★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5
English singer-songwriter Dua Lipa quickly became the talk of the town when "New Rules", the seventh single from her self-titled debut album, was released in 2017.
The EDM-tinged ode to break up recovery became the artist's first number one hit in the UK, and a top ten hit in the United States. The song's success came more than a year after the album's original release date.
With the new commercial momentum, Lipa capitalized by sharing moderate follow-up hit "IDGAF" and jumping on a pair of infectious collaborations with Calvin Harris and Silk City -- "One Kiss" and "Electricity". Unfortunately, nothing matched the "New Rules" success, the debut album era ended, and audiences were clamoring for what was to come next.
In November 2019, with the release of Billboard Hot 100 runner-up "Don't Start Now", the artist finally teased sophomore album Future Nostalgia. Gone were the tropical house and electropop influences, instead making way for a disco sheen. Subsequent singles such as the colorful "Physical" and current "Break My Heart" sprinkled in some 80s flare and samples from Olivia Newton-John and INXS for a pop perfect chart formula.
It all made the case for a still fairly new, young artist taking creative control away from her handlers, for a sound that seemed more authentic, less robotic, and in line with what radio trends were aiming toward. Future Nostalgia, released a week early on March 27, is a bold and cohesive collection of dance tracks that destroy labels, gender roles, and romantic expectations.
The title track may have only served a "promotional single" role, but it carries more trajectory weight by linking Lipa's two album eras with Daft Punk-like influences and a playful sense of feminism. Disco and funk components collide at full speed as the artist declares herself a female alpha pushing the boundaries of innovation and versatility. "Future Nostalgia" is slightly cocky and conceited, but totally irresistible.
Official lead single "Don't Start Now" found Lipa effortlessly moving on from a previous relationship. She's now free from the chains, enjoying herself with a night out, when that past lover conveniently tries to show they actually do care. Too late. Lipa's advice? Just stay away. There appears to be no chance at rekindling the extinguished flame. With a vibrant attitude, she admits to being affected by the breakup, however, those initial tears have all dried up now.
"Cool" is unfortunately sandwiched between the album's two brightest highlights, yet still packs a strong enough romantic punch to stand out. Co-written alongside Tove Lo, Lipa prepares for the summer season by falling head over heels with a new man. "We got the heat and the thrill, 'cause you're more than any pill, never runnin' out of juice, when it's only me and you," she sings, confused that another has been able to distract her with a simple kiss.
Why has second single "Physical", the spiritual sequel to Olivia Newton-John's 80s hit, not climbed past its #60 chart peak? The artist convinces her partner that they should never settle for ordinary as she takes full advantage of their frenzied chemistry. The disco-tinged beats, a likening to the film Flashdance, the vocal styling a la Eurythmics – all help Lipa speed past doubt and hesitation, choosing instead to live life to the fullest.
Lipa blasts off to pop outer space for another Daft Punk-inspired cut, the sugary sweet "Levitating". The artist meets someone new and falls in love, letting go of inhibitions and simply having fun for a night. Fast-paced vocal delivery and clever songwriting elevate the finished product to single-worthy status. The subtle, funky supporting horns are the cherry on top. It all builds to a glorious rap-like bridge where Lipa allows her British accent to take full control.
We slow down, ensuring not to get ahead of ourselves in a new relationship, for "Pretty Please". With R&B-styled production at the forefront, everything just sounds relaxed -- Lipa's vocals and energy, her romantic intentions, the overall upbeat album vibe. "Hate it when you leave me unattended, 'cause I miss ya, and I need your love, when my mind is runnin' wild, could you help me slow it down?," she questions on the hook.
"Hallucinate" sticks out like a sore thumb with its prominent 90s dance influence. Critics compare the energetic effort to the "clubfare of Kylie Minogue". Kelis comparisons can be heard as well. Lipa's lovesick tendencies emerge once again as she locks eyes with a potential suitor while on the neon-lit dancefloor. Pulsating bass and a rollercoaster-like tempo progression keep the party going throughout the night, long enough to make you forget it all the next morning.
We take another break with "Love Again", where delicate strings make way for another high-profile sample to fill in the missing pieces. Lipa finds herself in a state of devastation following a nasty break-up, unsure if she is able to pull herself out of the muck. "So many nights, my tears fell harder than rain, scared I would take my broken heart to the grave, I'd rather die than have to live in a storm like before," she sings on the strongest, most mature moment of the album.
Channeling INXS, Lipa continues to adamantly pursue a love that may not be in her best interest. Third single "Break My Heart" is a nice continuation of the disco-pop vibe featured on its two predecessors, though far more subdued. Giving into temptation all too quickly, the artist sings that vulnerability and wearing one's heart on their sleeve are not always weaknesses. While the Europop influence is commendable, the finished product is slightly disappointing.
The antics of Lily Allen quickly come to mind when "Good In Bed" rolls around. Pop forward with hints of reggae, Lipa acknowledges the only reason to keep a certain relationship going, is the heated chemistry in the bedroom. Listening to urges instead of the heart never leads to positive outcomes, the artist knows this, it's just more fun to ignore reality for an evening. The song is a sonic departure for the album, kills the dance club mentality, but is an appreciated inclusion.
"Boys Will Be Boys" closes the sophomore effort -- for the meantime at least, until we get a deluxe edition. Lipa channels MARINA for a bouncy parody of gender societal norms and behavior. Unfortunately, no one is laughing at the grim picture of reality the artist paints. "It's second nature to walk home before the sun goes down, and put your keys between your knuckles when there's boys around," she sings, forcing a smile so she doesn't cry out of fear.
Future Nostalgia is a confident, focused, infectious sophomore effort for an artist who is still navigating the creative atmosphere following a sleeper hit debut album era. The pop audience has been demanding one of the genre heavyweights to dabble in proper disco influence, Lipa beats them all to it and sets the bar exceptionally high. While she might borrow from and salute numerous past acts with clever samples -- that's "nostalgia", right? -- the artist and her team are still able to best expectations and provide a strong model for pop gold. Even when the energy is unbearably high and the production steals attention, Lipa injects every song with a resonating, personal story. She's partnering with underrated, brilliant minds such as Tove Lo and Julia Michaels, but Lipa is ensuring she's connected to the material as much as she hopes the listeners become.
Tracks to Hear: "Don't Start Now", "Physical", "Levitating", "Hallucinate" and "Love Again"
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