Dua Lipa ‘s highly anticipated third album, Radical Optimism, feels like a missed opportunity. While brimming with interesting sonic ideas, the record struggles with cohesion and catchy hooks.
Lipa has always been an enigmatic pop figure, more comfortable with enigmatic pronouncements than personal revelation. This aloofness, once intriguing, feels frustrating on Radical Optimism. The album offers little insight into Lipa’s artistic vision, leaving listeners adrift in a sea of conflicting influences.
Her 2017 debut established Dua Lipa as a rising star, showcasing her fiery vocals amidst dancefloor-ready anthems. Future Nostalgia masterfully channeled the playful spirit of 90s pop, solidifying Lipa’s status as a global phenomenon. However, Radical Optimism fails to capture that same magic.
Pre-release interviews hinted at a Britpop influence, a curious direction for a disco-pop queen. Listening to the album, the connection feels tenuous at best. Tracks like “Illusion” are leaden attempts at Euro-pop, lacking the finesse of Lipa’s previous work.
Collaborations with heavyweight producers like Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker yield mixed results. Songs like “Training Season” and “These Walls” evoke the grandeur of ABBA, but ultimately feel overstuffed and lacking breathing room. Parker’s production style, often dense and frenetic, clashes with Lipa’s soaring vocals.
The album takes a bizarre turn with tracks like “Happy for You” and “Falling Forever.” These Eurovision-worthy entries, with their bombastic arrangements and awkward vocal choices, feel like desperate attempts at grabbing attention.
However, there are glimpses of brilliance. “French Exit” is a standout, a sophisticated blend of acoustic guitar, playful flutes, and a captivating chorus. “Maria” utilizes Lipa’s collaborators effectively, channeling early 2000s European pop with a touch of intrigue. Here, Lipa’s vocals shine, expressing genuine curiosity and emotional depth.
Lipa describes Radical Optimism as navigating chaos with grace. Ironically, the album’s lyrics often veer towards superficiality. Songs focus on maintaining control, clean breaks, and avoiding emotional entanglement. This lack of vulnerability weakens the overall impact.
Ultimately, Radical Optimism feels like a collection of disparate ideas rather than a cohesive artistic statement. Lipa’s tight control over the project results in a frustrating distance. With a clearer vision and a willingness to delve deeper, perhaps Lipa can recapture the magic of her earlier work.
