Why review this album?
2020 was a tough year for everyone and while 2021 looks far more promising, we aren’t out of the woods yet. Speaking of the woods, thanks to Andrew and Steve (love you both), I was introduced to Future Nostalgia. LV, Andrew, Steve, and I spent many a summer night in 2020 listening to this album outside and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy among the chaos. Only fitting that I review this album then!
Future Nostalgia
The eponymous track does a great job of kicking off the album with catchy lyrics/vocals and a compelling beat. The robotic vocoder backing vocals capture the vibe of Future Nostalgia: the recent trend to release music that evokes 80’s and even 90’s vibes. This isn’t a bad song but it is definitely overshadowed by many other bangers on this album.
7 out of 10
Don’t Start Now
We all know this track from TikTok and that’s for good reason; ‘Don’t Start Now’ slaps like crazy. The bassline over the punchy staccato chorus makes it the perfect sing-along. The mixing on this song is perfect, allowing Dua Lipa to take center stage while allowing the aforementioned bass and funky guitar to shine as well. What a banger!!
9 out of 10
Cool
I think ‘Cool’ is the first song that really captures the Future Nostalgia vibe with chorus heavy guitar and reverb-drenched claps and snares. Dua Lipa sings this one in more of her upper registers which provides a novel take on her songs compared to her usual almost growly and low-pitched register. Definitely a great summer driving song.
8 out of 10
Physical
Shocker, another retro inspired banger. Of course, the lyrics directly reference Olivia Newton-John’s iconic hit ‘Physical’ but even the high-energy anthemic delivery of the chorus along with the warm synths and retro drum line round out the picture. It’s hard to listen to ‘Physical’ without getting energized; I want to do an 80’s workout right now.
8 out of 10
Levitating
I must have listened to this song a million times last year. So damn catchy! Claps galore, love the descending verses also. Kind of weird but this song reminds me of ‘Cake by the Ocean’ by DNCE in a good way. It’s also so easy to sing along; in fact it’s hard not to.
8 out of 10
Pretty Please
I think this is one of the weaker songs on the album which is saying a lot considering how strong the other tracks are. First off, the fact that the bass carries the melody for the majority of the song means that if you can’t hear it, you’re missing out on a lot of the track. I guess it’s a good lower energy song to break up the flow but I just would rather listen to a lot of other songs instead.
6 out of 10
Hallucinate
Hands down favorite song on the album. Super high energy, super groovy, what more could you want? I’m bobbing my head while writing this review, that’s how good it is. This track made it on my Top Songs of 2020 in Spotify, enough said.
10 out of 10
Love Again
First song on the album to use orchestral strings and it’s a good recovery from the last track. But the sentiment does not last that long as Dua Lipa tries to bring this back to the same lofty heights of the rest of the album. I’m not quite sure it gets there. I don’t usually skip this track but I don’t love it either.
7 out of 10
Break My Heart
‘Break My Heart’ almost feels more like a rock ballad to me than a pop song and that’s not a bad thing. I really like how the chorus works it’s way up and down in pitch while the backing instruments underscore every syllable. It makes for a really attention-capturing effect for each chorus. Orchestral strings are used to great effect here as well!
8 out of 10
Good In Bed
I honestly have nothing against the majority of this song but gosh, the chorus is just so annoying!! Like I get that it’s evoking the frustrating nature of the relationship that Dua Lipa is singing about but ugh it just sounds like nails on a chalkboard to me.
I think this is the one song on the album that I consistently skip.
5 out of 10
Boys Will Be Boys
I think Dua Lipa chose a really strong song to end on with a powerful message about toxic masculinity. The sweeping strings, choir chorus, and direct appeal to the audience (‘If you’re offended by this song / you’re clearly doing something wrong’) all make this such an amazing way to close out the album. Is this a banger in the same vein as ‘Hallucinate’? No. Is this a soaring inspirational track to leave you pondering something deeper? Absolutely.
9 out of 10
Summary
I’m sure it’s pretty clear that I am extremely fond of this album. Future Nostalgia is made for hot summer nights, long summer drives, and any time you need a boost of happy energy. This album firmly cemented Dua Lipa in my mind as one of the top pop talents of today and I can’t wait to see what she releases next!