Hey Runners

[Sophie]: Hey, Runners, it’s Sophie

[Bianca]: and Bianca

and today we’re going to be talking about Olivia Dean’s album, The Art of Falling in Love.

After topping charts and winning Best New Artist at the Grammys, Dean’s album has been in circulation since its release in 2025.

With it being out for over six months now, what do we think?

I think it’s pretty good.

I mean, definitely.

Definitely.

I think it’s been on repeat since.

For sure.

Yeah.

Yeah, I honestly, I slacked off on it for a while because I know a lot of people had told me, like, listen to it, it’s good.

You know, like, she’s a really good artist.

And I just procrastinated it.

And then you were like, hey, we should record it.

And I was like, oh, okay, I can do that.

So then I listened to it, and since then I have not stopped listening to it.

Really?

Yeah.

Like the whole way through, too?

Yeah, like the whole way through.

There’s not a single, like, skip in that one.

Yeah, I really like, I mean, that’s the best way to listen to an album, right?

Yeah.

Because the artist intended it that way.

Exactly.

And I know there’s people that like to skip around, especially when you have, like, some, you know, signals, not signals, singles that come out, and then she just did all her Grammy performance, and I’m sure people would just went straight to that one song.

But yeah, there’s a story, for sure.

Yeah.

And appreciating the artist.

Exactly.

You have to appreciate their art the way they intended it.

And that’s why I think it’s so cool how she, literally, like, the first two singles that she released are, like, the first two songs off of the album.

So it’s already, like, okay, this is a jump of what you’re going to be getting into.

This is how the rest of it flows.

And I think with concept albums sometimes like that, it’s hard to, like, oh, okay, like, this is the overall theme that they’re giving us.

But this one, it was very quick to, like, just understand, like, this is the vibe that you’re supposed to be getting from it.

So I thought that was pretty neat.

Yeah, I definitely do appreciate, though, the attention she’s been getting, because that’s having more, you know, eyes on you is a good way to promote what you have.

Because, I mean, she’s had music before this album that is also pretty great.

But that Grammy win, definitely.

That Grammy win, yeah.

Jumpstart her.

And that’s the thing is, I didn’t even know who she was at first until, like, until now, I did more research.

British, I didn’t know she was British.

I had no idea what music she did.

I thought she was country for a little bit.

But, I mean, yeah, she’s R&B and soul.

And then winning that Grammy with Best New Artist, that was, even though she’s not so new, like you said, but she also won four BRIT Awards, obviously, even though she’s also went to the BRIT School, the music school, with, like, four other really known artists, like Ray.

She went to school with Ray, too.

I didn’t know that.

Which I thought, I mean, it makes sense that they’re all so, like, so good at what they do, you know, and have, like, I feel like they all have a distinguishable, like, style that you can categorize together, but still know the difference.

Be like, oh, that’s who that is.

That’s Olivia Deen, you know?

I think it’s pretty nice.

Wow, you did do your research.

I did, I did.

I like to go in knowing what I’m dealing with.

But her Grammy, I thought that was really great, too.

I think it was very well-deserved, and I think that a lot of the, a lot of the artists that were nominated for, I loved watching the Grammys, and I have beef with it sometimes, but this time, I was like, no, everybody who won an award won it fair and square.

And I think she was, like, rightfully so.

Rightful winner, you know?

She used her platform to speak up.

She, I think, because she talked about ice during her speech, and then, but that’s not the only time that she’s done that, either.

Like, she’s also spoken up about, like, ticket master prices, with how insanely, like, expensive they’ve been, because I think one of those apps, like, decided to upcharge all of her tickets, and she spoke up about it, which was pretty cool.

So, I think she’s, like, overall, she seems like a really good artist, you know?

Like, her music aligns with her personality, and, like, image-wise, you know?

Yeah, I do have to debate you on something, though, or disagree with you, because, yes, the Grammys, that was, I really liked the way they showcased every best new artist, and the way they had those snippets of the music, but there were some people that were nominated that I’m like, mm.

That’s, yeah, I agree.

I agree.

Which is when she won, I was like, of course.

Exactly, it made more sense.

Because it was, like, there was three of them, I think, that I really wanted to win.

Like, the Marias, Olivia Deen, and Leon Thompson.

I loved all three of those.

I thought they were great.

And then, I would’ve been happy with any of them, but when she won, I was like, no, this makes the most sense, for sure.

She did have, like, a record year.

Yeah.

Definitely.

So, let’s dive into the album, then.

Yeah.

So, where should we begin?

Like, what do you get a feel of it?

What do you think the story is?

Like, what do you mean?

Man, honestly, for me, it’s 100%, like, just running, like, through the course of a relationship, you know?

Going through the motions of it all.

Of, like, okay, you’re falling in love.

Well, you start, really, with, like, crushing on someone.

Because I feel like that’s what the first, which one is it?

Nice to each other?

I feel like Nice to Each Other is literally just, like, a song about crushing on somebody, and not wanting it, really, to go into a relationship-wise, because you don’t know what to expect from it.

And I think she, like, that’s such a distinct emotion, you know?

To feel like, oh, like, I’m crushing on this person, you know?

And, like, everything about it, that song was just, it engulfed that perfectly, you know?

But she also, like, hit the mark on each song.

So, like, the one of falling in love, you know, I feel like, so easy, that one.

So easy to fall in love.

That one was just also perfect, you know?

It makes so much sense of, like, I’m falling in love with somebody.

I’m trying to make it easy for them to fall in love with me.

I’m, like, I have value to myself, too.

But then, also, I feel like Loud, the, that’s, oh my gosh, that one, it hit so hard, because it’s like, yeah, like, that’s the fallout of the relationship, you know, the drift off.

And there was also another one that I was like, oh, that, been there, been there.

A Couple Minutes.

A Couple Minutes was like, oh my gosh, that, like, it feels like the period of, like, after you break up with someone, you know?

And it’s like, oh, like, I don’t want to let you go, but at the same time, like, this is, it’s just run its course, you know?

I thought, like, those four songs alone encapsulated the entirety of, like, of a relationship, like, the whole timeline of it.

I think that’s basically what it was in general.

I mean, yeah, I think it’s definitely the journey, but even based on how she goes about each song, I can see a whole, like, this is how to love, right?

How you basically just broke it down, too.

And then there’s some songs that you brought up that also stood out to me, but kind of like seeing love as a skill, right?

Because, like, I know you brought up love, and I do want to dive into some of the songs later, but, like, I mean, sorry, Loud.

Because Loud is, like, the quietest song on the album, but what it represents and everything is just this very loud moment in this whole journey.

I also really appreciate, since it is a journey, if you notice, like, I mean, I’m sure you noticed the mix of it, right?

The, like, how do I explain this?

It’s, the lyrics are so intimate, or the music is intimate, right?

You have these songs that are about some pretty intense feelings, but she, like, layers it very well with, like, for example, like an orchestra, right?

Or a string guitar.

And when you listen to the lyrics, and then you hear this music, it’s kind of like the whole, again, the act, right?

It’s, like, the good mix of intense and intimate feelings that come with this whole journey.

So as you were listening to some of these songs, that’s what I was thinking of.

It’s, like, how these lyrics were matching to the choice of what you did, right?

Because the album is definitely a good mix of R&B and jazz, and she incorporates some strings here and there, and all of that, and, like, easy to fall in love.

It’s very upbeat, and it’s, like, that rush of the heart, right?

Like, oh my God.

Yeah, that’s exactly what I described, yeah.

Yeah, so I do appreciate, like, as a listener, you go through a journey.

Exactly.

As well, it’s like your brain and your ears are going through the journey.

And they, like, synchronize, too.

That was one thing that, like, sometimes artists will have, like, really upbeat songs, but then they’ll have, like, horribly sad lyrics to them.

And this album, I feel, is the complete opposite of that.

Like, the lyrics and the tone match the songs and the melodies that go with it similarly.

Because I feel like, in my opinion, at least, like, nice to each other, I feel like there’s a consistent drumline beat that goes throughout.

But then, like, during the chorus, when, like, you start feeling that heart rush, you know, of, like, a crush, it kind of matches, like, how a crush would feel, you know, with, like, oh, like, I see them, I get all, like, giddy, I get that little heart rush, you know?

And I feel like that matches similarly.

And like I had said with Loud, I feel like the string instruments in that one emphasizes the dramatics of it, you know?

And, like, the ache that she captures with the, like, linger of the string instruments, it just felt so, like, longing, so, like, breaking.

I thought that was really good.

But then she’s able to contrast it so well with, like, songs like Man I Need, where it’s just, like, this jazzy, like, kind of swing-inspired thing that, like, feels like, oh, like, swing, and then also, like, bring you in, like, you’re the one I want type thing.

So I feel like, in my opinion, it matches, like, very well with, like, the lyrics, and then the tone, and then, like, the theme of the song.

Yeah, I don’t know.

I think, okay, maybe we don’t agree on everything, because I totally get what you mean by a lot of it, and I got that, too.

But I saw it in a different way, in a sense of, was this her using music to make us feel safe?

Because, like, again, if you listen to the lyrics, what she’s talking about and, like, how she goes about it, it is pretty intense.

And so is her, like, her art form of this to be able to use the strings in a way that…

So, again, going back to Loud, it’s, like, you could tell.

She’s, like, heartbroken.

Yeah, she’s going through it.

But to pair that with, like, an acoustic guitar, like, is that her trying to captivate, like, I want you to feel safe about what I’m feeling.

And isn’t that kind of, like, what we do?

Yeah, in the story.

Like, trying to protect yourself, and then use…

Yeah, I agree with you.

She’s using, like, her art form almost as, like, a point of, well, obviously, like, a point of self-expression but also, like, a way to protect herself from the feelings, I think.

I feel like that’s such a beautiful way to do it, though.

Yeah, for sure.

But is it, like, also trying to make her audience feel safe?

Yeah.

You know, of, like, I’m expressing all this, so I’m gonna pair it with an acoustic guitar.

Yeah, something to make the audience feel good, yeah.

Yeah, but also you don’t feel so intense about what I’m feeling.

That’s a good one.

Because, okay, let’s think about, okay, one of my favorite songs off the album was Let Alone the One You Love.

Right, I mean, yeah.

Which is very deep, you know?

And even that, the way she pairs, you know, that melody and, you know, even, like, the…

She kind of had, like, this moment of, like, a subtle but also, like, an isolated sound in time.

So it’s, like, giving you space to, like, breathe when she says certain things.

But the lyrics in that song, it’s kind of, like, dang.

They’re almost, like, choking.

Yes, because, yeah, isn’t it, like, her realizing, like, I can’t believe you just did this to me.

Yeah.

And that’s, like, her realizing this moment, right?

Yeah.

And so, as I heard it, like, it was, like, this moment where it’s just so quiet, where you’re, I think, it’s catching up to you.

Like, wait, you just did that.

Like, how dare you?

Like, let alone to the one you love, you know?

So that’s why I think, as you were talking, I was making that face, because I was, like, wait, hold on, I’m kind of getting these thoughts now.

Is it a way of, like, what we do in this whole journey?

Is it, yeah, we want others to feel safe about what we feel.

Yeah, I also feel like it kind of feels a little conversational sometimes with, like, the, obviously, like, her lyrics, they just feel like, like you said, like, in that one, it’s like, how could you do that to me, you know?

And then it’s almost like you would have, like, a conversation with your best friends, like, oh, like, a couple minutes ago, we just sat on the couch, you know, we were just sitting there talking, and I, like, there was just this air between us.

It’s, like, something that you would, she’s, the lyrics are so personal, like, and close, to where it’s, like, oh, like, this is, this is, like, a friend venting to me kind of thing.

But even then, like, I feel like that song’s a good mix of, like, this, like, soft rock and, like, 70s vibe.

And there’s people that, I’ve seen people post it on their Instagram, and you can tell they’re posting it because they think it’s a happy song, and I’m like, um, have you not listened to this?

No, the lyrics do not match up.

So it’s kind of, like, this whole, again, like, this emotional risk, right?

Because, I mean, that song within itself is beautiful.

It’s, you know, diving into, I feel like it was, like, a closure of, like, I really like how she, you know, at the end, and I, like, I think that’s why I like that at the start to the end, because, you know, sometimes you realize, like, hey, like, this love doesn’t go away.

Exactly.

And we can go to this time, but I also have to remind myself, like, I’m not gonna stay here, though.

You know, it’s only good for this amount of time.

But, um, yeah, I think that song was a good example of that, definitely, of the whole, um, the emotional risk, but softening it up for others.

Yeah.

I don’t know.

I mean, is that, I mean, because I feel like we both have very different perspectives when it comes to that, especially, like, overall, like, do you feel like that is what you gather in terms of this whole act throughout the album, of her wanting you to feel safe, as she’s bearing her heart and soul to you?

I, I, well, I also think it, like, it depends on the audience perspective, you know, because one could say, like, okay, um, look at it through, like, the different stages of, like, a love life, right?

If you’re in, if you’re in one point, you’re gonna see this whole album very differently, but if you’re in another, it’s gonna be completely different than the other person, because, like, one might see it as, like, just loving the love songs, you know?

And then there’s, like, some rough bumps, but then others might be like, this is a breakup, I don’t like that, I can see, like, the beginning and the end of the relationship and just the whole downward spiral.

So I think that also has to do with, like, how people perceive this album specifically, because it’s like, okay, yes, it’s the full run-through of the relationship, but what points are you taking the most out of?

Ooh, that’s a good question.

Ask someone what’s your favorite Olivia Deen song from this album, and you’ll know where they’re at.

Determine exactly where they’re at.

No, but that’s a good point, because even, like, the happy one, Man I Love, right, or Man I Need, like, the percussion in that song, right?

It’s, like, super upbeat, blah, blah, blah, right?

But even then, like, that song is kind of, like, her talking about standards still.

And all, it’s like, yeah, hey, this is happy-go-lucky, but I still have, like, expectations.

Yeah, yeah, so, but it’s, again, I really, really appreciate that that is an element of the whole album.

It’s like, I feel like, I’m trying to think of another album that’s everything like that, but I can’t right now.

What would you say were, like, for sure your favorites?

My, oh, Nice to Each Other, that was just, I, as soon as I heard it, I was like, oh, this is gonna be stuck in my head.

Like, I just, I already know it, you know?

I thought it was so catchy.

But I also just love that vibe that she brings.

I mentioned it already, the crushing feeling, you know?

I think that that’s such, like, a good vibe.

And it’s, like, a happy one, but also, like, the way that she describes it, it’s like, I like you, but I don’t want to continue this because I’m scared, or, like, because I don’t know what to expect from it.

And so it’s like, yeah, well, yeah, while you’re on top of the world, like, crushing on this person, you also have to think of, like, what comes next, or, like, what’s going to come with it or come from it.

So I thought that was, like, she hit a good, like, balance of both.

I think that’s why I liked that one the most.

But my second favorite was Lady, Lady, and I loved that one so much, because literally, I clipped this and put this in my notes, in a press release for the track, she said that it’s about the universe, mother nature, and accepting and trusting the plan that she has for you, and the feeling of having to change just as you’re getting used to that version of yourself.

I had so much change happen to me in, like, the last six months.

I was like, girl, you hit me, like, deep with this one.

And, like, the whole album, like we’ve mentioned, whether you see it as, like, a relationship one or about love or about a breakup, this song specifically, it just feels so, like, like, just, like, solo, you know?

Like, it’s not about anything, it has no strings attached to it, it has no, like, initial hard part of the story that she’s describing, but it still has so much impact, because it’s like, move on, like, just grow with yourself.

Like, it’s okay to live through the changes and then kind of adjust to it on your own.

And I thought that was really beautiful, because sometimes you need that reminder that you came from here, and it’s okay to grow into that version of you, and what changes happened, happened for a reason, happened for you to get to that certain point, which I really, really, really liked a lot.

Which is so cool, because that’s part of the act of love, right?

It’s like, you’re part of this for me, too.

And, you know, and going back to this whole album, yeah, I mean, you brought it up earlier, like, about a relationship, but you’re the biggest component of every relationship, right, so I think that was cool.

And I think that’s why my third favorite is so easy to fall in love, because there she’s like, don’t undervalue yourself.

Like, you’re still important, you know?

Like, she’s basically saying, I’m still good.

Like, I still have a lot of love to me, you know?

Somebody will be there to love the way I love.

And I was like, ah, yes.

She hit the mark on that one.

Yeah.

That’s actually perfect that you brought those three up, because those are not the ones that I’m bringing up.

Really?

But, I mean, that tells me where your journey’s at.

I’m just kidding, I’m just kidding.

Exactly.

No, yeah, I mean, yeah, I couldn’t tell nice to each other it was either, because you brought that one up five times.

I do, I like it.

It’s a good one, and it’s a great song to start with, too, for that album, because it really, like, smooths you in.

I have to bring up Man, I Need, just because it’s, like, getting all the attention right now.

But I do appreciate the whole, like, like, in the whole album, I feel like this is, like, where desire happens, but, which, you know, you brought up nice to each other, it’s, like, the crush, right?

But Man, I Need is, like, the desire, but I like the whole, as I mentioned earlier, like, the whole, like, like, what I know I want versus, like, trying to settle.

Trying to get, yeah.

And even, like, again, that progression, like, makes you really, like, remind you, like, hey, hey, hey, like, this is, yeah, what you should have, right?

Or what you deserve, I should say.

And it’s like you had said earlier with, like, she’s not, like, in that one, she’s still giving, like, these are the expectations that I have for who I want.

But in a sense, isn’t that kind of, like, a certain type of vulnerability to, like, really, like, make sure, you know, I think people are so afraid to talk about their wants and needs in a relationship, and that does have some sort of, like, tie to feeling exposed or feeling vulnerable, but at the end of the day, like, we’re not desperate.

You know, so.

Exactly, yeah.

It’s like, I will still put up a boundary, you know, and somebody should be able to respect that.

Yeah.

And if they do, then good, there you go.

And that’s, that’s the Man I Need, right?

Yeah.

There you go, exactly.

And then I brought this one up earlier, but I really, really love Let Alone the One You Love.

Oh, it’s so good.

I just like how complex that song is.

The whole, like, emotional limits to her understanding, but also, like, overall the difficulty of maintaining love, which is, like, that whole line of, like, when she even says, like, ah, I can’t remember that line, where she’s kind of, like, fighting with it, like, you’ve kind of, like, not asked for it, but, like, this isn’t what you wanted, right?

Like, why are you acting weird about it?

And it reminds me, like, those individuals who are, like, very hot and cold, like, you know, anyone ever dated a man who’s, like, but it can be anyone, right, that can do that.

I’ve probably done that to a man before, who knows.

But that is, like, they’re there, and all of a sudden they’re, like, not there.

It’s, like, what just happened?

It’s, like, I don’t know if they reached their emotional capacity of, like, what they think they could provide, but that’s what that song really reminded me of, is, like, dang, I thought we were both in this.

Like, what just happened?

What happened, yep.

Yeah, and then the last one I think I wanna bring up is A Couple Minutes.

A Couple Minutes.

How’d you know?

How’d you know it was you?

Because I love that one, too.

I love that one, too, it’s so good.

Yeah, that one, for sure.

I think it’s just, there’s something beautiful about understanding that you can have some love for someone, but that doesn’t mean they have to be in your orbit, or anymore, so, but it’s nice.

And it’s also, like, it’s kind of sad, too.

Like, especially when they’re talking, and she’s like, only you would know this about me.

How’s this going?

Like, and it’s just, like, how real is that?

Like, there’s so many people in our lives that we’re still like, I hope you’re doing well.

Like, I don’t hate you.

And if, you know, we had a good night, and we ran into each other, I’ll still say hello and be fine, but then I have to, like.

It’s like, I know what’s best for me in the end, even if that means not having them in your life.

For sure.

So, yeah, so those are definitely some good ones.

Yeah.

Another one that I really liked, too, is Baby Stiffs.

I just feel like, in general, it’s just a cute one.

It’s just like, oh, that’s nice.

I thought it was, I thought it was good.

I love just her overall sound.

Like, her voice, it’s so, like, gravitating.

Like, that’s one of my favorite ways, like, I think I described her to somebody else, and I was like, she just, like, draws you in.

Her voice sounds so, like, pulling, you know?

And it sounds like something classic.

But I feel like her name alone is, like, Olivia Deen.

It sounds like something classic, you know, something timeless, and I feel like she has that same vibe to her.

You know what, that’s a good point.

Do you think maybe it’s because, like, not to get all technical, but because, like, the production was so clean?

Maybe.

Like, I don’t know if that makes any sense.

No, I think it makes sense.

Jada’s production was clean.

Okay, yeah, like, so it’s like, when you have all this going on, yeah, that post-production must have done some good stuff, because, like, you just said, like, her voice is drawing you in.

You can, like, at some point, there’s, like, a song where I can, like, make out three different instruments, like, because of how, like, smooth it all works out.

But just, like, how, like, oh, my ears just feel warm when I listen to it.

It’s just, like, okay, like, it’s an easy listen, if that makes sense.

It is, and I feel like that also adds in the fact that, like, it feels seamless, like you said, with, like, the post-production and everything.

It feels very, like, cohesive, but also, like, each song has its own individual aspects to it, and they all still match with each other.

Like, it’s not like the whole album is, like, jumping genres.

Oh, no, the transitions are smooth.

The transitions are so smooth.

All, like, they flow into each other very well.

It’s not like energy is just shifting, jumping one by one, you know?

Like, I can think of a couple different albums that do stuff like that, where it’s like, oh, you’re jumping from, like, one thing to another thing, and that probably also has to do with, like, the overall theme of it, you know, and how, like, this album feels like when you’re just supposed to listen front to back, because it’s like, okay, this is how it’s supposed to go.

It’s flowing like this, you know?

I think that’s pretty good, too.

No, I agree, and it makes sense.

See, this is why, going back to the Grammys, like, this is, I think, some people assume a Grammy should sometimes go to someone just because of popularity, but it’s like, okay, there’s so much work that goes into an album, so much work, that it’s like, like, when she won this one, or she didn’t win Grammy, I mean, Album of the Year or anything, but her just winning the New Artist, I was like, oh, thank gosh, like, because, like, this album, for example, like, the work that went into it, I’m like, I’m glad someone who created something like this is getting credit versus someone who maybe has, like, one song and whatever it may be.

That’s probably gonna go away in a few weeks or something.

So, I guess, one question I do have for you.

I know you touched on it, but, and we talked about the whole story, you know, the music, everything, but who do you think this album was for?

Did you know?

I wasn’t asking this question.

No, I didn’t.

That’s why, that was my reaction.

I was like, oh, I, man, I don’t really know, because it is, like, I had said it, like, earlier, it depends on, like, the audience, because I feel like anybody in any point of a relationship or not being in a relationship can relate to this somehow, like, relate to one of these songs somehow, whether you’re relating to a love song-ish or whether you’re relating to, like, the post-breakup one, you know?

She has something for everyone.

Mm, I, no.

I don’t think everyone would like this.

Not everyone, because her sound, like, her, obviously, her genre alone is not for everybody, but I think it’s definitely more for, like, is it corny if I say, like, it’s for the yearners, like?

Well, no, I would say for people who, like, are evolving.

I think if it’s someone who wants, like, a messy song, they’re not gonna get it, because even, again, like, all the work that went into it was not messy at all.

Not at all.

So I think it goes for someone maybe, like, more evolved or more of a, seen it as a journey, as an act, right?

But, you know, we have those songs that are, like, super toxic, messy, like, oh, screw this person, blah, blah, but I don’t think it’s for someone like that.

No, this is more for, like, somebody who’s still longing for the past a little bit.

No, because we just talked about, a couple of minutes ago, she’s, like, no longer longing for that past.

But it’s the idea of still reminiscing on, like, oh, like, getting closure, right?

Like, that’s what it is.

But closure means it’s over.

Like, what is it?

What is it?

What is it?

That’s interesting.

See, another debate that we have.

There you go.

We don’t agree now.

Yeah.

So that’s how we’re gonna end.

I think that’s good.

Not agreeing.

Not agreeing.

I think, yeah, but at the same time, it’s like, like I said, everybody sees it from a different perspective, because, like, I don’t know.

I really do feel like it just depends on where you’re at in your life a little bit.

Yeah.

Yeah, I mean, yeah, but I do think it’s, like, it’s definitely, the journey was quieter, more gentle.

You know?

She wasn’t, you for sure know she wasn’t, like, in a room throwing around things.

Yeah.

And that’s kind of what it feels like.

Like, the relationship was, like, it felt mellow, in a way, where- It could have been horrible.

It could have been, based off of that one song.

She definitely went to therapy.

Yeah, oh yeah.

Oh yeah.

You know, I was gonna, you brought this up earlier, when you were like, it felt like there were, you know, she was on a couch, like, venting to a friend.

I do get that.

Like, it’s definitely, it was, like, her, you know, because, I mean, as we mentioned with some of the lyrics, like, there’s moments where she definitely does sound upset and, like, very heartbroken, but maybe that goes back to my comment from earlier.

She uses that music to make you feel calm and safe, on a way she’s fine.

It’s almost like when you’re, like, talking to a friend, like, after a breakup, and you’re, like, trying to just, like, smooth it all over, be like, this is- Even though inside you’re like- Even though inside you’re like, it’s almost like protecting the other person’s, like, image a little bit, and, like, you don’t want to, like, make them look bad, because obviously they were still a good person to you, but at the same time, like, you still wanna tell your friends, so it’s like, you have a little bit of that, like, anger, resentment behind, but you’re still wanting to be like, hey, this happened, you know?

Like, this is how it all went down, you know?

And maybe that’s why, like, the whole album feels a little more, like, longing, like, as in, like, sound-wise, it feels a little more, not down, but, like, a little more relaxed and a bit- Contained.

Contained, contained is the perfect word, because it’s like you’re trying to not give away, like, all the emotions that you felt throughout without, like, giving bias to whoever you’re talking about to create a narrative about the other person that you’re talking about.

That’s a good way of putting it.

Yeah.

Well, I agreed with you now.

There we go.

On Monday.

No, we had a couple of agreements, yeah.

We had a couple of agreements.

I’m just very passionate about this album.

I can tell, I can tell.

Honestly, I had never listened to any of her other stuff before.

Really?

Yeah, this is the first time I haven’t.

You need to explore.

I’m definitely going to.

Have you listened to her other stuff?

Yeah.

Oh, I didn’t know that.

But, I definitely will now.

Like, the one that you sent me earlier, the, oh, I don’t remember what it’s- Reimu?

Yeah, I liked that one a lot.

That was good.

So, I’m gonna have to check out more of her stuff, but you should.

Yeah.

You know, like, that silly thing when people are like, I knew them before they were even- Before they were, yeah.

That’s my thing.

Well, you know what, that’s something to take ownership of, too, because it’s like, I did have them.

I discovered her, and I made sure- I discovered her before.

Yeah, exactly.

And I made sure everyone knew.

Yeah.

I was there when she, like, had that breakup, and I was like, girl, write it down.

There’s so much.

Did she actually get with Harry Styles?

Do you know about that?

Of course.

You know what, let’s not bring up another artist in this podcast.

That’s fair, that’s fair, that’s fair.

Let’s focus- Oh, just on her, just on her.

Did you focus on somebody else during that podcast?

Yeah.

Okay.

No, yeah.

Just a little jumping around.

Definitely.

I don’t know, but, like, for me, but I got out of this album, and maybe it’s just because of, like, where I am in my point of view.

Tell us where you are, tell us where you are.

Maybe it’s just where I’m at, but I feel like she captured, like, the idea of slowly crushing on somebody but not wanting a relationship, and then also- You thought she was emotionally unavailable this whole time.

I- Maybe just- Now, we’re just doing it again.

But I still think, like, she just, she captured the emotion of, like, a whole relationship too perfectly, and I think that slightly scared me at first, but it was, like, in a good way.

Like, I enjoyed it.

Yeah, it’s definitely about people who are tired of the chaos and who are setting boundaries, and, you know, and I think it’s, you could have, like, this really wild journey and it be a little more quote-unquote gentle, like I mentioned.

So, like, she has good friends and went to therapy.

Because, again, yeah, she did say some stuff in some of those songs where I’m like, that guy sucked.

Most of it, yeah.

Yeah.

But, um, yeah, it was good.

Maybe that’s why I like it, because, you know, therapy, good friends.

Yeah.

You have love that close to you.

But I do think she was emotionally available.

Yeah, it seems like it.

And maybe that was, like, something that she got after, like, while she was writing this, you know?

Girl, she went to therapy after.

Maybe she did.

Maybe it was, like, something.

We’re gonna end on a bad note now.

I think it’s fine, because she’s flicky.

You heard it here first.

Sophia thinks Olivia Deen needs therapy.

I didn’t, all right, I didn’t say that explicitly.

I think she already got her therapy, and then she wrote the album.

She, like, debriefed it with her therapist, and then was like, this is what I’m gonna say.

And her therapist watching the Grammy’s like, oh my god, I know her.

It’s like, ah, I said that.

I told you to do that.

Oh, wait, she can’t say that.

It’s, you know, confidentiality.

Yeah.

No.

All right, then.

Yeah.

That was good.

Well, those were her thoughts.

Thank you.

Thank you.

You’re welcome.

No, thank you for coming.

This is a good little back and forth.

I feel like that’s needed sometimes, because not everybody agrees on every album, and ain’t nobody agree with some stuff.

But you know what, it was good.

Yeah, well, definitely gonna, I definitely gonna send you some articles after this.

Yes.

So you can agree with me.

I love reading about music.

Please send it to me.

All right, well, those were our thoughts on The Art of Loving.

Let us know if you’ll be listening, and what you thought about it, or what we might have missed and didn’t catch.

This has been In The Mix, and we’ll catch you on the next drop.

Bye, listen to the album.

Listen to it.

Please.

Yeah.

I think he’s told me to stop recording it.

Did he?

Just click the space button.

Yeah, click the space button.

In The Mix student-led podcast is published every Wednesday on your favorite podcast platforms.

If you’re a CSUB student or staff, and would like to be on the podcast, email mjorege1 at csub.edu, and contact us to join the conversation.