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Written by Danielle Adelaide Cairo
Olivia Dean is an English singer-songwriter with an evocative, mellifluous voice who possesses a flair in writing profound lyrics that offer a deep understanding of complex emotions. Dean has received recognition for her mélange of R&B, pop, and jazz influenced music.
The 27-year-old singer-songwriter is influenced by some of the greatest artists of all time such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Carole King, Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, and Joni Mitchell. Dean has been professionally releasing music since 2019, her musical career began with the release of multiple EP’s, Ok Love you Bye (2019), What Am I Gonna Do On Sundays? (2020), Growth (2021).
After the release of her debut album Messy (2023), Dean has been crafting a sophomore record, The Art of Loving, which will be released on September 26. For such a young singer, Olivia Dean is an artist on the rise, it’s evident that she is bound for glory.
Here are five essential songs to put your playlist by this rising artist.
Nice To Each Other (The Art of Loving, 2025)
“Here we are, back again, fighting what’s in front of me / there’s so much to unpack again, but if I come to Italy, we could be nice to each other,”
A gorgeous but also up-tempo song. This single apprehends the rawness and conflicts of modern love, with poise and kind-heartedness. The song bodies an acoustic jazz base, all the while toying here and there with sounds of pop. Dean’s voice is unforced but full of emotion, really playing the part with the message that’s conveyed throughout the song. She really beautifies living life in the moment, in the ups and downs, and in-betweens.
“Lady Lady” (The Art of Loving, 2025)
“That lady, lady, she’s the man/ I think she got a master plan/ It’s something I don’t understand/ That lady, lady, she’s the…“
A soulful sonnet focusing on feminine strength and energy. She uncovers the grace of womanhood, captivating the essence of divine femininity. All the while, exploring the motif of maturing, authenticity, and relinquishing control. “It’s about the feeling of having to change just as you’re getting used to a version of yourself,” Dean explains. “This song reminds me of the power we hold as women – I think it feels like peace.” (h/t New Wave Magazine)
“Man I Need” (The Art of Loving, 2025)
“Looks like we’re making up for lost time/ Need you to spell it out for me/ Bossa Nova on all night. It’s like a type of alchemy/ Introduce me to your best friend/ I can come and slot right in”
A song where Dean lays all her cards out on the table. She’s frank and honest on who she needs her man to be, the necessity of wanting them to take initiative and love her right. She is not afraid to be upfront and say what she feels. The pop song carries elements of R&B, gospel, and jazz. A divine rhythm that’ll transmit from ear to ear, her voice methodically carries through.
“Wish I Didn’t Miss You” – Mahogany Sessions (Cover, 2022)
“Listen in, but don’t yell at me/ Isn’t it ironic? All you wanna do is smoke chronic/ Boy, you forgot when you were down who was around.”
Yes, this is a cover, but an amazing one. On the Mahogany Sessions she covers Angie Stone’s 2001 hit song “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” but gives it a British soul twist. While the classic is more upbeat in tempo, Dean’s version is gentler but packs a punch with her alluring charm and dialogue.
“Touching Toes” (Single, 2024)
“And I feel love/ Like the real stuff/ You don’t know and then you know/ That’s how it goes.”
This song depicts love beautifully, embracing its rawness and tenderness in the purest, most authentic form. There’s a gentleness about her, in her voice, her lyrics, blending words about love so seamlessly. She’s found a new love, it might seem a little cheesy, but it’s sincere and it’s hers
Olivia Dean is preparing to release her very much awaited sophomore album, The Art of Loving, on September 26, 2025. It will focus on the elements and components of love and will feature her singles “Nice To Each Other,” “Lady Lady,” and “Man I Need.” She will be touring all of Europe in 2026 and has already sold out most arenas. Dean is an artist on the rise, look out for her.
