When the industry sharks and the most impatient fans (or haters) lurk close to the shore, expectant about your next steps, it’s time to take a step forward and face your biggest fears. At a time when the news tinges all current affairs worldwide with tragedy, it is time to look for a point of support that makes us see the light; a glimmer of hope and positivity that, at least, helps us escape from the horrible reality that makes headlines in newspapers and news programs.
Yes in 2020, Dua Lipa became our main source of good vibes with Future Nostalgia during the pandemic, the launch of Radical Optimism in 2024 it seeks the same effect: happy songs to forget about sadness, the difficulties experienced in past relationships and old love affairs to look ahead with security, poise and maturity, hoping to be a better version of ourselves, also with others.
This third album by the British singer begins, curiously, at the end: End of an era, a statement about the desire to end a personal stage of being single. A last chapter that could also mark the end of this psychedelic pop typical of the 70s and 80s. A sound that is also very present in the three previews that we had previously: Houdini, Training Season and Illusion.
Instrumentation, one of the strong points of this project
In its recent interview with Zane Lowe, Dua talked about one of her great professional milestones: headlining this year’s Glastonbury festival, after two editions as part of the line-up. He confessed that he received the news in the final stretch of his last tour and it was what defined the production of this third album, focused on live instrumentation, something that we have already seen in his London Sessions.
“When I was in the studio and writing, the first thought that came to mind was: ‘How is this going to sound at Glastonbury?’ For me, it is the most beautiful experience I have ever had. Seeing all those people, the connection, the community, the love, the feeling that everyone shares when they get together just to have a good time… There’s such a sense of freedom there,” he recounted.
Dua Lipa – Houdini (London Sessions)
“It was the biggest secret in history… I didn’t even tell the band until we were nearing the end of writing the album.” […] That pushed me in a different way to make this album, to think about what it would be like on stage… Every time I think about performing these songs it’s like a torrent of electricity runs through my body,” he confessed to the Apple Music host.
In Radical Optimismthe artist even lets us enter the recording studio, as well as briefly listen to the magic that is breathed in this type of space. “One more time. One more shot to make you cry again. I’m sitting here, in the middle of all of you. Argh! How intense… While Danny eats licorice, how good. Well, come on, let’s get this over with. “introduce Anything for love on piano
