Aliyah: 

Olivia Dean is an emerging singer and songwriter from London. Her music blends genres such as pop, jazz, R&B and soul to create beautifully crafted, breathtaking tracks.

I first discovered her earlier this year through a TikTok video. I was scrolling and came across a video that used her live cover of “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes. I was instantly captivated by her voice and how she put her own spin on the cheerful energy of the song.

Shortly after, through another TikTok video, I heard her song “It Isn’t Perfect But It Might Be” from the 2025 film, “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,” and to say I fell in love is an understatement. It is a wholesome track about giving yourself permission to love again after heartbreak and having faith that things will work out in the end.

The song found me at just the right time and soon became one of my all-time favorites. I had just gotten out of an extremely toxic relationship that left me with many emotional scars. On days when I was really struggling, I put on this song. It always made me feel like the main character at the end of a movie who has been through so much but is learning how to heal. It was my reminder that even if things aren’t perfect right now, someday they might be.

As I continued to explore more of her discography, I realized that most of her songs embody “main character energy.” She makes the perfect tracks for maladaptive daydreaming during a long walk or car ride. Her music transports you into a world where all of your struggles, imperfections and problems are not just seen, but validated and turned into something beautiful.

If you’re looking for a new artist to add to your playlist, I highly recommend checking out Olivia Dean and her newest album, “The Art of Loving.”

Kel:

Olivia Dean’s “The Art of Loving,” released this past September, and not a day has gone by that I haven’t listened to this album. The first time I listened to it all the way through, I was instantly hooked. This album features a pop-soul and R&B blend with songs that capture the intricacies of love. Various themes are explored, from heartbreak to platonic relationships to the beauty of romance. Dean’s voice is so fitting for these types of songs, with her soul-like vocals shining through and adding raw emotion. Her voice, paired with her beautiful writing, makes this one of my favorite albums of the year. 

I want to take a moment to celebrate Dean’s achievements in her album performance and as an artist. “The Art of Loving” made a top ten spot on six Billboard album charts and reached number one on the UK’s Official Album Chart. On top of this, she was the 2026 Grammy winner of Best New Artist. This marks an extraordinary feat in her career and she deserves all the love and praise she is getting. If you haven’t listened to her yet, you’re missing out.

One of my favorite songs from this album is “A Couple Minutes.” This song tells a heart-touching story of past lovers rekindling for a fleeting moment. When I close my eyes and listen to this track, it is so easy to envision the image that Dean creates through lyrics and her voice. The chorus sets the scene, “Back on your sofa / Of course I still care / Love’s never wasted when it’s shared.” In just a few words, Dean describes how love can still exist after a breakup. Although moving on can be hurtful, that tender connection will never vanish and Dean writes about this in such an honest way. 

Another one of my favorite tracks is “Let Alone The One You Love.” In this song, Dean writes about heartbreak in a raw way that resonates with me. The chorus will never fail to touch my heart, “It’s too much to mend / You’re the hug that had to end / Though I’ve tried to hold on.” I think anyone who has endured some type of breakup will deeply connect with these lyrics. It captures the sad truth of a relationship ending and how hard you try to make it work. 

Although this song is sad in nature, Dean writes about regaining self-worth in the second verse, “I’m too much to handle, and, ‘just dial it back a bit’ / Well, well, I’m not having it, babe.” For me, these lyrics feel like the moment when you notice that going separate ways was for the better. It’s truly the perfect way to end this song.
In an interview with NTS, Dean said, “The lyrics that you’re scared to say are probably the best ones.” Her outlook on writing is what makes this album so special. Dean has a beautiful talent of touching your heart and doing it so gracefully. “The Art of Loving” is an album everyone will connect to — and one that I will cherish forever.