Olivia Dean’s latest album is a masterclass all about love as Dean goes through the ideas of love in terms of friendships, romance and self.

“The Art of Loving” starts off with the title-track that sets the tone for the sound and style of the album. The intro is dream-like with Dean’s voice soothingly singing, “This is the art of loving.”

The British singer said in an interview that the album was inspired by an art exhibit responding to Bell Hook’s book, “All About Love.” Dean said she was feeling very uninspired and writing vague lyrics until she went to the exhibit.

“Basically both [the exhibit and the book] were just looking at love as less of this fantastical thing that might happen to you one day,” Dean said. “And [looking] at it as more of a reality. [Love] is in your everyday life.”

Dean is able to pull out the everyday life aspect of love and showcase the beauty. This is where she soars. All of the songs feel simple but strong as Dean m e t i c u l o u s l y pulls apart a new aspect of love to visit.

The three singles of the album were hits, but “Man I Need” was the star of the show. The song blends soul and pop to create this catchy beat. Dean writes feel-good music that means something. When her music is put on, listeners feel they can accomplish anything and win in life.

“So Easy (To Fall In Love)” is another catchy tune that talks about how special Dean is to be able to fall in love. She said to audiences that this song is supposed to make them feel “fab.” The chorus goes, “‘Cause I make it so easy to fall in love/ So, come give me a call, and we’ll fall into us/ I’m the perfect mix of Saturday night and the rest of your life/ Anyone with a heart would agree.”

While “The Art of Loving” is primarily exploring the happy moments of love and life, Dean still pulls out her classic soul ballads. In “Let Alone the One You Love,” Dean is contending with not being able to understand how people hurt the ones they love.

Dean is able to highlight so many aspects of love and love can sometimes have pain involved. She tells the story of pain in a touching way that the audience listens to and can still feel hopeful by the end.

The album feels like the happy ending of a rom-com where the girl is on top and her love for herself and her friends triumphs over any romantic love. In “Nice to Each Other,” Dean sings loudly, “Cause I don’t want a boyfriend.” Dean gives room for romantic love in the album but ultimately self-love is shining through.

Dean’s fashion sense is effortless and classy with polka dots and simple dresses. Her stage presence perfectly compliments the contents of the album. Dean is always dancing around and her smile can be heard as she sings live as well as in the recordings.

Dean has done an excellent job of showcasing what the album means to her and sharing it with audience members. “The Art of Loving” is a stunning second album that highlights Dean’s goal for her music which is to bring light and make people feel beautiful and important.