What the hell is Radical Optimism?
According to Dua Lipa, “It’s like looking on the bright side of any situation.” That sounds pretty vague, but listening to her third studio album, her perspective becomes clear while the seawater runs off her head as she emerges from the depths of everything that has brought her to this point.
It would be reductive to call this a breakup album, because it’s really not. We’re talking about acceptance and acknowledgement here, in the face of some tough shit that has been dragging everyone’s favorite Albanian songstress down.
She’s taking everything head on. Right off the top with End Of An Era, she calls herself hopelessly romantic and considers diving back into the dating pool, pushing away the cliche “down bad” narrative.
No more “you’re not my type”
No more “at least I tried”
Done with the lonely nights
She’s not being stupid here. In the following bangers Houdini and Training Season, she’s holding suitors accountable, warning that she’ll be gone in a second if they come incorrect. Boys are cute, but she’s looking for a man who knows that the hell he’s doing. Training season’s over.
It’s satisfying to see Dua create a clear narrative, which is something she’s previously never had to do because she’s so universally lovable. Her deep and clear voice, undeniable beauty and chill temperament make her an easy global favorite, but don’t forget that she’s an experienced artist with encouragement and wisdom to share.
Anything for Love cuts to the core message of Radical Optimism. The first half of the song is a piano ballad that finds her reflecting on how aimlessly strong she was in her approach to relationships before being broken down by life, love and people.
I’m not interested in a heart that doesn’t beat for me
As the bass drops, she kicks her hesitations aside and challenges the self-defeating thoughts that cause waves for the best of us.
We’re all so scared of forever
And no one promises always
We’re not perfect together
That means we gotta part ways
Languishing in this lighthearted second half, you feel a warm fist wiping away your tears, and clearly remember a version of yourself who wasn’t scarred by the memory of a withering connection. It’s encouraging, and yes, optimistic.
The clear standout track on the album is the Kevin Parker cowritten/produced Happy For You. Line by line, the layers melt away to unveil the next emotion. She sees someone from her past being so happy with someone so perfect, and she’s… shockingly okay with it all.
And I didn’t even want to cry
Couldn’t believe it
Had to ask myself why
She’s putting her positivity to the test, and doing just fine. Her central focus becomes clear, and she makes good on the promises set from the beginning.
This album is the cumulation of her learned and earned growth. It’s a necessary reminder for us to stop getting in our own way, be smart, and break through the surface to something radical.
I'm Just Gonna Dance All Night 