Album Review: Radical Optimism by Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa returns with ‘Radical Optimism,’ her third studio album. It's her most daring yet with the help of Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker and Danny L. Harle.
You wouldn’t necessarily have put money on the fact that Dua Lipa could be the next big thing. Her self-titled debut album swam generically on the wave of international EDM in 2017, closer to the Bebe Rexhas and Anne-Maries than to the Rihannas and Taylor Swifts of the world. She was good; she had the voice and the songs. But she was not a star. She was normal, comprehensible, a little impersonal. No sensation, no icon, and according to pop music’s natural laws, you remain forever condemned to stand in the second row despite all talent. Future Nostalgia changes everything. With that album, she ruled pop. Dua Lipa became the next big thing.
Dua Lipa finally became a superstar at the beginning of 2020 with that offering before the pandemic. The album won a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album category. As a result, there are features with stars like J. Balvin and Bad Bunny (“Un Dia (One Day)”), Miley Cyrus (“Prisoner”), Madonna and Missy Elliott (“Levitating,” all 2020), Elton John (“Cold Heart,” 2021) or Megan Thee Stallion (“Sweetest Pie,” 2022).
The album’s title, Radical Optimism, is rooted in Lipa’s philosophy and response to turbulent times. It encapsulates facing adversity with grace and strength, embodying the belief that one can emerge from any challenge with positivity and growth. The album’s themes revolve around this central idea, offering a narrative of hope, love, heartbreak, and courage through its lyrics and melodies. Each track on the album contributes to this overarching message, providing a soundtrack for those seeking solace and empowerment amidst life’s storms.
None of the assessments have changed. During these eleven tracks, mainly produced by Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker and Danny L. Harle, with the help of writing from Caroline Ailin and Tobias Jesso Jr., you won’t learn anything fundamental about the person Dua Lipa; the gossip press will not find it interesting, and a pop cultural myth certainly does not arise from it either. So, what has undermined the natural laws of pop music? Quite simply, this album handles everything that otherwise triggers star power, myth, and controversy with pure craftsmanship. Radical Optimism lifts disco from the stand of the grave to modern times with psychedelic (with multiple fusions) and sounds overwhelming.
It’s a red-haired Dua Lipa who dances tirelessly in the new video for “Houdini,” the first single with which the Kosovar pop star returns to the scene after the great success of “Dance the Night” from the Barbie soundtrack. The pop star told Apple Music about the lyrics: “The lyrics are a bit cheeky, but there is a real underlying message of understanding yourself deeply and having no guilt about knowing your self-worth. Sometimes, you just have to pull a Houdini and leave a situation that’s no longer serving you.”
The album opens with “End of an Era,” which captures the emotions and thoughts that come with the conclusion of a significant phase in life, particularly in the context of romantic relationships. The lyrics suggest a sense of nostalgia and reflection as one chapter closes and another begins. It touches on the excitement and hope that often accompany new connections, with the protagonist expressing optimism about a potential relationship after meeting someone new. The repeated phrase “This could be the end of an era” implies that while something is ending, there is also the possibility of something lasting emerging from this encounter.
The song also deals with personal growth and moving on from past experiences. The lines “No more, you’re not my type/No more, at least I tried” indicate a decision to stop pursuing unfulfilling relationships. There’s an acknowledgment of enjoying single life (“God knows I had some fun”), but also an openness to new beginnings (“New has just begun”). As the song progresses, it portrays a cycle of falling in love and moving on, symbolized by girls entering and leaving a club. This cycle suggests the transient nature of some relationships and the continuous search for happiness (“Is this my happy ending?”).
The pop star also released the second single, “Training Season,” accompanied by a video directed by Vincent Haycock (she also performed this song before the single’s release at the Grammys). “Are you someone that I can give my heart to, or are just the poison that I’m drawn to? It can be hard to tell the difference late at night,” sings the pop star. At the end of the video, a voice warns that the answering machine is complete and that no more space exists for messages.
“These Walls,” the most explicit song on the album, explores the emotional turmoil of a relationship that has soured. The lyrics suggest a couple adept at hiding their true feelings, maintaining stoic expressions akin to poker faces. Despite their ability to conceal emotions, the relationship’s decline is inevitable, leading to nights filled with tears and regret. The chorus introduces the metaphor of walls that, if given the ability to speak, would advise the couple to end their relationship. This personification of the walls implies that even the silent observers of their relationship can recognize its dysfunction.
Accompanying the third single, “Illusion,” is a video directed by Tanu Muiño, where we are engaged in sensual choreographies on a considerable diving board in a swimming pool as if suspended in thin air against the backdrop of Barcelona. The song introduces the theme of recognizing and moving past naivety in relationships. This admission sets the stage for a declaration of self-improvement, where she resolves to remove her “rose-colored glasses” and see situations for what they indeed are. As the song progresses, Dua Lipa confronts someone who attempts to deceive her with false promises and manipulative behavior. She expresses confidence in her ability to see through these deceptive tactics, asserting that she won’t be swayed by false appearances or “an illusion,” which makes it one of the standout songs on the album.
Other songs like “French Exit,” also known as “ghosting,” are used metaphorically to describe this act of leaving quietly without bidding farewell, “Maria” explores the emotional complexity of a new love that is deeply influenced by a past relationship, “Anything for Love” paints a picture of nostalgia for unwavering devotion and questions the ease with which modern love is discarded, “Falling Forever” explores the theme of enduring love and the desire to maintain the intensity of a romantic relationship over time, and “Whatcha Doing” express a conflict between desire and caution, as this internal struggle is highlighted by her acknowledgment of an inherent self-protective mechanism that resists vulnerability, paired with a fear of not encountering any flaws in the object of her affection, which could lead to a deeper emotional investment.
The album closes out with “Happy for You,” reflecting the complex emotions that arise when encountering an ex-partner who appears to have moved on and found happiness with someone else. The verse(s) describe a moment of surprise and realization as the protagonist sees a picture of their former lover looking content and well-matched with a new partner. This image prompts an unexpected emotional response, suggesting unresolved feelings. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the protagonist is grappling with mixed emotions, including sadness and acceptance.
Radical Optimism diverges from her previous work, embracing a daring mix of genres and sounds that keeps the confinement of who Dua Lipa has become as a superstar. Kevin Parker adds depth and experimentation to the production, while Harle infuses his hyper-pop sensibilities into the mix, creating a dynamic and unexpected sonic experience. Together, they help Lipa channel her vision into an album that reflects her growth as an artist.
Favorite Track(s): “End of an Era,” “These Walls,” “Illusion”