In 1956, psychoanalyst Erich Fromm published a seminal work titled *The Art of Loving*, where he posited that love is an art form requiring the same dedication and practice as music, painting, or carpentry. He noted, “There is hardly any activity, any enterprise, which is started with such tremendous hopes and expectations, and yet, which fails so regularly, as love.” To truly master love, he argued, one must set aside distractions such as career aspirations and material wealth.
Fast forward over seventy years, and British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean sits across the table wearing a pink and brown hoodie emblazoned with the words “The Art of Loving.” Dean’s latest album, also titled *The Art of Loving*, echoes Fromm’s philosophy by promoting a journey of self-discovery and understanding love as a dynamic force that can be nurtured. The album dives into various types of love—romantic, familial, and platonic—aiming to demystify it and promote active engagement as opposed to passive experience.
Dean first gained popularity with her debut album *Messy*, which earned her a Mercury Prize nomination. The singles from *The Art of Loving*—”Lady Lady,” “Nice to Each Other,” and “Man I Need”—have collectively amassed over 200 million streams on Spotify. Dean approached the expectations surrounding her new album with a methodical mindset: “I wanted to treat it like a case study,” she explains. She readily admits she does not have all the answers but encourages others to engage with the complexities of love.
Interestingly, Dean’s inspirations for the album predominantly come from literature and art, rather than personal relationships. Notably, she references Mickalene Thomas’s exhibition *All About Love* at The Broad in Los Angeles, which resonates with bell hooks’s 1999 book of the same name. These works prompt her to think critically about her own experiences with love, shaping her creative process. “I was like, I want to write an album in response to both of those things,” she reflects, emphasizing the healing nature of the creation process.
Since releasing *Messy*, Dean indicates that she has learned significantly from her own experiences with love. “I like to think that this album’s an older sister to the last one… she’s just a bit older, a bit wiser.” Musically, *The Art of Loving* expands beyond the neo-soul influences of its predecessor, incorporating brass, strings, and bossa nova, inviting listeners into a more intimate soundscape.
The album balances authority with intimacy, with lyrics that explore both personal defiance and the warmth typically associated with friendships. The final track, “I’ve Seen It,” is a heartfelt tribute to her friends, amplifying the theme of love’s many forms. “I may not have romantic love in my life right now, but in my friends that love is so consistent,” she shares, illuminating a significant facet of her emotional landscape.
Dean’s artistic development can be traced back to her early childhood when she decided to pursue a singing career. Her musical influences are varied, spanning from Lauryn Hill to Al Green, and she continues to diversify her sound. In the creation of *The Art of Loving*, she strategically chose to record locally in east London, collaborating with long-time musicians and focusing on the raw, natural sound that characterizes her music.
Despite the pressures of stepping into the spotlight, Dean has embraced vulnerability as a tool for connection, both in her music and her live performances. Her upcoming shows include five nights at Madison Square Garden during Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet tour and her own headlining dates at London’s O2, proving her growing influence and popularity.
Alongside her music career, Dean has also stepped into the world of fashion, becoming the new face of Burberry’s fragrance, which aligns with her artistic vision. Cartier has also recognized her unique blend of authenticity and artistry, appointing her as an ambassador for their brand—a partnership that seems to resonate with the themes explored in her album.
As Olivia Dean continues to collaborate with other artists and explore new musical horizons, she remains grounded in her desire for personal growth and connection. With her sights set on headlining festivals like Glastonbury, writing a musical, and engaging with diverse cultures, Dean embodies hope and ambition. Her journey through love, art, and self-discovery is just beginning, with the promise of joy and inspiration ahead.