Asiah Mendoza
Assistant Editor
Amid the beginning of COVID-19, Dua Lipa released her sophomore album “Future Nostalgia.”
On the anniversary of its release, I take a look back on why it was the perfect album – for the most dreadful of times.
Lipa was not new to the music scene. In 2017 she released her self titled album. It gained her popularity with tracks like “New Rules” and “IDGAF.”
It was decent, but didn’t set her apart from other musicians. Other artists could have released the same tracks, and they would have been just as good.
Lipa could have easily created another album similar to her first ─ a lot of artists do. However, on “Future Nostalgia,” she separated herself from the rest.
She came into this era with something to prove.
Releasing music in the middle of a pandemic probably isn’t what most musicians dream of, but I think it’s exactly what the world needed.
Everything about “Future Nostalgia” is next level. From the album cover to its accompanying music videos, it’s unlike anything else in mainstream pop.
In the past, Lipa received criticism for her seemingly awkward stage presence. Now, in her live performances of songs like “Levitating” and “Don’t Start Now,” her growth as a performer is evident.
It’s easy for artists to stay complacent with their image and music – not willing to develop or take chances. However, Lipa embraced the opportunity her first album gave her, and took the next steps to flourish.
Her commitment to improving herself as a singer and entertainer is paying off.
Her 2021 Grammy performance on YouTube received over seven million views in less than 24 hours and was the top trending video. According to Spotify, “Future Nostalgia” has spent 4 weeks being the top most streamed album in the world.
It’s obvious when artists release music just to fulfill the agreement of a record deal. But on this album, Lipa’s dedication to her career as a musician is clear.
She exceeded herself on “Future Nostalgia,” and she had a good time doing it. You can hear the fun she had producing this album on tracks like “Levitating” and “Physical.”
It’s worth noting that I wouldn’t give “Future Nostalgia” the perfect rating. I find “Cool” and “Good In Bed,” to be nothing more than average.
The closing track “Boys WIll Be Boys” as a valuable and timely message. It explains the issues and injustices that women face and the excuses that society makes for men as a whole. Although, I personally don’t see how it fits on the album, and would rather it have been released later on separately.
That aside, Lipa has done a superb job of promoting the album and its singles. You’re probably familiar with the songs “Levitating” and “Don’t Start Now.”
Although, I think the most remarkable track on the entire album is “Pretty Please.” It serves as an exceptional example of how “Future Nostalgia” is brimming with Lipa’s feelings of intimacy and adoration.
“Future Nostalgia” is all about passion and prospering – things last year lacked. Making an album as good as this is only possible when music is your one true love.
2020 was Dua Lipa’s year and she’s showing no indication of slowing down.
Writer’s top picks:
- Break My Heart
- Hallucinate
- Pretty Please
- Love Again
Listen to the album on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/7fJJK56U9fHixgO0HQkhtI
