Opinion: Dua Lipa’s new album presents nostalgia for a better future

Is now a good time for cheery upbeat songs? Is it disrespectful to keep yourself busy with happy content when people are suffering worldwide?

While many singers are postponing album releases for a lighter time, Dua Lipa did the opposite.

The artist’s highly anticipated second album, “Future Nostalgia,” was set to debut on April 3, but Lipa moved up the release date, and it came out March 27. In an interview with The New York Times, Lipa said she debated postponing the album release, but ultimately decided the world could use some feel-good music. I think it could too.

“Future Nostalgia” features 11 tracks of pure kinetic disco-pop. There seems to be a revival of disco-pop happening now, and Lipa and Lady Gaga are at the forefront. The party vibe of the album is consistent. There are no dramatic or sentimental ballads on the album, and even the break-up songs promote self-love rather than despair.

Lipa revealed the meaning behind the album title was meant to serve songs with a nostalgic mood while also delivering a fresh and futuristic sound. I can definitely see how this album does that—especially now. “Future Nostalgia” might just be the best way to describe that feeling of missing all of the plans and events that never happened due to COVID-19 cancellations. We’re feeling nostalgic for the future when everything returns to normal, or at least a new normal.

The album starts off with the titular song that suggests “Future Nostalgia” is more than just an album, song or feeling; it’s Lipa’s new genre and brand for herself. The meta-song sets up the album and tells us Lipa is completely in charge. The chorus sings, “You want the recipe, but can’t handle my sound / my sound, my sound (future, future nostalgia).” The chorus is followed by an even more energetic post-chorus, where Lipa teases, “I know you ain’t used to a female Alpha (future nostalgia.)” The words “future nostalgia” appear so many times, you know it’s important to the overall message. Lipa refers to both herself and her sound as future nostalgia. It’s the goal of the whole album.

Two songs on the album unintentionally became social distancing anthems. “Don’t Start Now” is a song about moving on and growing after a breakup. The lyrics of the chorus hit hard, “Don’t show up, don’t come out / Don’t start caring about me now.” While it’s about a breakup, we can also think of it as encouraging others to stay home.

The other song seen as ever-so-relevant is “Break My Heart.” Besides its Debbie Downer of a title, it’s a cute song about being scared to fall in love with someone who could potentially break your heart. Lipa gets vulnerable as she sings about how she guards herself and playfully wishes she had been more cautious. The chorus reads, “I would’ve stayed at home, ‘cause I was doing better alone / But when you said, hello, I knew it was the end of it all / I should have stayed at home, ‘cause now there ain’t no letting you go.” The song basically has quarantine written across its forehead. You might be singing this too if you don’t be careful!

In addition to social distancing anthems, the album also has a killer feminist anthem. In “Boys Will Be Boys,” Lipa addresses what it’s like to be a woman nowadays—only walking in daylight, carrying keys between our knuckles, being mansplained to, laughing to hide fear, and sometimes hiding our figure to avoid lewd comments. The chorus contains a very powerful lyric, “Boys will be boys / But girls will be women.” Just let that sink in.

A couple other notable tracks on the album include “Cool” and “Physical.” There really aren’t any standouts on the album because every song shares the same cohesive, electrifying tone. They all feel like songs I’ve heard before, but there’s a sense of newness. There’s future nostalgia.

So, was it right to release the album now? Absolutely.

There is still so much to celebrate. The important thing is that in our little victories and found moments of joy, we are not ignorant of what is going on around us. It would be disrespectful not to acknowledge the hurt, loss and isolation people are feeling in this pandemic. That being said, it is also important to note that people respond to stress differently. If watching the news all day and knowing hourly COVID-19 updates eases your mind, have at it! If listening to fun music or watching your favorite comedy takes your mind off all the craziness, why deny yourself and intentionally be miserable? If the latter is you, “Future Nostalgia” is a feel-good album that is, for now, perfect for a dance party-of-one.