Dua Lipa – Dua Lipa

R&B/Soul

Lipa’s voice oozes effortless cool and passion, and opener ‘Genesis’ brings these two juxtaposed traits together in perfect harmony. By accentuating and elongating certain words in the chorus, it lends itself well to radio play and nightclub singalong. The Miguel featuring ‘Lost In Your Light’ is an early highlight, but in the spirit of honesty it should be noted that every track on this album is a genuine highlight. The aforementioned track shows that the only place for Dua Lipa is centre stage. Miguel’s supporting vocals are a ladder to raise Lipa up to the stratosphere.

For many people, Dua Lipa’s breakthrough song was “Be The One.” It’s still one of her most potent weapons nearly a year later. Anyone who can listen to “Be The One” and not be filled with immense delight is most likely just a cardboard cutout of a person. Dua Lipa refuses to be silent despite the constant pressure placed on artists to be passive members of society. She will call you out in a sassy song if you mistreat her. The inspirational breakup song “IDGAF” tells you that they never deserved you in the first place. Putting aside the profanity, it turns weakness into power and conveys a crucial lesson to impressionable young listeners.

The energetic tunes of “New Rules” and “Begging” ensure that Lipa’s record has lively melodies even into the closing moments; the party may be closing down but it has just begun. “Homesick,” an honest ballad that is sure to make you cry, stands in stark contrast to these. Throughout the record, Due Lipa has gradually lowered her profile, but in this moment, as the music fades and self-doubt begins to creep in, she lets her fans down.

Dua Lipa’s confidence is one asset that cannot be tainted or lessened by the world, and her debut record is brimming with globe conquering potential. It’s for those who already share her self-love but also for those who need a little boost in theirs. Borrow a little strength from Dua Lipa and experience the world in technicolour until it genuinely is.

1. Genesis
2. “Lost In Your Light” (featuring Miguel)
3. “Hotter Than Hell”
4. Be The One
5. “IDGAF”
6. “Blow Your Mind (Mwah)”
7. “Garden”
8. “No Goodbyes”
9. “Thinking ‘Bout You”
10. “New Rules”
11. “Begging”
12. Homesick

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