On her latest album “The Art of Loving,” Olivia Dean’s writing feels both conversational and poetic, framing her stories in a way that echoes pain, longing, and the recognition of her own self-worth.

Following the release of three different singles, “Nice To Each Other,” “Lady Lady,” and “Man I Need,” “The Art of Loving” was released on September 26, 2025. The twelve-track album clocks in at 34 minutes and boasts four music videos.

Dean’s soulful voice and grooving melodies create a vulnerable atmosphere that explores themes like love, confusion, and all those emotions that are “Something Inbetween.”

“The Art of Loving (Intro)”

The 40 introduction opens the album with the perfect balance between simplicity and resonance. It feels like an invitation into Dean’s world, and sets the stage for an honest and raw portrayal of love, told from the perspective of someone who has dealt with all of its complicated forms. 

“Nice To Each Other”

The laid-back, breezy second track makes you want to get up and dance. It’s a valuable reminder of the importance of something as simple as friendship, told from within a seemingly lacking relationship. Dean finds herself in a familiar position, caught up in the choice between kindness or romance. She mentions a hesitancy to go down the same path she normally does, which “never works, you know it.” The song is a gentle but firm refusal to be trapped in the same lousy situation, but rather, turning things around and finding something new. 

“Lady Lady”

The smooth and sure energy of track three embraces the unknown and the beauty of trusting what’s to come. The song incorporates more of an R&B style beat, which feels assured, emphasizing the idea that everything will fall into place exactly as it’s meant to be. “That lady lady, she’s the man. I think she’s got a master plan.” The confidence that pours from Dean’s voice feels strong and soulful, giving listeners the boost of calm, cool, and collected energy they may need. 

“Close Up”

Track four chronicles the whirlpool feeling of getting sucked into something confusing, but all too familiar. “Why do we feel so distant? You’re treating me like I’m one of the rest, I feel stupid for wearing that dress. Well I guess, I saw something you didn’t.” The lyrics feel like Dean is hoping for something more, but feeling foolish when it doesn’t end up as she’d wished. The song’s about grappling with yourself, trying to make sense of a complicated situation while dealing with feelings of resentment towards someone who maybe isn’t clear about what they’re feeling as things fall apart. “Did I misread completely, every single touch? Do you even see me?” 

“So Easy (To Fall In Love)”

From the first couple ringing notes of the trumpet, it’s obvious that the all-too-cool tone of this track is an instant mood-boost. It radiates confidence and comfortability, promoting the forgotten simplicity of falling in love. “There’s no need to hide if you’re into me ‘cause I’m into you quite intimately.” Clearly Olivia Dean knows her worth and isn’t afraid to say so. 

“Let Alone The One You Love”

Buckle up. The sixth (and probably my favorite) track of the album explores the pain of loving someone who can’t love you the way you deserve. “If you knew me at all, you wouldn’t try to keep me small.” Dean’s voice echoes with the pain of someone who knows they have to walk away, but can’t help but look back. The bittersweet moment of heartbreak demonstrates the challenge of knowing your worth, but having trouble separating from whoever is holding you back. 

“Man I Need”

Olivia Dean knows what she’s looking for. As she lays out a clear map of what exactly it is she wants, she boldly refuses to lower her standards for anyone. The production style has an upbeat and playful pulse, moving the song forward in a way that demonstrates growth and maturity. Dean’s refusal to settle is inspiring, reminding listeners that your expectations are never too high. 

“Something Inbetween”

Seeped with uncertainty, “Something Inbetween” explores the gray area between what’s real and what’s not. “I’m not leaving, just feel tightly squeezed in. Love needs breathing, I’m not his, I’m not hers, I’m not yours.” Stuck in limbo between choosing what’s best for herself and what feels secure, Dean confronts the confusion. “Is it thinking too high of myself to not want to be sad?” As I listened to this song for the first time, I felt like I was suspended in time. There is an air of tension in her voice that feels more exasperated than angry. 

“Loud”

The dazzling vocals and intense orchestral arrangement echo a sense of urgency that only builds throughout the song. As the track gains traction, intensity rises and emotions feel heightened, releasing many a bottled up thought. Dean delivers her message so clearly, with brilliant vocals she somehow manages to make sound so effortless. The incorporation of strings give the song a polished feel that emphasizes the message of refusing to dull yourself down for someone else. 

“Baby Steps”

Track ten embraces the new and uncomfortable, diving into unexplored territories. Taking things one step at a time, Dean learns how to live in a new light. She prioritizes herself with patience and values independence for what it is, accepting that progress is gradual and slow. The steady nature of the song feels supportive, the reassurance that gives you the strength to keep going, taking things slow and steady. 

“A Couple Minutes” 

The track explores the ease of falling back into the familiarity of somebody you used to know, while simultaneously embracing distance. “Since when are you smoking now? It’s been a while, let me know, did you end up moving house?” It captures the desire to pause time, only for a couple minutes, to savor what feels like a fleeting moment. 

“I’ve Seen It”

The album comes to a close with this deeply reflective track about finding the beauty in what we see. It feels like the perfect conclusion to such a meaningful journey, emphasizing growth and gratitude through a wise lens. It feels like Dean has found peace, more stable and clear-sighted than the more confused tracks earlier in the album. 

The album offers a lot of variety and I think that there’s something for everyone. Even upon my first listen it felt familiar, yet at the same time, totally different from anything I’ve heard. The stylistic choices make the record feel so timeless and special. This was my most played album of 2025 for a reason and I would highly recommend that everyone give it a listen.