Olivia Dean, a rising British neo-soul artist, released an album titled The Art of Loving back in late September. As I have been a fan for about a year, I was very excited and had high expectations for this album’s release.

Before the album dropped, Dean released four singles — “Man I Need,” “Lady, Lady,” “Nice to Each Other,” and “So Easy (to Fall in Love).” After listening to these, I knew this album would wreck me in the most beautiful way possible.

In Dean’s past albums, her music has proven to be radiant, young, and full of life. However, that does not take away from the depth of her music and the afflictions she has faced, which she communicates beautifully through her new album.

In my humble opinion, The Art of Loving is possibly the best work of art she has put out. When listening through the entire album, you can hear and feel the intimate intentionality that is placed in every song.

Most dedicated and conscious musicians intend to take their listeners on a journey with them through an album, or tell them a story. Not only was a beautiful story told in this album, but it felt as though I was a friend reliving these experiences with her.

In the songs “Let Alone The One You Love” and “Loud,” Dean walks us through an inner part of her pain and heartbreak from past romantic relationships. Throughout the song “Loud”, you can subtly hear the acoustic guitar grow and intensify–ultimately turning into an entire orchestra that relays her passionate feelings of pain and betrayal. This not only deeply resonated with me as a listener, but also shows how she took something so wounding and painful, and created something so brilliant and lovely to share.

However, in her songs “So Easy (To Fall in Love)” and “Man I Need,” we can hear the yearning and passion for love she has. These songs sound like how it feels to fall in love and the growth that comes with that pain.

The Art of Loving truly takes the listener on a journey through pain and heartache, but this album continues to show Olivia Dean’s yearning for love in life, and I can’t help but admire that.

The album is filled with what most young women have (or will) go through to some extent. While that may sound daunting, Olivia Dean’s album feels like a friend who will make you laugh, cry, and sing in every stage of love and grief.