Perfect Pitch: The Art Of Loving

Belmont Vision Multimedia, Haley Ramsey

Perfect Pitch: “The Art of Loving” 

Welcome back to another edition of “Perfect Pitch,” a series where members of the Belmont Vision review the latest releases in music and look for the next big thing.   

This week, we’ll be discussing the second studio album, “The Art of Loving,” from London-based singer-songwriter Olivia Dean. 

Dean’s earlier work includes her debut album, “Messy,” released in 2023 and collaborations with Ezra Collective, Jools Holland and Sam Fender over the years. Her music has also made appearances on the soundtracks for “This Town” and “Bridget Jones: Mad About a Boy.” 

“The Art of Loving” released with anticipation already built due to the popularity of singles “Man I Need” and “Nice To Each Other.” After its release in September, the album accumulated around 1 million streams on its first day, now with over 1 billion streams total. According to an interview with triple j, Dean's album was directly influenced by Mickalene Thomas' "All About Love.” Through a new soul, jazz and classic pop sound, Dean explores themes of platonic, romantic and self love. With her rapidly growing popularity, Dean received a nomination for best new artist at the 2026 Grammy Awards. 

Rachel Suggs - Vision Writer

Overall Rating: 8/10

General thoughts: On “The Art of Loving,” Olivia Dean really shines with retro jazz-inspired songs reminiscent of the Amy Winehouse and early Adele era of British pop music. Songs like “Man I Need” and “Nice to Each Other” are upbeat without being flashy while still keeping a catchy pop-style hook. These songs are mixed in with raw and emotional ballads such as “Let Alone The One You Love” and “I’ve Seen It” which showcase Dean’s killer vocals. Overall, this album has a very smooth sound, although it can get a little repetitive as the album goes on.

Favorite Song: “Let Alone The One You Love”

Least Favorite Song: “Something Inbetween”

Favorite Lyric: “And if you knew me at all, you wouldn’t try to keep me small.”

Does Olivia Dean deserve a nomination from the Grammy Recording Academy for Best New Artist with “The Art of Loving?”  

Yes, Olivia Dean absolutely deserves this Grammy nomination. While Dean has been in the music industry for several years, she has really burst onto the scene this year, just as many past nominees and winners have. With the feeling like her music is practically everywhere now, “The Art of Loving” has proved that Dean is a force to be reckoned with. This may very well be the start of the Olivia Dean era of pop music.

How does Olivia Dean separate herself as an artist with “The Art of Loving” in a time when the music industry is filled with rising female musicians? 

In an era of overproduced pop music, Dean’s more stripped-down sound feels like a breath of fresh air. The natural instrumentation, powerhouse vocals, and evocative lyrics provide something different to pop. On “The Art of Loving,” Dean strikes a balance between the loud, glittery “pop girls” and the soft-spoken indie singer-songwriters. Dean is creating a lane for herself in this era of dominant new female musicians.

Samantha Graessle - Arts and Entertainment Editor 

Overall Rating: 9/10

General Thoughts: “The Art of Loving” is honestly my album of the year. Its jazzy yet pop-inspired sound makes for an incredibly enjoyable listening experience and paired with Dean’s powerful yet raw vocals, the album has zero skips for me. In her songwriting, Dean captures the vulnerability of heartbreak, new romance and self love in a fresh yet relatable way. The album, while feeling incredibly cohesive, flows between upbeat and more reflective songs smoothly. 

Favorite Song: “A Couple of Minutes,” “Lady Lady” 

Least Favorite Song: “Close Up” 

Favorite Lyric: “Love’s never wasted when it's shared.” 

Does Olivia Dean deserve a nomination from the Grammy Recording Academy for Best New Artist with “The Art of Loving?”  

As I mentioned before, I think this project could win album of the year, so I 100% think she deserves this nomination. Although she has already released some music in the past, this album truly sets her apart in the music industry, showcasing her talent and artistry. Her music has taken the internet by a storm and the love and intentionality she obviously poured into “The Art of Loving” makes her a great candidate for best new artist. 

How does Olivia Dean separate herself as an artist with “The Art of Loving” in a time when the music industry is filled with rising female musicians? 

Olivia Dean sets herself apart on “The Art of Loving” by mixing a modern pop sound with soulful R&B vibes. In a music scene packed with rising female pop artists, her style feels warmer and more grounded. Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan are doing their own thing really well, but Dean leans into a jazzier, more laid-back kind of pop that not many mainstream artists are touching right now, aside from people like Laufey and RAYE. It gives her a unique space and a sound that feels refreshingly different.

Louise Geri - Vision Writer

Overall rating: 8/10

Olivia Dean is all about the vibes, and hers is that of the detached avoidant in a cozy autumn. On this album, “I’ve Seen It” represents that energy best. I love the lyrics of “Lady Lady,” and “Nice to Each Other” makes great background music. “A Couple Minutes,” near the end of the album, feels like the start of December. The melody of the line, “Only have a couple minutes” sounds like that of “In the meadow, we can build a snowman” from the Christmas classic “Winter Wonderland.” 

My only issue with this album is that, while it’s very cohesive, it’s a little bit boring. The run of “So Easy (To Fall in Love),” “Let Alone the One You Love,” “Man I Need,” “Something Inbetween” and “Loud” could make a stellar EP. “Let Alone the One You Love” is a beautiful way to slow down the tempo. “Man I Need” is a catchy bop. “Something Inbetween” has a sound that feels like a mix between that of Adele and Gracie Abrams. “Loud” is an incredible ballad that soaks me in so many emotions, which is not something I feel like I come by in most ballads. These tracks give the album life.

Favorite song: “Something Inbetween”

Least favorite song: “The Art of Loving”

Favorite lyric: “Who would do that to a friend, let alone the one you love?”

Does Olivia Dean deserve a nomination from the Grammy Recording Academy for Best New Artist with “The Art of Loving?”

I will certainly root for Dean and think that she would be an understandable winner for this award, but I don’t think she stands out enough among other popular female artists to be the front-runner. I think KATSEYE should win, as they’re an international girl group that I see and hear everywhere. They’re very successful, have great music, and would be a major win for women across the world.

How does Olivia Dean separate herself as an artist with “The Art of Loving” in a time when the music industry is filled with rising female musicians? 

Listening to “The Art of Loving”, Dean reminds me of Clairo and Laufey. Her voice is blunter than Clairo’s and more eccentric than Laufey’s. These three artists represent slightly different versions of similar styles but come from different backgrounds and have different energies. Clairo is more heavily associated with the LGBTQ+ community and, as of recently, “performative males.” Laufey is dreamier and more mystical; more likely to be appreciated by those who love musical theater and jazz. Dean has a more commercial pop sound and leans on jazz, but in a more upbeat way than Clairo and Laufey. Hence, while I associate these three artists with each other, I think they each stand out enough that there’s room for all of them to be successful.  

Name: Greer Patten - Photography Editor

Overall Rating: 9/10

General thoughts: I absolutely love “The Art of Loving” and it is one of the best albums to come from 2025. The album is pretty well-rounded with more upbeat songs like “Man I Need” and “Nice to Each Other” and slower, more emotional songs like “Loud” and “I’ve Seen It”. While it is not a very long album, it offers a really great taste of all of the different kinds of music Dean can create. That said, the album still feels very cohesive. The songs have a really great jazz influence while still having a lot of pop feel. This makes for a really interesting and engaging sound that makes me want to listen to her album on repeat. 

Favorite Song: “I’ve Seen It”

Least Favorite Song: “The Art of Loving (Intro)”

Favorite Lyric: “When I’m down at ten percent/And you’d plug me straight back in?Now there’s no one to text when the plane lands/Or to call when it’s taking off”

Does Olivia Dean deserve a nomination from the Grammy Recording Academy for Best New Artist with “The Art of Loving?”

Dean completely deserves the nomination. This album feels like a really great catalyst for her career. While she has released music before this album, “The Art of Loving” shows off her skill as a musician. Even though she is not a brand new artist, this album really did set her apart from others. Her sound is not the exact same as a lot of the pop we are hearing, and I think that is really important for new artists. Dean is introducing something new to the pop music industry, not just replicating what others are doing. So many people love this album and it is very deserving of the nomination.

How does Olivia Dean separate herself as an artist with “The Art of Loving” in a time when the music industry is filled with rising female musicians? 

As I said before, Dean is creating music that honestly just does not sound the exact same as other female pop artists. She incorporates a lot of jazz elements, and that is not something that is very common. It is not something that is so far away from mainstream pop that it steers people away. However, it is different enough that it is really interesting. 

CJ Johnson - Vision Writer

Overall rating: 8/10

General thoughts: This is an absolutely perfect Sunday morning album. It sounds like a romcom soundtrack, I listened to it while cleaning my room and found it to be amazing background music, and I would do it again! This is one of the most enjoyable albums I’ve listened to this year. I love Dean’s voice and am excited for her future projects!

Favorite Song: “So Easy”

Least favorite song: “The Art of Loving”

Favorite Lyric: “I’m the perfect mix of Saturday night and the love of your life.”

Does Olivia Dean deserve a nomination from the Grammy Recording Academy for Best New Artist with “The Art of Loving?”:

Absolutely. I personally think Addison Rae should win, however, I believe Olivia Dean has earned a nomination, and would love her to win over many of the other nominations. I think many of the artists in the category this year are ones who have been successful because they have captured a trend exceptionally well, or responded to a gap in the industry. I believe Dean is one who has mastered the art of making timeless music.

How does Olivia Dean separate herself as an artist with “The Art of Loving” in a time when the music industry is filled with rising female musicians?

I believe Olivia Dean has a unique sound that stands apart from many of the rising female musicians today. She has a vintage-inspired sound that is more jazzy than pop, and focuses more on production than lyricism. Many female musicians today focus on the diaristic songwriting that Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and Gracie Abrams are known for, but Olivia Dean specializes in curating a moment or experience rather than a specific feeling.