Not even a year ago, during the onset of a worldwide lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Dua Lipa sashayed onto the disco dancefloor for her official sophomore album Future Nostalgia. Though promotion for the album was scaled back, it still managed to peak at number four on the Billboard 200 and rollout successful singles such as "Don't Start Now", "Physical" and "Break My Heart".
Then as the months passed, while most fans were salivating for the proper single treatment of "Hallucinate", "Cool" and "Love Again", Lipa made some unconventional promotional decisions.
Standout effort "Levitating" did eventually receive the single push, but as remix versions featuring the likes of Madonna, Missy Elliott, and Da Baby. The decision paved the way for Club Future Nostalgia, a remix album in collaboration with The Blessed Madonna. More one-off collaborations soon followed.
Throughout 2020, Lipa joined forces with J Balvin & Bad Bunny, Brockhampton, Gwen Stefani, Miley Cyrus, Kylie Minogue, and Belgian singer-songwriter Angèle. The latter most peaked interest and confusion. The surprise release sparked rumors of a full B-side release. To those who are patient, good things shall come. After a year of quarantines and social distance measures, the artist presents Future Nostalgia (The Moonlight Edition) featuring four brand new tracks.
The original 11 songs featured on Future Nostalgia are all present and accounted for, sounding as sublime the second time around as they did the first. Though tap into the new second half, and evidence of good ideas now coming to fruition is clear.
Let this be a lesson: material worth hearing is best left in the cooking pot until well done.
Both Lipa and Angèle turn bright red on "Fever", asking potential suitors to check their temperature, burning up with visions of carnal delight. While one comes off strong and forceful with their vocal delivery, the other more innocent while singing solely in French. Even with the language barrier, a sense of comradery shines through as they indulge in pleasure. It's short, sweet, and to the point.
Lead project single "We're Good", while a new tropical-leaning direction from the artist, is the least remarkable of the bunch. Both parties in a relationship are on the same page as it relates to their love's unfortunate end, at peace with the decision. Lyrics carry mature weight, though delivery upends impact of the message. "No need to hide it, go get what you want, this won't be a burden if we both don't hold a grudge," Lipa sings on the second verse.
Lipa joined Miley Cyrus on "Prisoner", featured on the latter's Plastic Hearts. The two dominating pop personalities showcase energy chemistry and vocal harmonies, instead of competing for the spotlight. Both artists detail controlling relationships and partners, forcing the other to feel stuck in a never-ending, unhealthy cycle. Whether the women are the victims or abusers is still up for interpretation though.
The new edition's crowing moment belongs to "If It Ain't Me", an elevated extension of the disco vibes and tone set by the original parent album. With a new lover on her mind, Lipa struts onto the dancefloor in tears, wondering if they'll ultimately choose another over her. "And baby, if you ever, find another lover, you'll see, I'll be dancing with my heart broke, such a sad disco, if it ain't me," she admits.
"That Kind of Woman", first heard as a remix by Jacques Lu Cont, remains as haunting and devoted in its intended form. In a sea of potential lovers, how do you make yourself stand out in the eager crowd? Lipa makes her case with her promise of commitment and by wearing her heart on her sleeve. While serving as a final act of desperation, there's a hint of sincerity and warmth under the artist's heartfelt performance.
Unfortunately, blooming love usually comes to a bitter end on "Not My Problem". Lipa and rapper JID inform former partners that their degrading actions and words no longer carry weight in their lives. "Pulling me down like an anchor, sayin' it's my fault, your angered, telling me no one will love me, telling me I'm gon' be lonely," Lipa sings on a verse before JID steps in for some quick-spitting truth. Tea is best served hot and vindictive.
The Moonlight Edition closes out with the Da Baby version of "Levitating", deserving of its eventual top five chart placement, and "Un Dia" alongside J Balvin, Bad Bunny and Tainy.
We've experienced forced re-issues from artists in the pasts. But, on the levels of Lady Gaga and Kesha releases, Dua Lipa utilizes previously scrapped materials and poignant additions to elevate an already focused and confident musical project. The new tracks could both stand on their own as an entirely separate effort, but praise is well deserved for still glossing it all over with the disco sheen and allowing it to sound a post-COVID companion piece. We've all wonder how to handle sex, love, and heartbreak while quarantined. Lipa just showed us how.
Tracks to Hear: "If It Ain't Me" and "That Kind of Woman"
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