Radical Optimism

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Radical Optimism
On the water's surface, a large shark fin approaches a woman.
Studio album by
Dua Lipa
Released3 May 2024 (2024-05-03)
RecordedNovember 2022 – August 2023
GenreDance-pop[1]
Length36:31
LabelWarner
Producer
Dua Lipa chronology
Club Future Nostalgia
(2020) 		Radical Optimism
(2024)
Singles from Radical Optimism
  1. "Houdini"
    Released: 9 November 2023
  2. "Training Season"
    Released: 15 February 2024
  3. "Illusion"
    Released: 11 April 2024

Radical Optimism is the upcoming third studio album by English-Albanian singer Dua Lipa. It is scheduled to be released on 3 May 2024 through Warner Records, and marks her first studio album release in four years since Future Nostalgia (2020).

Background[edit]

Dua Lipa's second studio album, Future Nostalgia, was released in March 2020 to widespread acclaim.[2] Credited as a significant factor in the revival of disco and dance-pop music in this decade,[3] the record yielded multiple singles including "Don't Start Now"[4] and the diamond-certified "Levitating". It won Best Pop Vocal Album and British Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammy Awards and Brit Awards ceremonies, respectively.[5][6] Future Nostalgia was succeeded by a remix album and reissue.[7][8] Lipa embarked on its namesake tour, which included 91 shows across the Americas, Europe, and Oceania, from February to November 2022.[9]

In 2023, Lipa revealed her third studio album would be released sometime in 2024 with a new sound that sees her moving away from the disco soundscape of Future Nostalgia; instead embracing more of 1970s-era psychedelia.[10] After having deleted all of her Instagram posts in October 2023, she revealed she had gotten her hair coloured red via a picture of herself captioned "miss me?".[11] In anticipation of new music, Lipa posted pictures to her social media with cryptic captions[12] and temporarily replaced the cover art of her previous albums with kaleidoscopic versions on streaming services.[13] In the cover story for the February 2024 issue of Rolling Stone, Lipa described her forthcoming album as a "psychedelic-pop-infused tribute to UK rave culture".[14]

Lipa announced her third studio album, titled Radical Optimism, and its release date, via an Instagram livestream on 13 March 2024.[15] The album is her first studio effort in four years, following Future Nostalgia.[16]

Conception[edit]

Radical Optimism is a record that "taps into the pure joy and happiness" of having clarity in situations, including "hard goodbyes and vulnerable beginnings" that eventually turned out to be milestones as a result of choosing optimism and grace to navigate "through the chaos".[17] The album is inspired by "the energy of [Lipa's hometown] London, and the rawness, honesty, confidence and freedom of 90s Britpop".[18] In a press release, she expressed her desire to "capture the essence of youth and freedom and having fun" with the record. The concept of the term "radical optimism", originally coined by the anthropology collective Allegra Lab[19], was introduced to her by a friend a few years prior, which resonated with her and allowed it to "weave" into her life.[20] Inspired by the term, Lipa found herself doing research on the history of "psychedelia, trip hop, and Britpop". The concept turned out to be a "confidently optimistic" feeling to the singer that she sought to incorporate in her recording sessions.[21]

Release and promotion[edit]

Radical Optimism will be released through Warner Records on 3 May 2024.[18] It will be available for streaming, digital download, cassette, CD, two box set variants, and two vinyl LP variants.[22] Pre-orders for the album began on 13 March 2024.[23]

Marketing[edit]

Lipa unveiled the album's cover, title and tracklist on 13 March 2024.[24]

Title and artwork[edit]

According to Lipa, the title Radical Optimism was inspired by "the idea of going through chaos gracefully and feeling like you can weather any storm".[25] The artwork of the album was unveiled along with its announcement. Shot by Tyrone Lebon,[26] it depicts the singer floating in an ocean and the silhouette of a nearby shark seemingly approaching her.[24]

Singles[edit]

The lead single "Houdini" was released on 9 November 2023, with its accompanying music video.[27] The song topped the charts in Belgium,[28] Bulgaria,[29] and Greece;[30] reached number two in the UK,[31] the top-ten in various countries,[32] and number 11 in the US.[33] It also topped the Billboard Dance/Electronic Songs chart for twelve weeks,[34] becoming her second-longest-running number-one on the chart.[35]

The second single "Training Season" was released on 15 February 2024.[36] It was issued for limited 7-inch vinyl, CD, and cassette formats.[37] "Illusion" was released as the album's third single on 11 April 2024.[38]

Live performances[edit]

Lipa opened the 66th Annual Grammy Awards on 4 February 2024 with "Houdini" and debuted then-unreleased "Training Season", along with "Dance the Night", a song for the 2023 film Barbie.[39] She performed the latter track again at the Brit Awards 2024 ceremony on 2 March.[40] Lipa will headline the 2024 edition of Glastonbury Festival in June[41] as well as Open'er Festival, Rock Werchter, NOS Alive, and Mad Cool in July.[42][43][44][45]

She will also conduct a one-off concert on October 17 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Fans who pre-ordered Radical Optimism were granted pre-sale access on April 10, followed by the general ticket sale on April 12 via Ticketmaster.[46]

Tour[edit]

On 18 March 2024, Lipa announced the Radical Optimism On Road tour, a European concert tour in support of the album. Tickets went on general sale on 21 March via Ticketmaster; fans who pre-ordered Radical Optimism were granted pre-sale access.[47]

Track listing[edit]

Radical Optimism track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicProducer(s)Length
1."End of an Era"   3:16
2."Houdini"
  • Harle
  • Parker
  • Ailin[v]
  • Cameron Gower Poole[v]
3:06
3."Training Season"
  • Lipa
  • Ailin
3:29
4."These Walls"   3:37
5."Whatcha Doing"   3:18
6."French Exit"   3:21
7."Illusion"
  • Lipa
  • Ailin
  • Harle
  • Jesso Jr.
  • Parker
3:08
8."Falling Forever"   3:43
9."Anything for Love"   2:21
10."Maria"   3:07
11."Happy for You"   4:05
Total length:36:31

Notes

  • ^[a] signifies an additional producer
  • ^[v] signifies a vocal producer

Personnel[edit]

Musicians

  • Dua Lipa – vocals
  • Caroline Ailin – backing vocals (tracks 2–3)
  • Danny L Harle – backing vocals (track 2), drum programming (tracks 2, 7), synthesiser (tracks 2, 7), programming (track 3), keyboards (track 7), percussion (track 7), whistle (track 7)
  • Kevin Parker – backing vocals (tracks 2–3), bass guitar (tracks 2–3, 7), drums (tracks 2–3), guitar (tracks 2–3, 7), keyboards (tracks 2–3, 7), percussion (tracks 2–3, 7), programming (tracks 2–3), sound effects (tracks 2–3, 7)
  • Tobias Jesso Jr. – backing vocals (tracks 2–3)

Technical

  • Danny L Harle – arranger (track 2)
  • Kevin Parker – engineer (tracks 2–3)
  • Cameron Gower Poole – engineer (tracks 2–3, 7)
  • Patrick Gardner – assistant engineer (track 2)
  • Daniela Sicilia – assistant engineer (tracks 2–3, 7)
  • Jan Brzezinski – assistant engineer (tracks 2–3, 7)
  • Josh Kay – assistant engineer (tracks 2–3, 7)
  • Josh Gudwin – mixer (tracks 2–3, 7)
  • Chris Gehringer – masterer (tracks 2–3, 7)
  • Will Quinnell – assistant mastering engineer (tracks 3, 7)

Release history[edit]

Release dates and formats for Radical Optimism
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
Various 3 May 2024
Warner [48][49]
Record Store Day (indie store exclusive) [50]
United States Target exclusive vinyl [51]

References[edit]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ Exposito, Suzy (18 April 2024). "Dua Lipa: 'If It's Not Fun, I Don't Want It'". Elle. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  2. ^
  3. ^
  4. ^ Curto, Justin (22 December 2020). "The Best Dance and Disco Songs of 2020". Vulture. Archived from the original on 22 December 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  5. ^ Horton, Adrian (15 March 2021). "Grammy awards 2021: women rule as Taylor Swift and Beyoncé break records". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  6. ^ Thomas, Ben-Beaumont; Snapes, Laura (11 May 2021). "Brit awards 2021: the ceremony as it happened, with Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift and more". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  7. ^ Hussey, Allison (28 August 2020). "Dua Lipa and the Blessed Madonna Release New Album Club Future Nostalgia: Listen". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 29 August 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  8. ^ Daly, Rhian (4 February 2021). "Dua Lipa to release 'Future Nostalgia: The Moonlight Edition' next week". NME. Archived from the original on 4 February 2021. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  9. ^ Almeida, Celia (10 February 2022). "Dua Lipa Future Nostalgia Tour Kickoff: Concert Review". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 10 February 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  10. ^ Gonzalez, Rebekah (27 October 2023). "Dua Lipa Returns To Instagram With Cryptic New Photo". iHeartMedia. Archived from the original on 31 October 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  11. ^ Merrett, Robyn (12 October 2023). "Dua Lipa Unveils Moody Red Hair After Wiping Instagram: 'Miss Me?'". Us Weekly. Archived from the original on 31 October 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  12. ^ Geraghty, Hollie (27 October 2023). "Dua Lipa hints at imminent new music with social media teaser". NME. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  13. ^ Duncan, Charlie (8 November 2023). "All Your Questions Answered About Dua Lipa's Highly-Anticipated Pop Comeback". HuffPost UK. Archived from the original on 9 November 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  14. ^ Fu, Eddie (16 January 2024). "Dua Lipa Reveals "Psychedelic-Pop-Infused" Album Was Inspired by Primal Scream and Massive Attack". Consequence. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  15. ^ Monroe, Jazz (13 March 2024). "Dua Lipa Announces New Album Radical Optimism". Pitchfork. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  16. ^ Kelly, Dylan (13 March 2024). "Dua Lipa Announces Third Studio Album 'Radical Optimism'". Hypebeast. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  17. ^ Aubrey, Elizabeth (13 March 2024). "Dua Lipa announces "psychedelia, trip hop, and Britpop" inspired new album Radical Optimism". NME. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  18. ^ a b Aswad, Jem (13 March 2024). "Dua Lipa Unveils 'Radical Optimism' — New Album's Tracklist, Cover and Release Date". Variety. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  19. ^ Allegra Lab, Collective (2021). "Anthropology for Radical Optimism". Allegra Lab. March.
  20. ^ Mier, Tomás (13 March 2024). "Dua Lipa Announces New Album Radical Optimism, Inspired by Her New Life Outlook". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  21. ^ Kelly, Tyler Damara (13 March 2024). "Dua Lipa announces her third studio album, Radical Optimism". Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  22. ^ Armstrong, Megan (13 March 2024). "Will Dua Lipa's 'Radical Optimism' Album Be On Vinyl?". Uproxx. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  23. ^ Hu, Eddie (13 March 2024). "Dua Lipa Announces New Album Radical Optimism". Consequence. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  24. ^ a b Dailey, Hannah (13 March 2024). "Dua Lipa Announces New Album Radical Optimism: Here's When It Arrives". Billboard. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  25. ^ Irvin, Jack (13 March 2024). "Dua Lipa Unveils Title and Oceanic Cover of Her Upcoming Third Album 'Radical Optimism'". People. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  26. ^ Murray, Robin (13 March 2024). "Dua Lipa Announces New Album 'Radical Optimism'". Clash. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  27. ^ Spanos, Brittany (9 November 2023). "Not an Illusion: Dua Lipa Returns With Clubby New Single 'Houdini'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  28. ^ "Dua Lipa — Houdini". Ultratop 50. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  29. ^ "PROPHON – Charts" (in Bulgarian). PROPHON. 24 November 2023. Archived from the original on 1 December 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  30. ^ "IFPI Digital Singles Charts: International" (in Dutch). IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on 22 November 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
  31. ^ Brandle, Lars (19 November 2023). "Jack Harlow Unseats The Beatles For First U.K. No. 1 With 'Lovin On Me'". Billboard. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  32. ^
  33. ^ Trust, Gary (20 November 2023). "Dua Lipa's 'Houdini' Unlocks No. 1 Debut on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs Chart". Billboard. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  34. ^ Trust, Gary (23 February 2024). "Dua Lipa's 'Houdini' Makes Magical Move to No. 1 on Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart". Billboard. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  35. ^ "Dua Lipa: Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Chart History)". Billboard. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  36. ^ Aniftos, Rania (15 February 2024). "Dua Lipa's 'Training Season' Is in Session: Stream It Now". Billboard. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  37. ^ Duran, Anagricel (25 January 2024). "Dua Lipa announces new single 'Training Season'". NME. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  38. ^ Paul, Larisha (4 April 2024). "Dua Lipa Continues Radical Optimism Countdown With Teaser for New Single 'Illusion'". Rolling Stone. United States: Penske Media Corporation. ISSN 0035-791X. OCLC 969027590. Archived from the original on 5 April 2024. Retrieved 5 April 2024. THE COUNTDOWN TO Dua Lipa's third studio album Radical Optimism will continue with the release of its third single "Illusion," out April 11.
  39. ^ Bloom, Madison (4 February 2024). "Watch Dua Lipa Perform Opening Medley at the 2024 Grammys". Pitchfork. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  40. ^ Legaspi, Althea (2 March 2024). "Dua Lipa Struts Through 'Training Season' at 2024 Brit Awards". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  41. ^ Ramachandran, Naman (14 March 2024). "Dua Lipa, Coldplay, SZA to Headline Glastonbury Festival". Variety. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  42. ^ Carter, Daisy (19 December 2023). "Loyle Carner, Sam Smith and Michael Kiwanuka among next names for Open'er 2024". DIY. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  43. ^ Jones, Damian (13 November 2023). "Foo Fighters and Dua Lipa announced as Rock Werchter 2024 headliners". NME. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  44. ^ Murray, Robin (21 February 2024). "Lisbon's NOS Alive Returns With A Bumper 2024 Line-Up". Clash. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  45. ^ Murray, Robin (11 December 2023). "Dua Lipa, Pearl Jam For Mad Cool Festival 2024". Clash. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  46. ^ Geraghty, Hollie (25 March 2024). "Dua Lipa announces one-off London show at Royal Albert Hall". NME. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  47. ^ Yates, Jonny (18 March 2024). "Dua Lipa announces 2024 European tour dates: tickets, presale info and more". PinkNews. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  48. ^ Citations concerning Radical Optimism release formats:
    1. "Radical Optimism Exclusive Box Set (black)". Dua Lipa | Official Site US. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
    2. "Radical Optimism' Cassette". Dua Lipa | UK Shop. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
    3. "Radical Optimism Lenticular CD". Dua Lipa | UK Shop. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
    4. "Radical Optimism Blue LP". Dua Lipa | UK Shop. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  49. ^ Lipa, Dua (3 May 2024). "Radical Optimism". Apple Music (UK). Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  50. ^ "Radical Optimism (RSD indie exclusive red edition) – Dua Lipa (colour vinyl)". Golden Discs. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  51. ^ "Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism (Target Exclusive, Vinyl) (Transparent Red)". www.target.com. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
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