Dua Lipa: The Evolution of a Modern Pop Icon
Langan, P. A. (2024, November 19). Author Chief Editor. CoolMediaLLC Magazine. Retrieved November 19, 2024, from https://www.coolmediallc.com/
I first wrote about Dua Lipa in January 2017 after watching her impressive appearance on the popular show Hot Ones. We saw Kosovo roots as she efficiently handled increasingly spicy hot sauces. She casually shared childhood memories of Kosovan and Albanian cuisine while fielding questions about her career. That episode gave us even more respect for Dua, revealing her as not just a pop star but someone with deep cultural pride and a calm attitude.
At that time, CoolMedia Magazine was getting to know the music of UK soul stars like Mabel and Zak Abel, and though we discovered Dua a little late, we quickly saw what set her apart. Raw talent, undeniable vocal control, and an on-stage charisma that radiated natural confidence were all immediately apparent. Even then, you could sense her rising star status, blessed by the likes of Katy Perry. Fast forward to today, and Dua’s star has more than ascended—she’s become a force in the global pop scene.
For those with an ear for technique, it’s worth noting that Dua possesses a mezzo-soprano vocal range spanning approximately three octaves (G#2 – D5 – A5). While she may not have the wide vocal range of some of her peers, she has remarkable control, particularly in the lower register, which she uses to significant effect. This control and her innate stage presence make her performances so captivating.
The New Era: Radical Optimism (2024)
This year, Dua returned with her much-anticipated third album, Radical Optimism. Released in May 2024, the album takes a slightly different direction than her previous work, blending personal themes with a more experimental approach to pop. However, as Laura Snapes points out in her Pitchfork review, this new chapter feels somewhat muted compared to the high-energy brilliance of Future Nostalgia.
In her review, Snapes writes: “Dua Lipa’s star power sounds muffled on her much-anticipated third album, which has many interesting ideas for songs and a surprisingly low hit rate.” The lead single, “Houdini,” shows flashes of Dua’s signature confidence and biting lyrics, but it also reveals a recurring theme—Dua’s tendency to keep her personal life shrouded in mystery. While this elusiveness adds a certain allure, it can also leave us wanting more insight into what truly drives her as an artist.
Despite the critical reception, Radical Optimism offers a bold exploration of new sounds and ideas. With its experimental edge and occasional missteps, the album represents an artist willing to take risks, even if they don’t always pay off. In an era where many pop stars trade heavily on their personal lives to drive engagement, Dua’s refusal to reveal too much remains admirable.
What’s Next for Dua Lipa?
As Dua continues to evolve, she can navigate the challenges of sustaining long-term success in the music industry. Dua Lipa is firmly positioned at the forefront of modern pop, whether through her music, fashion, or cultural influence. And while Radical Optimism may not have the instant impact of her previous releases, it’s a testament to her willingness to keep pushing boundaries and evolving as an artist.
Dua Lipa – Blow Your Mind (Mwah) (Official Video)
Lyrics: I know it’s hot I know we’ve got Something that money can’t buy Fighting to fifths Biting your lip Loving too late in the night Tell me I’m too crazy You can’t tame me, can’t tame me Tell me I have changed But I’m the same me, old same me Inside Hey! If you don’t like the way I talk, then why am I on your mind? If you don’t like the way I rock, then finish your glass of wine We fight and we argue, you’ll still love me blind If we don’t fuck this whole thing up Guaranteed, I can blow your mind Mwah! And tonight I’m alive, ain’t a dollar sign Guaranteed, I can blow your mind, mwah And tonight I’m alive, ain’t a dollar sign Guaranteed, I can blow your mind, mwah (Mwah, mwah, mwah, mwah) Yeah, I’m so bad Best that you’ve had I guess you’re digging the show Open the door You want some more When you wanna leave, let me know Tell me I’m too crazy You can’t tame me, can’t tame me Tell me I have changed But I’m the same me, old same me Inside Hey! If you don’t like the way I talk, then why am I on your mind? If you don’t like the way I rock, then finish your glass of wine We fight and we argue, you’ll still love me blind If we don’t fuck this whole thing up Guaranteed, I can blow your mind Mwah! And tonight I’m alive, ain’t a dollar sign Guaranteed, I can blow your mind, mwah And tonight I’m alive, ain’t a dollar sign Guaranteed, I can blow your mind, mwah Tell me I’m too crazy You can’t tame me, can’t tame me Tell me I have changed But I’m the same me, old same me Inside Hey! Mwah! If you don’t like the way I talk, then why am I on your mind? If you don’t like the way I rock, then finish your glass of wine We fight and we argue, you’ll still love me blind If we don’t fuck this whole thing up Guaranteed, I can blow your mind Mwah! And tonight I’m alive, ain’t a dollar sign Guaranteed, I can blow your mind, mwah And tonight I’m alive, ain’t a dollar sign Guaranteed, I can blow your mind, mwah
About Dua Lipa: Born and raised in London to Kosovar-Albanian parents Dua Lipa signed to Warner Records in 2015, releasing her self titled debut in 2017 which featured the hit singles, ‘Be The One’, ‘IDGAF’, ‘Hotter Than Hell’ & her first UK #1 hit ‘New Rules’. Critical success soon followed as Dua Lipa picked up Brit Awards for ‘Best Female Solo Artist and ‘Best British Breakthrough Act’ as well as Grammy Awards for ‘Best New Artist’ and ‘Best Dance Recording’ for the track ‘Electricity’ in collaboration with Silk City. Her second internationally acclaimed studio album ‘Future Nostalgia’ was released in 2020 and included the hit singles ‘Don’t Start Now, ‘Break My Heart’, ‘Hallucinate’ and ‘Levitating’, with the remix album ‘Club Future Nostalgia’ following shortly after featuring guest appearances from ‘Blackpink’, ‘Missy Elliott’, ‘Madonna’ and ‘Gwen Stefani’.
I brought this article forward from Jan 21, 2017, after watching the “Hot Ones” episode. Now we have even more respect for Dua Lipa. Watch the Hot One’s video to see Kosovo in this U.K. girl as she casually ( see Kosovo Pro) appreciates each super spicy hot sauce while answering career questions and tells us about childhood Kosovan /Albanian culinary memories. Durham Cool discovered the Lipa late (January 2017) for some yet while composing articles on U.K. soul and also getting to know the music of Mabel and Zak Abel. Now the Lipa see Dua has ascended with the blessings of Katy Perry, and you see the rest of the story. What we expose in these early phases is raw talent, vocal control, and on-stage natural charisma. See comfort in her body. And yes, very sculpted midriff-see abs. Tight enough abs to crack open a Kirin dry. Credit the raising of the child by supportive, beautiful, confident parents.
For the voice coaches and technical listeners, The Dua Vocal range is approximately 3 octaves (Lipa possesses a mezzo-soprano vocal range)
Dua Lipa’s vocal range is G#2 – D5 – A5, approximately 3 octaves
Dua Lipa’s star power sounds muffled on her much-anticipated third album, which has many interesting ideas for songs and a surprisingly low hit rate.
Dua Lipa is a pop star who stridently resists personal disclosure in her work. This added an irresistible biographical quirk to “Houdini,” the hard-edged, darting lead single of her third album. As she often does, Lipa was challenging a guy to impress her before she gave him the slip. Lipa herself is an elusive presence, which isn’t to say she’s reclusive. Although it’s been four years since her second album Future Nostalgia, the British Albanian-Kosovar 28-year-old has remained omnipresent thanks to various luxury brand campaigns and the contractually attendant magazine covers roles in Barbie and Argylle, her podcast and book club, and the album’s pandemic-delayed tour. Despite that visibility, she appears glamorous, and distant. It’s quite admirable that she refuses to trade on her private life for intrigue, especially when celebrity subtext has never been a more powerful driver of pop success. At the same time, it’s hard to decipher what she stands for as an artist, and harder than ever on the confused Radical Optimism.
Dua Lipa feat. Pablo Alborán – Homesick (Los 40 Music Awards – Directo)
Song
Artist
Licensed to YouTube by
Dua Lipa – IDGAF ft. Charli XCX, Zara Larsson, MØ, Alma, in the Live Lounge
Dua Lipa performs bonus track IDGAF for the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in LA, with a supergroup of backing singers – Charli XCX, Zara Larsson, MØ, Alma.
Dua Lipa | Live at Acoustic Session 2017 [Full Concert] (HD)
________
Setlist:
01. New Rules
02. Blow Your Mind (Mwah)
03. Be the One
Song
New Rules
Artist
Unknown
Licensed to YouTube by
BMG Rights Management (US), LLC, IMPEL, PEDL, UMPI, BMI – Broadcast Music Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing, SOLAR Music Rights Management, AMRA, and 9 Music Rights Societies
Dua Lipa – Lost In Your Light (Glastonbury session)
Dua Lipa sings an acoustic version of Lost in Your Light at Glastonbury 2017.
Dua Lipa – We’re Good (Official Music Video)
Produced by Iconoclast
Executive Producer: Natan Schottenfels
Director of Photography: Marcell Rev and Santiago Gonzalez
VFX by: Vania Heymann and Tal Baltuch
Color & Title Design: Tal Baltuch
3D Production: Yambo Studio
Rig & Lobster Animation: David Beran
Lighting & Shading: Yambo, Nemanja Ivanovic
Additional VFX: Cinnamon vfx
Sound Design: Shlomi Attias
Storyboard: Maayan Shinar
Edited by: Gal Muggia and Vania Heymann
Choreographer: Charm La’Donna
Assistant Choreographer: Alex Clark
Commissioner: Katie Dolan
Director rep: Hands London
Production Service NY: Walter Pictures
EP Walter: Lia Mayer-Sommer
Line Producer NY: Courtenay Johnson
Production Service Kiev: Shelter.film
EP Shelter: Albert Zurashvili
Line Producer Kiev: Daria Stepani
2nd unit DP: Denys Lushchyk
Art Director Shelter: Misha Levchenko, Aleksey Velichko, Vlad Tymchenko
Dua Lipa Team-
Stylist: Lorenzo Posocco
Stylist Assistant: Juan Zenon
Make Up: Samantha Lau
Hair: Anna Cofone
Tailor: Luis Cascante
BTS: Bryan Berrios, Tyrell Hampton
Dua’s Assistant: Nawal Alkhedairy
Transportation: Larry Vesquez
Lyrics:
I’m on an island
Even when you’re close
Can’t take the silence
I’d rather be alone
I think it’s pretty plain and simple
We gave it all we could
It’s time I wave goodnight from the window
Let’s end this like we should and say we’re good
We’re not meant to be like sleeping and cocaine
So let’s at least agree to go our separate ways
Not gonna judge you when you’re with somebody else
As long as you swear you won’t be pissed when I do it myself
Let’s end it like we should and say we’re good
No need to hide it
Go get what you want
This won’t be a burden if we both don’t hold a grudge
I think it’s pretty plain and simple
We gave it all we could
It’s time I wave goodnight from the window
Let’s end this like we should and say we’re good
Updates and Support
Dua Lipa: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
“Levitating”
“Pretty Please”
“Love Again”
“Don’t Start Now”
MUSICIANS
Dua Lipa: vocals
Matthew Carroll: bass
Alex Lanyon: guitar
Naomi Scarlett: vocals
Ciara O’Connor: vocals
Izzy Chase: vocals
Matt Maijah: vocals
CREDITS
Video: Ceremony London, James Barnes
Audio: WFB Live, Will Nicholson
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Abby O’Neill
Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Associate Producer
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Kara Frame, Maia Stern
Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
Suggested by WMG
Dua Lipa – We’re Good (Official Music Video)
Music in this video
Song
Don’t Start Now
Artist
Dua Lipa
Album
Don’t Start Now
00:00 Levitating
04:01 Pretty Please
07:41 Love Again
12:21 Don’t Start Now
