We Can’t Get Enough of Olivia Dean and Her Soul-Bending Tune "Man I Need”
Admittedly, we've heard the hullabaloo around British singer Olivia Dean and her unique flair and fusion of classic R&B and soul stylings. But it wasn't until we put her latest single “Man I Need” on constant repeat that we've fully jumped on her burgeoning soul train.
The neo-soul singer’s latest single, which was released on August 15, is a lightning bolt of smooth and groovy melodic and rhythmic balladry that injects a rush of positivity into your bones. It runs three minutes long but feels like it goes by way quicker than it actually does.
Dean’s buttery smooth vocal performance is mesmerizing and hypnotic to the point of also feeling the sense of yearning she croons about.
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Speaking on the track’s conceptualization, Dean herself says, “'Man I Need' is a song about knowing how you deserve to be loved and not being afraid to ask for it. It’s forward, sexy, fun! It’s made for dancing!”
The track is from her anticipated sophomore album The Art of Loving, which will be out on the September 26 under Capitol Records.
The forthcoming LP will also include previous singles “Lady Lady” and “Nice To Each Other,” which paints warm sonic atmospheres and punchy bass lines, and danceable soul music respectively.
What won us over was Dean’s knack for earnest songwriting choices and her distinct velvety vocals that serve as a medium for her remarkable expressiveness.
Her vocal quality and profile reminds us a bit of Solange, Jorja Smith, and if you really think about it, even the charismatic delivery of Lauryn Hill.
Circling back to “Man I Need,” the infectiousness of the neo-soul track is in the unmistakable swing driven by the piano, synth pads, programmed drums, and the subtle bass that commands presence.
“I’d like to think you feel the same way, but I can’t tell with you sometimes,” Dean sings. “So, baby, let’s get on the same page. Stop making me read between the lines.”
The artist's debut record Messy dropped in 2023 and was a breakthrough as it cemented her as a compelling voice to keep your ears pointed towards as she started headlining shows around the world.
It almost took us this long to finally listen to the charming single “Dive” off that debut LP, which is a warm embrace you ought to be, well, diving into.
“We made most of this album in a studio we built in a house in East London,” Dean says on an Instagram post detailing her forthcoming LP. “For eight weeks we lived in the house of loving! I brought my piano from home and all my favorite people and tried to create things that felt like warmth. Here you have a piece of my heart!”
The British singer’s new track also comes with an accompanying music video with the retro-inspired atmosphere that has her parading around a revolving set painted with pastel green everywhere.
Dean just exudes effortless class and is putting out earnest soul music we can’t get enough off. Yes, Olivia, you can talk to us as much as you want.
