By: Gregg Keniston

Turbulent times in today’s world and a mental health crisis call for boosts of light and pushes of positivity wherever they can be uncovered. Dua Lipa shared she’d known, at least the title of her third album, right from the release of her first. The 11-track piece is an enjoyable bundle of pop, feel-good songs that aren’t overcomplicated with lyrics but, still send some much-needed reassurance messages. While Radical Optimism is not exactly as “radical” as to be expected, the underlying theme of learning but, growing and finding the up side to each and every situation or outcome; rather than raging on or holding it in to cause yourself more pain or frustration.

1. End of an Era

Acknowledging a period in life is done and over with is more complicated much of the time than it should be. Often, there is a phasing in and out of that timeframe that feels murky and uncertain from feelings and attachment. “End of an Era” puts a whimsical spin on that finish line by calling out what’s ahead and all the exciting unknown that comes with a new chapter.

2. Houdini

Poof! The singer proclaims to be just like the famed illusionist Harry Houdini as she is here and gone in a flash, noting time is precious refuses to miss a single second of anything new and different in her path. The fun lead single is a playful earworm that keeps you hooked with every play.

3. Training Season

At the first listen, I had no idea how this was going to translate into a song. Thinking to myself, “a song about athlete’s down season? Nope, it may miss a mark.” I was wrong. The singer states her qualifications for her next round in the ring of love. She’s certainly not looking for any weak link. With the chorus staking its claim, nobody better be messing around when it comes to qualifications.

4. These Walls

Reflecting on a breakup, the song speaks of rooms and homes having history that only the people inside know of. And from the singer’s perspective, it is more obvious in hindsight what should’ve happened sooner but, the tone of the song gives a slight but sure sense of comfort knowing all is said and done now.

5. Whatcha Doing

Arguably what could be a Summer-2024 anthem, “Whatcha Doing” is playful and flirtatious in which the pre-chorus teases the idea of letting go and allowing the happiness to just rush through her body and mind with no regrets. It’s a simple yet, catchy song that bridges the album quite effectively.

6. French Exit

Admittedly, I was unsure of what this song was going to talk about. In researching, a “French Exit” is the equivalent of the Americanized form of ghosting. In this case, two lovers just do not acknowledge anything about the situation other than to turn the light off and close the door behind them. It’s a cut-and-dry solution to start anew for both parties without the drama.

7. Illusion

Feeling and presenting herself as smarter than her counterpart, she has seen these emotional tactics and mind games before, she won’t be the fool this time around. A dance party ensues putting the mystery man in his place while playing off of the “Houdini” concept. Lipa sounds like her most confident self on this track.

8. Falling Forever

In listening already maybe 15 to 20 times over, this has become my favorite track of the album. “Falling Forever,” firstly has a similar backbeat of Celiné Dion’s version of “I Drove All Night,” of which I could leave on repeat many days at a time. Additionally, the song is a literal free-fall of bliss and pure desire to keep the positivity flowing. The song will have you dancing the night away.

9. Anything for Love

“Anything for Love” is a soft touch of the keys that resembles its own sense of warmth. It’s a reminder that giving up has become the go-to, easy solution. But, fighting and working on love is worth so much more of the happiness it would bring from the work put in. Alas, that only comes if both parties want the same.

10. Maria

Dua Lipa is exceptionally graceful in singing of her partner’s former lover and accepting what will always remain a piece of them. History, good or bad, there were lessons from that, that now Lipa has benefitted from in which she thanks “Maria” for.

11. Happy for You

The album’s finale is a reflective psychedelic piece where the singer finds herself in a state of contentment and happiness for her former lover. In the long run, there was no need for the harrowing emotional toll or fights back and forth that more than likely occurred. Lipa now can say she is at peace where she is at and is turning the negative into positive.

Radical Optimism may not have a lot of “meat and potatoes” where a bulk of lyrics unwrap a traumatic event or lifetime story but; the album holds its own with its theme and poetic push for a change of mind and embracing the best of each time and place. The album plays well if you need to push yourself to move through the day or lift your spirits and Dua casts an amazing spell with her voice that modern music has completely overlooked.

Key tracks: “Falling Forever,” “Training Season,” “Whatcha Doing.”