Olivia Dean 'The Art of Loving': Every song ranked from best to worst

Olivia Dean released her second studio album, The Art of Loving, on September 26, via Capitol Records. The album marks the follow-up to her 2023 debut, Messy.

In an article published by Rolling Stone, Olivia Dean opened up about the inspiration behind the album's theme. The title and the overarching theme for the album came to the pop star when she saw an exhibition by the American visual artist Mickalene Thomas at The Broad in LA.

"“It’s in response to bell hooks’ [book] All About Love, which I’m a huge fan of. There’s this passage in the book about the craft of loving one’s own life, and I thought, ‘I think I’m gonna call this album The Art of Loving.’"

She added,

"Love is something I have always been interested in. For some reason, it’s seen as this mystical, untouchable thing that we’re all supposed to just have a go at and figure out. In All About Love, bell hooks is like, imagine if we had a class in primary school that was, like, emotional studies? So that we could teach each other a bit of etiquette, and how to fill each other with care?"

While talking about the album, Olivia Dean mentioned that she

"just wanted to do a deep-dive on love, to understand why I love the way that I do, and how I love other people."

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Olivia Dean's The Art of Loving songs ranked from best to worst

1.Man I need

First up, we have "Man I Need," which boasts the strongest hook and a polished production that seamlessly blends soul and pop. Olivia Dean's vocals cut clean and powerful. The lyrics are straightforward and unashamed with a refreshing sense of honesty. Fans love the track since it's both empowering and relatable.

2. So Easy (To Fall in Love)

Next up, we have "So Easy (To Fall in Love)," a track appreciated for its light, playful rhythm and for capturing the giddy ease of attraction without overcomplication.

3. Nice to Each Other

Nice to Each Other features a bright, mid-tempo instrumentation. The lyrics emphasize kindness as a foundation for love, reminding listeners that relationships don't require drama. Fans seem to love its sincerity.

4. Close Up

Close Up is atmospheric and slightly moody. The subtle layering adds depth to the track. Olivia Dean sings about intimacy and vulnerability.

5. Loud

" Loud" is a ballad about suppressed voices yearning to be loved and explores self-expression in the context of love. While its emotional weight makes it stand out, it's not as replayable.

6. I've Seen It

I've Seen It blends classic soul with modern production. The lyrics open up about gaining wisdom after hardship, and fans feel that listening to the track is like taking advice from a big sister.

7. A Couple Minutes

A Couple Minutes is stripped back and almost lullaby-like. It's about everyday affection but does not stand out as the rest of the tracks.

8. Lady Lady

Lady Lady boasts funky and experimental tones. It's celebratory and is about self-affirmation.

9. Baby Steps

A gentle, meandering pace, almost background music-like. The song discusses the slow progress in relationships and emphasizes the importance of growth and patience.

10. Let Alone The One You Love

While the tones are hauntingly soft, the production feels sparse. The lyrics discuss the distance in relationships and explore the theme of emotional exhaustion.

11. Something in Between

While the track is pleasant, it lacks a punch and is skippable.

12. The Art of Loving (Intro)

The intro serves to set the tone for the album, but is fleeting. The lyrics are more like spoken-word poetry and serve as the album's concept rather than a standalone song.