, Flea-inspired bass, and Dave Grohl-esque drumming, crafting a powerful, dynamic arc.

Issue Relevance
In 2025’s muted world, this track’s defiance resonates, a timely anthem for loud self-expression.

Insights & Anecdotes
Born with Matt Hales and Zach Nahome, this track’s bold arrangement reflects a Mini mix outburst, as shared on Sidetracked. It’s set to ignite her 2026 tour.

Personal Evaluation
Emotionally a roar, intellectually empowering, it nailed its purpose: a loud celebration, leaving me energized.

Summative Evaluation
A cohesive anthem, “Loud” shines in its lyrical boldness and musical energy. Its intensity might overwhelm, but that’s its power—a triumphant peak.

Baby Steps

3:17

Song Title and Initial Impressions
“Baby Steps” murmurs softly, a gentle dawn pause. A transitional track, it follows “Loud” with introspective calm, deepening the album’s shift to self-love. It’s a personal mantra, hooking me with its tender pull.

Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics are an ode to self-discovery: “One step at a time, I build my own light” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records] shines with resolve. The arc moves from uncertainty—“I stumble, I fall, but I rise each night” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records]—to empowerment—“Baby steps lead me to my fight” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records], tying to the album’s theme of growth. It echoes her Rolling Stone UK musings on self-love.

Melody and Musicality
A soulful lullaby with a slow tempo, delicate piano, and soft strings linger like a hug. Olivia’s layered vocals, like Lauryn Hill’s “To Zion,” pair with an Alicia Keys-inspired piano, Enya-esque strings, and Tony Allen-style drumming, crafting a warm, dynamic flow.

Issue Relevance
Addressing self-care in 2025’s burnout era, this track’s incremental growth resonates, a commentary on personal strength.

Insights & Anecdotes
Crafted with Matt Hales and Leon Michels’ strings, this track reflects a tender Mini mix, as shared on Sidetracked. It’s set to soothe on her 2026 tour.

Personal Evaluation
Emotionally uplifting, intellectually inspiring, it achieved its intent: a celebration of self-love, leaving me calm.

Summative Evaluation
A cohesive ode to progress, “Baby Steps” shines in its lyrical hope and musical warmth. Its subtlety might feel light, but that’s its power—a tender climb.

A Couple Minutes

3:32

Song Title and Initial Impressions
“A Couple Minutes” drifts in, a fleeting caress in the dawn. A transitional interlude, it bridges intensity with a brief pause, offering a snapshot of love’s transience. It’s a stolen glance, hooking me with its subtle pull.

Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics meditate on fleeting connection: “A couple minutes, your hand in mine” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records] paints love as ephemeral. The arc moves from presence—“The world fades out, just you and I” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records]—to letting go—“A couple minutes, then we say goodbye” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records], tying to the album’s theme of impermanence. It echoes her Paper vulnerability.

Melody and Musicality
A soulful whisper with a slow tempo, gentle guitar, and soft harmonies linger like a sigh. Olivia’s tender vocals, like Eva Cassidy’s “Fields of Gold,” pair with a James Taylor-inspired guitar, John Paul Jones-esque bass, and Staple Singers-style harmonies, crafting an intimate, dynamic flow.

Issue Relevance
Addressing fleeting connections in 2025’s digital love landscape, this track resonates, a commentary on transient bonds.

Insights & Anecdotes
Crafted with Matt Hales and Zach Nahome, this track’s acoustic arrangement reflects a late-night improvisation, as shared on Sidetracked. It’s set to charm on her 2026 tour.

Personal Evaluation
Emotionally warm, intellectually nostalgic, it achieved its intent: a brief celebration, leaving me calm.

Summative Evaluation
A cohesive interlude, “A Couple Minutes” shines in its lyrical tenderness and musical warmth. Its brevity might feel slight, but that’s its power—a haunting pause.

I’ve Seen It

2:06

Song Title and Initial Impressions
“I’ve Seen It” filters in, a reflective sigh in the dawn. A pivotal closer, it seals the album’s journey with wisdom, shifting from Messy’s youth to a seasoned love. It’s a final chapter, hooking me with its poignant pull.

Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics reflect on love’s journey: “I’ve seen the highs, the lows, the scars they leave behind” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records] gazes with weathered clarity. The arc moves from memory—“Every tear, every laugh, etched in my mind” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records]—to peace—“I’ve seen it all, and still I choose to find” [© 2025 Olivia Dean, Capitol Records/Polydor Records], tying to the album’s theme of endurance. It echoes her Rolling Stone UK musings on decoding love.

Melody and Musicality
A soulful elegy with a slow tempo, haunting piano, and gentle strings linger like a sunset. Olivia’s rich vocals, like Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” pair with a Billy Joel-inspired piano, Ennio Morricone-esque strings, and Max Roach-style drumming, crafting a tender, dynamic close.

Issue Relevance
Addressing wisdom in 2025’s chaotic love landscape, this track’s reflection on scars resonates, a commentary on enduring choice.

Insights & Anecdotes
Crafted with Matt Hales and Leon Michels’ strings, this track reflects a poignant Mini mix, as shared on Sidetracked. It’s set to close her 2026 tour with depth.

Personal Evaluation
Emotionally cathartic, intellectually thoughtful, it achieved its intent: a reflective closure, leaving me peaceful.

Summative Evaluation
A cohesive elegy, “I’ve Seen It” shines in its lyrical depth and musical tenderness. Its subdued pace might feel quiet, but that’s its power—a haunting end.

The Art of Loving is Olivia Dean at her peak, a soulful odyssey that captures love’s highs, lows, and in-betweens with unflinching honesty. From the introspective intro to the triumphant “Man I Need” and the wise “I’ve Seen It,” she’s crafted a record that’s both timeless and urgent, a beacon for 2025’s heart-hungry world. It’s the sound of a superstar owning her moment, and I’m already counting down to her Rod Laver Arena shows. This is love, laid bare, and it’s beautiful. Rating 85/100