Mark Harris, Staff Writer

     Dua Lipa’s sound did a full 180 on her sophomore album “Future Nostalgia,” incorporating a blend of a sound from the 1980’s disco era with a modern-day spin.

     To garner excitement for her album, Lipa released the lead single “Don’t Start Now” in November of 2019. 

     “Don’t Start Now” is an electric track with an exciting beat to it.  This has done considerably well, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

     Lipa also released the title-track “Future Nostalgia” in December.  It is a perfect introduction to the album, where Lipa discusses her brand new sound within the lyrics. Lipa elaborates on this when she sings “you want a timeless song, I wanna change the game” and “you want the recipe but can’t handle my sound.”

     Another single, “Physical,” is a standout within the album, with a rich production sound.

     This track’s music video is the best one among those that have been released to date, for this album. It blends live-action with hints of animation, all in a captivating dance video.

     Lipa also released a “Physical” workout video. 

     Unfortunately, after experiencing such a perfect pre-release for her album, with millions of views on music videos and charting, Lipa was faced with a challenge. 

     Two weeks prior to the intended release date of her album, April 3, “Future Nostalgia” was leaked.

     This prompted a broken-hearted Lipa to make an announcement via Instagram Live. 

     “I really don’t want to do this… With making a second album, I wanted to separate myself from the pressure… I’m not sure if I’m even doing the right thing… but I think the most important thing [and] the thing we need most at the moment is music.”

     Nonetheless, Lipa fully overcame any pressure, giving an excellent album.

     Track standouts that are non-singles are “Levitating,” “Pretty Please” and “Love Again.”

     “Levitating” paints an image of dancing through the galaxy, with the catchy “yeah(s)”
at the end of the verses. 

     “Pretty Please” highlights Lipa and her producer’s attention to detail. For example, the line “trickle-down my spine” has an effect that sounds as though something is trickling down her spine. In addition to this, following the line “help me slow it down” the tempo of the song changes.

     The strongest track on the album is also the longest in length. “Love Again” samples White Town’s “Your Woman” but puts an evolved spin on it. 

     “Love Again” can best be described as a disco between two violins. The track opens and closes with violin solos. Lipa utilizes her best lyrics on this track, offering her euphoric vocals. 

     If listeners pay close attention to the track order, they can realize that Lipa incorporates a subtle narrative. 

     “Future Nostalgia” and “Don’t Start Now” show Lipa’s self-confidence after a breakup.  “Cool” through “Love Again” portrays Lipa’s progression from experiencing a crush to being in love. “Break My Heart” and “Good in Bed” discuss the unfortunate reality of falling out of a relationship. In the album’s closing track “Boys Will Be Boys,” Lipa realizes that she is not the problem in her relationships; it is the different conditions that “boys and women,” as Lipa describes, have been raised under. 

     With Lipa’s new era underway, fans can expect amazing performances, a new music video and more radio hits – all coming from “Future Nostalgia”