Olivia Dean, The Art of Loving Review

by Rudy Palma

Across modern soul’s lineage, from Etta James’s confessionals to Amy Winehouse’s grit, one can trace their ancestry elegantly in Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving. What distinguishes it is its self-awareness, situating 2025 London within a trans-Atlantic conversation about love, craft, and R&B musical modernity.

The opener, “The Art of Loving (Intro),” acts as the prelude for this concept album. Here, Dean’s unaccompanied vocal gestures are tinged with gospel and soul; her phrasing of each line and vocal harmony is organic. The listener hears the details in Dean’s voice that make her style so alluring.

“Nice To Each Other” evolves heritage into groove modernity: a rhythm shaped by the soft funk of the late ’70s, yet harmonically voiced for the streaming era with a sound that is airier, wider, and soulful. Dean’s lyricism humanizes civility itself, presenting kindness as rebellion. “Lady Lady,” conversely, draws from a post-millennial R&B setting, fusing gospel chords with atmospheric synths, creating what could be called neo-devotional pop.

“Close Up” has an old piano sound that echoes the lo-fi authenticity of early R&B, with imperfection as proof of truth. “Let Alone the One You Love” sits at the crossroads of R&B and contemporary soul with its 6/8 meter and nod to the slow ballads of the ’60s. Dean’s vocal tone is magical. “Man I Need,” she tunes her vocals to the era of hybrid soul, blending British pop inflections with the rhythmic swagger once exclusive to Philadelphia.

Historically, the album might be read as a case study in the globalization of R&B. Dean borrows freely from American idioms while grounding her narratives in British soul. Her authenticity lies not in imitation but in translation; she hears history as living material.

The finale, “I’ve Seen It,” encapsulates that continuum of groove, recalling the mix of R&B in this union of soul and folk. Dean bridges eras, genres, and geographies, showing that love songs can still teach us about musical evolution.

Olivia Dean is a wonderful find. Her tone and singing style are fetching, and the songwriting is varied and entertaining. She sings with a lot of energy and soul. What more can you ask? The Art of Loving is an album for anyone who loves great singing.