Posted by: k👠th 28th May 2021, 08:20 PM
Our Dua is coming to serve avante god pop I can feel it!.thumb.gif.5f44ecc3c744003f3a5f4d5b96b42394.gif)
Joe Kentish, the new President of Warner Records UK, was interviewed by Variety and he mentioned that Dua is already thinking on her new album, pulling off something completely different and at scale.
I can’t begin to imagine what direction she might go with the next album. The future nostalgia sound suited her so well that I can’t imagine her doing anything else.
Dua to start an electro-swing trend next time
Our Dua is coming to serve avante god pop I can feel it!
I’d love a Back To Black soul/motown feel I think!
A queen is in the studio 
She's recording with Koz, Sarah Hudson, Clarence Coffee Jr and Jason Evigan. The exact same team who did Physical *.*
Dua's been in the studio with Jason Evigan, Sarah Hudson and Clarence Coffee Jr again this past week!
Anyone know if Megan Thee Stallion collab is confirmed? I'm saying a lot of people talking about it on Twitter
She was in the studio with Andrew Wyatt today!
In the studio with Danny L Harle *.* (and Andrew Wyatt)
Danny L Harle
FN era already is in 2+ years so I have no idea when do I want her to come with new era...like part of me is asking if she in a good position to have 3+ years between era's or she should hurry up so people don't forget about her!!!
I think a similar release pattern to Future Nostalgia would be good. So lead single October 2022 and Album in the spring 2023.
Dua was interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, giving details about her forthcoming album. This in an extract of the aforementioned.
Dua said on her podcast that the album is 50% done.
Anyone think she will release the first single from her third album in November this year?
Or she should wait till spring next year?
I have a feeling FN album will still linger Top 20/30 in most charts for the remaining of this year (longevity queen) so maybe she should wait till next year!!!
I think it will only be next year. Dua hasn't been in the studio much since the tour and I think maybe a couple more tour dates could be added (South Africa PLEASE 
)
I hope she takes her time with it and makes sure it's good because after Future Nostalgia, a lot of people will have high expectations and it will also give time for people to miss her a bit.
It already feels like we've reached the point of serious overkill, I was hoping she'd just take 2022 completely off and not flood us with collabs and features for a return with a bang early next year!
^^ is it though?!!
I mean it's not like she's featuring and doing it like Doja Cat or The Weeknd.
Elton collab is so last year and it's not her fault that her hits lasts forever.
I think she shouldn't take a very long break because people tend to move to next female pop star very quickly.
FN era paved the way for her perfectly, I think she should use that and ride the wave and not wait too long!!!
As far as I remember, everything is pointing out to be released next year, so don't expect a new single from her this year, unless it's a collaboration like "Sweetest Pie" or "Potion", for example.
Dua has been in the studio with Andrew Wyatt again recently
Dua Lipa working so hard keeping her profile high and chart success ongoing.
From her new Vogue Australia interview:
Dua Lipa on her next album to BBC Newscast:
“It’s now really starting to take shape but I’ll still be working on it. Maybe something will come out next year, but I’m saying ‘maybe’ with caution. I have to feel really, really good about it before I even plan to put anything out.”
Maybe we will have the new album this time next year.
I hope so I'm already getting Dua withdrawals
Some features may come to help the wait feel shorter.
I’d rather we didn’t get features tbh- make the wait worthwhile
I would feel the same, and have a break
her features haven't been as amazing as her solo stuff lately, so yeah I would want her to stay away from them!!!
yes please no more sub-par collaborations!!!! if Calvin Harris contacts you with another shitty song, say no 
She was in the studio with Caroline Ailin last week (co-writer of New Rules and Don't Start Now)
And Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt
Agree DSN sounded fresh at the time. Interesting to see what Mark Ronson does with Dua.
DSN was possibly my favourite lead single of the 2010's, going to be very hard to top that!
I'm so ready for DL3, FN era has definitely run its course now - albeit an INCREDIBLE course
Dua in the studio with Danny L Harle, Jeff Bhasker, Andrew Wyatt, Caroline Ailin, and Tobias Jesso Jr
Intrigued to see how her new album and material fares.
She has been with Mick Jagger in the studio.
Kevin Parker too.
Her Perfect Illusion is coming. The girls aren't ready!
I’d be excited to hear a different direction from her. sure whatever she does it’ll be great
Dua Lipa reveals to Variety that she has a title and new sound for her upcoming album:
“The album is different — it’s still pop but it’s different sonically, and there’s more of a lyrical theme. If I told you the title, everything would make sense”
Dua coming to slay 2023, and i cant wait!
Just make this the lead and it'll already be the best song she's ever released in my eyes.
The verses sound exactly like Ride It by Geri Horner. 
According to The Sun (I know), the album will be out later this year
I see first single coming later this year but as for the album I think probably she'll go for Spring 2024.
I agree, I think she'll do a similar rollout to Future Nostalgia with first single October time and album in the new year.
Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too. Which is crazy to think it will have been 4 (!) years since.
The pressure really is on for her to deliver when this comes.
I wonder if there’s an outside chance of her doing a Miley and dropping single one first week of January and the album in March / April next year.
It doesn’t at all feel like Future Nostalgia was March 2020. She did really well to give a full album campaign with multiple singles and post album singles too! I’m here for a new campaign and have no real idea of what kind of direction she may be going into.
People on my social media feed are saying Dua is filming a music video in a bank 
Lead single set to be released sometime this year. Album next year.
From https://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=336793:
OMFGGGGG
The 'sophomore' part is so yikes that I want to roll my eyes to the person who wrote the article and thought that Future Nostalgia was Dua's debut album and ignored completely her self-titled debut album. 
Bring on the bops this and next year 
Mark Ronson tells Vulture that Dua Lipa’s next album is a departure from the disco sound:
“I mean, I’ve heard some of it and it’s incredible. I think that’s why there’s the disco ball that smashes in the video, right? This feels like her triumphant stomp on that era of her music into whatever she does next.”
Interviewed by The New York Times Style Magazine. You could read the interview https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/07/t-magazine/dua-lipa-service95.html.
can't remember if i posted or where i posted if i did
but Dua was in the studio with Rosalia in LA <3
New music video is being filmed in LA next week!
And Dua has reportedly turned down headlining Coachella 
Dua Lipa's third album will be a "tribute to UK rave culture," inspired by Massive Attack and Britpop
Catch her or she goes! Dua Lipa may have done a slight vanishing act since dropping Houdini at the tail-end of last year, but plans are in motion and we're, slowly, finding out more about her third studio album, due out later this year.
A defiant curb stomp on the defined disco aesthetics of Future Nostalgia, Houdini saw Dua hook up with Danny L Harle (Charli XCX, Caroline Polachek) and Tame Impala's Kevin Parker (Lady Gaga, Rihanna) for a major sonic re-set, trading in glittery disco balls for frantic 70s-inspired psychedelia beat.
While we know next to nothing about Dua's follow-up to Future Nostalgia (aside from the fact that the same team behind Houdini, including Harle, Parker and songwriter Caroline Ailin and Tobias Jesso Jr, have worked on 8 out of the LP's 11 tracks), a brand-new cover story for Rolling Stone does reveal the vibe Dua has been cultivating for this next era.
And it looks like we're going raving, baby! Dua confirmed to Rolling Stone that her next album will be a tribute to UK rave culture, specifically acts like Primal Scream and Massive Attack, while also channeling the "don't give a f*ck energy" of Britpop performers like Liam Gallagher and Damon Albarn.
"This record feels a bit more raw," Dua said. "I want to capture the essence of youth and freedom and having fun and just letting things happen, whether it’s good or bad. You can’t change it. You just have to roll with the punches of whatever’s happening in your life."
One massive influence on the record seems to be Primal Scream's 1991 house music opus Screamadelica (which Dua first listened to as a teenager, after hearing Primal Scream on a late night Radio 1 mix before going out...so real), while Rolling Stone describes an album highlight as a track that sounds like an update to Gwen Stefani's equally iconic single, Cool (again...so real).
Houdini, of course, did not pull any kind of disappearing act on the Official Singles Chart. Debuting straight in at Number 2 (behind Jack Harlow's Lovin On Me), it's so far spent five weeks inside the Top 10.
Last year also saw Dua make her acting debut in Barbie, where she also lent her voice to the film's soundtrack. Lead single Dance The Night became Dua's fourth UK Number 1 single (that's exactly the same number as Ellie Goulding, Rita Ora and Geri Halliwell, btw), and could just be weeks away from being nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song (!).
Houdini is out now via Warner. Dua's third album follows later this year.
https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/dua-lipas-third-album-will-be-a-tribute-to-uk-rave-culture-inspired-by-massive-attack/?fbclid=IwAR34GV97yeqC3ob8xjUMKSIeH71xd9gEx04nDvcEinVqFkinCMzuxbIVfcU
11 tracks! Future Nostalgia (before reissues) was 11 tracks too and the addition of tracks in a way made the albums theme fade away and felt more like a “let’s get streaming numbers even higher” so hopefully this project can just be a album without re-releases (although that could be unlikely).
I’m definitely ready now for a new Dua album though and this direction I think will really suit her. It’s setting her main pop girl status right up but I think she’s grown a lot in confidence and she’s pretty smart in terms to her choices thus far.
I'm really not hearing how 'Houdini' is meant to be a 'sonic reset' from Future Nostalgia 
Not knocking the song but it would have fit on FN perfectly fine, OCC quit the gaslighting please x
Consider my interest piqued for Massive Attack and Primal Scream 'Screamadelica' inspiration though.
"Channeling the energy of Liam Gallagher" 
That description excites me greatly as Screamadelica is an all-time favourite album and love Massive Attack too <3 here for more trip-hop in the chart after Doja's 'Attention' just about made it
The OCC article is not entirely accurate I've shared the actual Rolling Stone cover story and interview http://www.buzzjack.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=268757 It's not a "Britpop inspired" album. It's inspired by British club culture.
Rolling Stone describes the album as
at OCC making things up.
Dua shared on her social media that she's doing a medley at the GRAMMYs on 4/2, performing "Training Season" and "Houdini".
A title must surely be imminent.
Apparently her team are negotiating to do a recorded TV concert to promote the album similar to the ones Adele and Kylie did
Ok, so I gotta admit that I am a bit frustrated how they're unravelling album details so slow...it's just too slow!!!
Like they already did everything they could with two singles, promo, tv performances etc. etc. and I feel like they desperately want a UK #1 single before they come up with album date and it's so frustrating at this point.
Sorry for the rant lol.
She's in the studio again 
Do you think they are changing things and recording some more stuff for the album!!!
I can't believe we practically have zero information on this yet. I'm dying to know what the title is!
Houdini is 5 months old. Who knows, the album can be released after the 5th single if ever, but not in a million years she should go that Becky Hill route.
If the rumours are true re Glastonbury I wonder if the album release may coincide with that??
Maybes release a third single first and have the album in June? Beyoncé’s 4 album was released to coincide with Glastonbury too wasn’t it? It may be a good way of releasing and a brilliant promo slot? I do think we’ll soon see but that’s perhaps what I’m starting to think.
Is it a clue for the album title? 
Maybe it's called Euphoria or Rapture or something.
Ooh Vertigo - I like that!
So if early June is the album release, we should get single 3 late April?
Not to compare Dua with anyone else but seeing how Ariana turned her era to something amazing, I am longing to happen the same to Dua!!!
I don't know if it has to do with the management (dad-ager needs to do better or otherwise axe him) but also so far the weakest spot of this era have been the music videos for me...I am sure the budget is there!!!
Anyways, just to clarify I am not saying she's doing bad (far from that) but something it feels like she's not fully connecting with majority like she did with FN singles!!!
(disclaimer, again I am so happy with Houdini longevity and it proved to be a real Dua hit).
Yeah, I have to say the music videos have been a bit of a letdown this era so far - especially when you compare to the ones we got for 'Physical' and 'Break My Heart'!
She's teasing the album cover through WhatsApp and her website seems to confirm that the title is going to be Vertigo.
Countdown on Instagram.
Radical Optimism out May 3.
pre-ordered a curacao blue vinyl
Ordered a bundle! I think I prefer 'Future Nostalgia' as a title but 'Radical Optimist' is decent.
PRE-ORDERED EVERYTHING OMFG
Omg I love the title…ordering shit now RIP my credit card!!!
OMFG
Love the title, not sure about the cover art but it doesn't really matter and great that there are no (pointless) features on the album. Not on the standard edition at least, sure there'll be deluxes later.
Ooooh my gawd!!
Also, don't know if anyone saw the tracklist in the second slide:
1. End of An Era
2. Houdini
3. Training Season
4. These Walls
5. Whatcha Doing
6. French Exit
7. Illusion
8. Falling Forever
9. Anything For Love
10. Maria
11. Happy For You
Excited to hear the Blondie cover!
I'm so hypnotized by the cover! So fitting for the album title. She's chilling there with a shark like WTF
I like the idea of the lenticular CD cover so might get that! Houdini and Training Season are such a bold start to this era and I was bowled over by the last album so I have high hopes for this one
Not what I was expecting artwork wise but it does catch your eye.
I’m definitely intrigued at the whole album sound but here for a new era. One thing we know about Dua is that she puts in the work and sustains proper album campaigns. I’ll have a order at some point these days I try and wait as long as possible or get one after the release just incase another artwork what’s preferable pops up
I do like that there’s no features too. (I kind of hope it stays that way as the re release of Future Nostalgia felt very much just for streaming purposes and didn’t feel connected to the original albums theme)
Dua and her label will consider this album a success only if it does amazingly well in the USA. Given the underwhelming performance of her 2 singles on the BB100, can this album hit top 3 on the bb200?
I preordered the blue and white vinyl.
I would like to know actually who else is releasing on same date!!!
Hopefully this will manage to get sales (metric) of 50k-60k debut in US and I am expecting Taylor will be #1 in US on her 4th-5th week with 200k+
I was expecting something completely different aesthetically but I love the title!
I fully expect a deluxe, 11 tracks isn’t enough!
Excellent title.
Brilliant title, disappointing artwork. Very curious to hear her Blondie cover.
Variants available on Dua's store:
https://ukshop.dualipa.com/
split colour vinyl in transparent dark blue & white (+collectable 8 page book featuring lyrics and exclusive photos) - £40.00
curacao blue vinyl - £25.00
clear cassette - £15.00
lenticular CD - £12.00
Recycled red vinyl available at HMV - £27.00
https://hmv.com/store/music/vinyl/radical-optimism-limited-edition-vinyl
Variants available on Amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CXD96RHM?starsLeft=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_0FMYXQWCFM16Y57D2V8Q
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CXDR5XN6?starsLeft=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_7CMZS2HEF1X12G0FH8NQ - SOLD OUT
Take all my money mother!!!
I’m not taken by any of the variants. I guess the curacao one maybe feels like the best fit
Spotify sent me a msg sayinf that Dua had prepared domethign JUST FOR ME, as one of her biggest fans... As long as I go and order this limitrd edition album version on her website by such and such a day. But ... I don't use spotify, so how I can be one of her biggest fans? Aso, this album is available for EVERYONE to buy anyway
Love the title and cover!
Wasn’t a fan of ‘Training Season’ but ‘Houdini’ is IT. One of my fav songs of the recent year. Very looking forward to this!
The title definitely has me intrigued about the album. It's not what I was expecting based on the sound of Houdini or Training Season but here for it.
Silver variant available at Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/radical-optimism-dua-lipa/1145066800
Grabbed the cd cassette art card signed bundle! Hopefully the thing bout Presale codes mean we get a tour announcement soon!
https://variety.com/2024/music/news/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-houdini-training-season-interview-1235945095/
Some bits from it:
So it's nothing like Britpop in the end?
New vinyl and cassette with an alternate cover have been added to her official store.
Here it is:
That alternate cover art is a choice
Can't believe how messy this era has been aesthetically and scheduling-wise.
😂
Our dedicated queen signing art cards despite jet lag and hangover
Album is available for pre-save now https://spoti.fi/3UeuC3a
Total runtime is 35:10
Track durations:
1. “End Of An Era” — 3:16
2. “Houdini” — 3:05
3. “Training Season” — 3:29
4. “These Walls” — 3:37
5. “Watcha Doing” — 3:18
6. “French Exit” — 3:21
7. “Illusion” — 3:08
8. “Falling Forever” — 3:43
9. “Anything For Love” — 2:21
10. “Maria” — 3:07
11. “Happy For You” — 4:05
First Jolene, now Maria.
A red and white vinyl is available on Hot Topic https://www.hottopic.com/product/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-white-red-vinyl-lp-hot-topic-exclusive/32326862.html
Blood Records vinyl
From Elle magazine:
Just noticed there's a countdown to the album on Spotify
11 Days, 14 Hours, 43 Minutes, 3 Seconds till Radical Optimism 
Insert my regular "she should've released this in February-March" rant here 
There's a pic circulating on X of the vinyl already being on an Urban Outfitters shelf
I won't mind as much if Taylor beats her, but if that POS does... 
I'm thinking she'll do 30k-35k easily in UK and about 55k-70k in US.
For sure Taylor will still be too strong to beat but hopefully it will have some strong legs, and to repeak or new peak during Glastonbury!!!
Looks like a #3 incomin!! She can't release the week after either because of Kings of Leon, so it would be #3 again at extra expense!! Shoulda released it sooner.
I don't think Kings of Leon are anywhere near big enough to be (hypothetical) competition for her? 10-15 years ago maybe...
Also Vultures did 20k, a part 2 is gonna do less than that. I'm gonna brace myself for a #2 but hope she can get it.
Really interesting. Ben was Dua's previous manager at TaP. So if she didn't leave them we would potentially not have gotten Houdini or anything this era because he wanted Dua to work with Ian Kirkpatrick (Don't Start Now producer) not Kevin (Tame Impala) for the hits
Dua also mentioned in a recent interview that Ben told her even before Future Nostalgia to "hold her horses" about working with Kevin
What is meant by "Ben was right about Kevin in hindsight?"
I had to re-read that whole thing several times to understand who Ben, Ian and Kevin are
They're saying Dua's former manager was right about Kevin/Tame Impala not being able to produce pop hits
I thought this was out today 
Radical Optimism scanned handwritten notebook available to pre-order now
this 192 page deluxe book includes copies of dua’s personal notebook pages in which she documented the writing process and creative journey of the making of radical optimism.
complete with exclusive photo collages, handwritten lyrics, journal prompts, blank pages, and calendars for you to use to create projects of your own.
additionally contains the radical optimism cd and hand signed art card.
details:
scanned dua lipa handwritten lyrics
radical optimism cd
journal prompt pages
blank and editable calendar pages
blank notebook pages
art card
192 pages
paper bound notebook
https://ukshop.dualipa.com/products/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-cd-zine
I can’t wait to hear Frexit
Dua did an intimate listening party in NYC yesterday
She looks like a school teacher, but one with 10 hit singles and worldwide tours behind her!!
A bit nitpicky but she's put "who's" in the handwritten notes where it should be "whose"
It reads like "who is love feels like a rodeo"
Seriously this is happening quite frequently…each time she’s in NYC, I’m out of country!!!
Lowkey upsetting!!!
Studio snippet of These Walls:
End of an Era is apparently the album focus track
Upcoming schedule:
May 1st: Apple Music interview, Las Culturistas podcast
May 3rd: Visualisers and Q&A on YouTube
May 4th: Saturday Night Live
May 6th: 30min BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge special airing on BBC One, Met Gala
June 26th: Headlining Glastonbury
I guess that should make it do well then if it’s track 1 AND the focus track!
I got email saying my vinyl is on a way...does it mean that the sale will be counted for this week?!!
Sharks are on the loose in various cities playing snippets from the album
This is actually such an iconic marketing strategy I'm kind of obsessed 😭 when will your fave release sharks into major population centres worldwide?
That marketing reminds me of Witness.
13 hours to go!
Alternative cover CD with signed poster and 3 bonus tracks available at HMV
https://hmv.com/Store/Music/CD/Radical-Optimism-(hmv-Exclusive)-Limited-Deluxe-CD
Bonus tracks are:
Houdini (Adam Port Mix)
Houdini (Danny L Harle 'Slowride' Mix)
Training Season (Chloe Caillet Mix)
I would go for that, but I don't want to own that fugly album cover 
These Walls is #1 on NMF Australia & NZ
So tempted to use a VPN and listen now that it's out in Australia and NZ! Literally shaking but I'll try wait it out
I don't know what happened but all Dua songs have plummeted on WW Spotify chart today...I hope they'll make a big bounce back with album release!!!
I fear there's no hype with the general public
It's done 25k pre-orders in the US apparently
That’s not bad…with SNL and few other promos hopefully she’ll clear 75k!!!
Holy shit, whoever picked the singles over Falling Forever should be sacked immediately
1 hour to go for me 
'Watcha Doing' is the one for me, so playful, sexy and fun!
Listening now
Omg the Spotify canvases *.*
After 1 listen, LOVE IT. It's not Future Nostalgia part 2. It's mostly midtempo and it's a VIBE. It's giving warmth, and a distinct summery, beach Balearic-like sound. There's William Orbit-like flourishes on Maria and Happy For You. Dua's vocals and live instruments are at the forefront. You can hear how she's matured as an artist and how much these songs mean to her in the way she sings. The album artwork make sense.
I wouldn't say it's totally cohesive, Houdini and Training Season do stand out a bit. Anything For Love feels like an interlude on an already short album.
Early favourites: End of an Era, Maria, Happy For You
Watching the countdown on Spotify felt like I was going into the new year except I have to be up for work in 4 hours. So happy right now
I found this hugely disappointing on first listen ☹️
I'll give it time though...
Don't like this album at all on first listen her voice isn't sitting with me right either. Houdini a career highlight, this album a miss.
On first listen I like These Walls more than End Of An Era...
Critic reviews have been mixed so far. I knew Dua was setting herself up for criticism by citing all those inspirations she did.
It currently has a critic score of 68 on AOTY (12 reviews)
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/dua-lipa-review-radical-optimism-b2538500.html
"The singer delivers a much-awaited release that sees her do what she does best, keeping people moving with an unfaltering slick pop style."
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-review/
"Listening to the propulsive, shiny pop of Radical Optimism feels like attending a Dua Lipa dance class, where no step is ever out of place."
https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/review/2024/05/03/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-review-step-aside-beyonce-and-taylor-swift-this-is-the-pop-album-weve-been-waiting-for/
"As Beyoncé ventures into country and Taylor Swift wallows in another break-up album, Lipa’s the star we need right now. This is the pop album we've been waiting for."
https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-album-review/
"Lipa’s views on life and love might be broad enough for a pop song, but the joy is in the little details."
https://diymag.com/review/album/dua-lipa-radical-optimism
"On her hugely-anticipated third, there’s plenty of sun-drenched sonic optimism but not so much that’s all that radical."
https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-review-lyrics-tracklist-3752802
"Later this summer, she’ll headline Glastonbury for the first time and also top the bill at a string of European festivals. It’s the kind of place where ‘Radical Optimism’ might thrive: the album’s beachy vibes feel suited to a festival field’s carefree disposition. You just wish there was a little more to these songs."
https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/dua-lipa-Radical-Optimism
"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."
https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/dua-lipa-radical-optimism/
"Lipa could have dabbled in more experimental territory, dipping her toe further into the psychedelic and Britpop realms she claimed would be present in the album. Instead, it could be argued that Lipa has become ever-so-slightly risk-averse in an effort to cement her place in pop’s upper echelons."
https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/may/03/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-review-psychedelic-pop-infused-pull-the-other-one
"The British superstar has said her new album is influenced by Britpop, rave culture and Primal Scream, but you could go mad trying to find the evidence."
https://theartsdesk.com/new-music/album-dua-lipa-radical-optimism
"It’s not a wash-out by any means, with every song jam packed with hooks and decent grooves ... It just feels like Lipa and her team have worked a little too assidiously to recreate the magic of the last album, without leaving a lot of room for cutting loose and happy accidents."
https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-album-review-b1155245.html
"There’s plenty to like here even if it’s nowhere near as radical as its title would have us believe."
https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/albums/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-absence-dominates
"Nobody needs to know the details of Lipa’s real life to lend her songs weight, but there should still be something in her performance, delivery, songwriting or production that sets them apart from platitudes, from background noise."
omg Falling Forever
Whatcha Doing and French Exit are growers. Both just properly clicked with me on 3rd listen. Whatcha Doing is the Pretty Please of the album.
The album is very EUROPEAN.
Ok just finished my first listen...second part for me works better with French Exit, Falling Forever (omg I hope there are plans to make this a single) and Maria.
It's definitely not a patch on FN but then I already prepared myself for that.
I think for now I will rate 3.5 out 5, which is still a very solid album but I'll probably need to listen to it more.
How loooooooo-ooooo-oooooong
omg I'm obsessed with Falling Forever.
Falling Forever is giving me Eurovision vibes
Future Nostalgia vs End of an Era
Don't Start Now vs Houdini
Cool vs Training Season
Physical vs These Walls
Levitating vs Whatcha Doing
Pretty Please vs French Exit
Hallucinate vs Illusion
Love Again vs Falling Forever
Break My Heart vs Anything For Love
Good In Bed vs María
Boys Will Be Boys vs Happy for You
Ooops, I actually I didn't expect this to kinda fare better than FN on track by track comparison. DSN and Houdini couldn't separate them <3
Happy For You has got me all teared up right now
Can't wait to see her perform it in the BBC Live Lounge
I can't believe These Walls is the focus track WTF
These Walls isn't bad per se but I agree...any of French Exit, Maria or Falling Forever would have been better imo.
Hmm.
Honestly, with the reference points and collaborators — can’t say I’m not massively disappointed by this after two listens. Early days, I hope.
The album is pretty much what I expected!
I expect it to be more of a grower than Future Nostalgia, the hooks aren't as in your face. I think it's a very slick pop album. I'm enjoying!
“Instead, it could be argued that Lipa has become ever-so-slightly risk-averse in an effort to cement her place in pop’s upper echelons."
After first listen I’m inclined to agree with this review. FN should have been the foundation for something more ‘radical’ and this isn’t it. Tbf I’m sure some songs are growers but FN had me on first listen so massively underwhelmed.
3/5
I like the album a lot! However, I kinda feel the promo has been a bit weird and promised us "more" - what "more" exactly, I don't know (more britpop at least )
I don't know if the album has taken various shapes, as she referred in the Zane Lowe interview that she came to back to several tracks to better them. Not sure if it's always the best to keep on working stuff it it's good already.
I cannot see any additional big hits coming from it, unless Maria takes off on TikTok (what a lovely track!) during the summer.
Solid 3.5/5 for me!
I give it a listen on my way to work this morning and whilst it’s perfectly fine I think we might’ve all anticipated / expected a lot more.
I think when she mentioned the influencers and producers and herself described it as not being like Future Nostalgia I kind of imagined it would be very different in sound as to what it is. The album is nice enough on the whole and there are some interesting production moments but it feels like there could’ve been a lot more of an impact / statement to make. I’ll give it some repeated listens to see what grows and how it evolves but I wasn’t overly wowed.
Falling Forever is the standout for me on first listen (that intro of how looooooong) I just know there’s gonna be a EE Vanessa Gold mashup of that).
I feel like if this had been her second album the reaction might’ve been different but compared to Future Nostalgia it does feel like a step down.
I'm really enjoying the album. It for sure grew on me after a couple of listens. Feels like a mix of DL1 and FN sounds which I'm here for.
Hopefully she'll snatch the #1 this week!
I can't get over "if these walls could talk, they'd tell us to break up"
I mean, girllll...
I like End of an Era quite a lot, it feels very Summery and breezy and the production is more interesting than it initially appears. Similarly I'm liking Maria for the same reasons and that's probably the one that I could most imagine translating into a hit, it could easily incorporate a feature on a single release.
These Walls / Whatcha Doing / French Exit don't do much for me at all - the former in particular is possibly the worst song on the album for me so surprised it's being pushed.
I think the issue is she rose to a level of expectation which she didn't warrant. I think lockdown really helped the success of Future Nostalgia. I've given this another listen with headphones and her voice is just not it, there isn't any personality. She very much feels like an artist who has absolutely zero to do with the music. The music isn't bad in my ears it's just not there. Doesn't help that I saw her live and was absolutely atrocious so already have that bad taste. But I've got Houdini and thats a goldmine.
Agreed. This is a massively disappointing album.
It’s okay, but becoming of one of the biggest popstars in the world? It’s just so bland sadly.
There are some beautiful production choices throughout (I especially loved the flutes towards the end of the record) but I'm struggling with the lyrics and especially melodies at the moment. I'd say 'Maria' is my favourite album track on first listen but I didn't enjoy anything as much as the singles and felt they stuck out a lot. I'm really hoping this project will click with me more on subsequent listens but we'll see... hopefully my vinyl should turn up today so will need to give it a physical spin for listen #2
I can already see this being a bit of a Rated R with her Loud coming in 2025.
The Guardian - 3/5
"The British superstar has said her new album is influenced by Britpop, rave culture and Primal Scream, but you could go mad trying to find the evidence
Completelyagreed with this!! At leastThese Walls is aomething different from her. 2/5
The vocals are bad, the lyrics are bad, the production is pasturised ans blans, rhe songs are uninteresting... I predicted this the second I heard the weak Houdini, which could be an albim track on FN. 2/5, ciuld be her Witness.
Prism was an excellent album though ans still had no.1s! It was let down by poor singles choices.
I'll keep 'Whatcha Doin', 'Maria' and perhaps 'Falling Forever' out of what I hadn't already heard, the rest can be binned.
I'd say WD would be the most logical choice for a next single.
I can't believe how beige this album is!
Beige and bland are the keywords for this album, but we all saw it coming with how bland the three singles were. Hopefully this makes her come back with something actually radical. For an album with radical in the title, it sure isn't!
I think she's peaked, we had a drought of big popstars releasing and she temporarily filled that space. And it's not that I'm anti dua as I have really liked most of her stuff but it all has felt I come from a rich family I've been manufactured to get this far. Even comparing this to Rated R is crazy
Onlyother possible single is Whatcha Do
I'm enjoying the summery beachy sound on this but it definitely does feel a bit at odds with the 'dark late night club' kinda sound from the singles! I feel this probably would've been better received if Dua hadn't mentioned Britpop or any of those influences, yes there's more guitar on here but marketing it straight out of the gate as a chilled summer album would've been a better fit imo. Every song on Future Nostalgia felt single-worthy (well, maybe not Good In Bed or Boys Will Be Boys, but still), whereas here they've definitely picked the singles well. The only other I can really see is Maria, hoping we get some unreleased gems later on like we did with That Kind Of Woman / If It Ain't Me.
Funnily enough I've been listening a lot to another album that came out today, Conducción Temeraria by Alizzz, and the production on there is a lot more of what I'd been expecting based on the singles in terms of the dark late night sound from Houdini / Training Season. I hope Dua sticks with Danny L Harle after this and pushes a bit further into the kinds of weird fusion pop he's been making with Caroline Polachek, like others in this thread have said Dua is clearly very culturally literate and I'd love for her to really go deep into the influences she's mentioned.
End of an Era keeps revealing itself more and more. The production and the extended spoken bridge are fabulous. A couple of songs have an understated build and some cool productions quirks which I notice with more listensOmg!! Thid album reminds me of ... SOLAR PPWER BY LORDE!!!! Everything deom the success levels to the summery sound!!
'Falling Forever' is the easy early highlight for me. So good.
A couple more critic reviews
https://variety.com/2024/music/album-reviews/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-album-review-1235989447/
"It’s a direct pop record dressed up and perfected in the way that the best pop music does, gussying up the structures and conventions of the genre while ignoring everything outside of it."
https://thefortyfive.com/opinion/reviews/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-review/
"A bound to be a summer staple, Dua Lipa is here for a good time and a long time.
https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-album-review-39234/
"Moments of greatness can be found on the pop giant's latest album, but it's hard to shake the sense that she is capable of so much better."
Listening this in sunny morning actually feels so good.
I know this will grow a lot and people just need to give it a chance.
It’s different direction for her and I’m happy actually she delivered this easy breezy windy feeling good album.
I was just having a conversation with my hubby who’s a casual fan and literally he’s enjoying it a lot. Maria and End Of An Era are his favorites.
He also said that Houdini and Training Season feels out of a place lol.
How LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONGGGG
I'm stressing about if she'll be able to debut #1 next week or not?!!
TTPD will probably do about 31k-33k.
I'm dying to know how many pre-orders she had in UK but guess will have to wait till Monday to find that out!!!
I can envision a #3 debut.
#3 for sure. No chance at 1 or even 2
Surely she is a certain for number one?
No chance. Taylor's songs are miles ahesd of it on streaming .
#3? What else aside from Taylor could beat her?
Here's the UK variants if you haven't got yours yet 
Vinyl:
- Curaçao blue variant: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CXD96RHM?starsLeft=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_0FMYXQWCFM16Y57D2V8Q / https://townsendmusic.store/product/141950 / https://hmv.com/store/music/vinyl/radical-optimism / https://ukshop.dualipa.com/products/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-blue-lp
- Dark blue variant: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CXDR5XN6?starsLeft=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_7CMZS2HEF1X12G0FH8NQ
- Red variant: https://townsendmusic.store/product/141952 / https://hmv.com/store/music/vinyl/radical-optimism-limited-edition-vinyl
- Alternate cover clear variant: https://ukshop.dualipa.com/products/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-alt-cover-lp
- Picture disc variant: https://ukshop.dualipa.com/products/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-picture-disc-with-signed-art-card
- Transparent dark blue and white deluxe variant: https://ukshop.dualipa.com/products/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-deluxe-lp
CDs
- Lenticular CD: https://hmv.com/store/music/cd/radical-optimism / https://townsendmusic.store/product/141956 / https://ukshop.dualipa.com/products/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-lenticular-cd
- Alternate cover deluxe CD: https://hmv.com/Store/Music/CD/Radical-Optimism-(hmv-Exclusive)-Limited-Deluxe-CD SOLD OUT
Cassettes:
- Clear cassette: https://ukshop.dualipa.com/products/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-cassette
- Alternate cover red cassette: https://ukshop.dualipa.com/products/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-alt-cassette
I wonder if the secret could be an album of extended versions? Especially seeing as she's done them for the three singles so far
I think Dua should be able to get to #1. Even though Taylor did 49k week just gone, ~40k of that via just streaming, her streaming has been falling decently. I'll be interested to see tomorrow's spotify update to see her week on week fall for most of her songs. I assume she'll drop significantly again, perhaps down to 25-30k streaming with 3-5k sales. So she'll be on 28-35k for week 3?
Ariana did ~38k and Beyoncé ~40k. I think Dua should be able to do as much if not a little more. She opened with 34,390 for Future Nostalgia and I think she will improve on that in part thanks to physicals. If she releases a deluxe version of the album in a couple days then I think that should secure her for #1?
In terms of the album - I'm really enjoying it! Current highlight is "Forever Falling" That needs to be a single!
You expect her to open with bigger numbers than her biggest album?? It's just not happening. Kanye and Tayñor will be 1 and 2
The 34k for Future Nostalgia was also propped up by the chart battle with 5 Seconds of Summer.
I don't think she'd debut lower than #2. Dua has got a decent sized fanbase now as seen with the CD single sales this era.
There is no Kanye
Ok I hate to be Debbie Downer lol but an insider said to be prepared for tragique numbers for tomorrow on Spotify :rip:
I think she killed excitement for the album by releasing 3 singles before it (which have generally been seen as progressively worse than the last) and the album only having 11 songs.
The excitement has fizzled out and there is only 8 new songs to listen too. If you only like two of the three singles and think a couple of the album tracks are duds then you are basically down to an EP.
The three singles haven't exactly thrown anything new into the mix too, like a 'oh this is a bit different from Dua, makes me excited to hear the album'.
I'm sure it will do well but I think the era will be short as they try to course correct in 2025 with a new album of songs with more substance that are more experimental.
So, after a day with it...
I really thought we would be in for something special with this — Danny, AG, Kevin Parker, Dua's pop hitmaking sensibilities creating this psychedelic, trip-hop, Britpop-inspired record that uses Primal Scream and Massive Attack as references?! A tribute to UK rave culture?! That sounds immense on paper — what a shame it didn't come to fruition. It's a competent album but ultimately quite bland and faceless for such insane talent involved.
I wouldn't be against a fun Balearic, Mediterranean summer pop album either but even then it's just not pushed enough and honestly just a little dull. 'End of an Era' and 'Maria' are good. The guitar and her French on 'French Exit' — lovely. 'Falling Forever' made me wince at how terrible it is — I'm sorry everyone. I don't think she has sounded worse than on that heinous chorus.
I don't care about numbers as long as the music is good and she's creating the art she wants to — I'm rooting for her! But yeah, not great. <3
I'm surprised by the reactions on here, personally I'm loving the album! 'Maria' is the absolute standout, what a total bop, that instrumental part is just the back-to-back trilogy of 'These Walls - Whatcha Doing - French Exit' is also a particular highlight. And then there's 'Falling Forever' which I think would make a great next single. All those songs I've mentioned are probably better than 'Illusion' and 'Training Season' - I wish they'd gone with different second and third singles!
I can see this debuting at #1 with about 40k-45k sold opening week.
I’m confused as to how people think it’s going to do less than 30k…
Based on the AM, it doesn't have the streams to do even 30k, but we'll see how well the physical variants have sold.
Whatcha Doing is my favorite, I love it!
Not being open about personal life doesn't mean she lacks personality
I would like her to experiment more with music though.
Dua said it best in her recent interview with Tom Power
I think that’s Dua’s best way of scoring a hit (as with so many others).
I think that’s Dua’s best way of scoring a hit (as with so many others). So, I've listened to the album a couple of times, if I'm honest the singles are the best thing there. Everything else is rather low key. Not bad but just not to my taste. I'll wait and see what other singles she releases from the album though. It's not a terrible album by any means though, it's very consistent when you take out the three singles which do stand out.
Having listened enough times she’s got a decent half-album/EP.
- End of an Era
- Houdini
- Training Season
- Illusion
- Falling Forever
Training Season and Illusion have definitely grown on me but I can’t see myself returning to any of the album tracks besides maybe EOAE. The silver lining in this is that Dua and her team are brilliant at picking the right singles.
DL4 for 2025 please.
That critic from The Line of Best Fit has been anti-Dua for years and used that review to have a go at Dua personally rather than critique the music. Really uncalled for and unprofessional.
I think it’s a solid album, but agreeing with the “beige” comments. It’s kinda just… there nothing too special on it. Highlights are Maria and falling forever
The Rolling Stone review summarises my thoughts perfectly:
"Moments of greatness can be found on the pop giant's latest album, but it's hard to shake the sense that she is capable of so much better."
Nothing stands out for me on the album. I've listened to it end to end 3 times now and there isn't a single song where I've gotten that excitement run through me that you feel when you hear a song you love for the first time. A real shame because I absolutely adored her first two albums, especially FN, I've literally been a fan since 2015 and went to her first gig at Olso in Hackney but I've not loved any of the singles this go around so I kind of expected it tbh. I hope it does well for her though, and I really hope this one is just a small blip in her discography and she comes back with a banger of an album next go around. I feel a bit bad for her because the reception has been pretty lukewarm and she seems so proud of this album.
I've said it many times, but the album REALLY should've been released in February/March when she did all the awards shows and Training Season was fresh. Add to that the fatigue people have had with all the new releases by Beyoncé, Taylor Swift etc and some new fresh big viral hits like Too Sweet. The competition has never been more fierce. It's very difficult to get people interested now, 6 months after the lead single (also it doesn't help that the album did not have any "oooooh she did THAT" moments, which has already been discussed).
3 listens in and I'm really enjoying the album!
It's not as in your face as FN was, these songs creep up on you instead. Agreed that the right songs were chosen as singles, at least half of them wouldn't work as stand-alone songs (pretty much the opposite of FN!).
Does anyone else have a hunch that there may have been a very different third album originally but the label for whatever reason weren’t pleased and she’s ended up going back to the studio with a new concept and tracks what are more like what were used to elevated slightly?
The Massive Attack / Primal Scream / BRIT Pop influences don’t necessarily come across here and then the first two music videos we got dont necessarily fit what she said the albums theme was which you can kind of see in Illusions visual. I definitely have a feeling that she did actually record and go in a new direction but it isn’t coming across with what we got as the album just feeling more of the same but what she’s done better previously.
I still think the album will do well. She always maintains good chart runs and I expect a re release will be happening at some point but she also has Glastonbury which will give the album a big boost then and maybe the album will perhaps come more to life there and feel different in a live setting.
I don’t necessarily feel like it’s a bad album but I don’t feel strongly about it either but it could be a case of the tracks being growers. Houdini is the only real moment on this for me as of now though.
I don’t know what really went wrong but can’t shake this feeling that as if her career is being sabotaged.
Just 5 days ago all three singles were doing 2+mill and then May 1st they all suddenly dropped a lot of positions, right before album release!!!
I just think her popularity has always been severely over exaggerated as an artist. The songs were good the songs were huge yes but she's a streaming inflated artist. The songs would have been huge with or without her. Which is now why he response to this album debut is even worrying as hasn't even debuted high. The barbie song was only a hit once the movie had premiered. Most British female singers only retain the success for 2 or 3 albums and its just the case here. She doesn't deserve number one with this album and if she does get it, it will be from the success of the previous.
I mean, she was selling out arenas across the world with her last tour. I don't think that happens if you're not popular as an artist.
I don't know, I wouldn't say her popularity has been "severely overly exaggerated". She had the biggest selling song of the year in 2021 with Levitating in the US, that's pretty massive for a UK artist. Don't Start Now was also the 4th biggest selling song of the year there the year prior. It's pretty rare for a UK artist to have the success she's had worldwide, the Future Nostalgia tour was a sellout worldwide too. She definitely deserves her flowers, she's done very well.
I do think it's fair to say though that based on first day numbers this is a massive underperformance. 15.8M streams worldwide is pretty shocking for an artist of her level. Future Nostalgia did 29.1M, so almost double, with the same number of tracks.
The AM numbers don't back any conspiracies though - it's not doing massively well there either.
She's not being sabotaged. The music just isn't good.
Was just talking to my friends (who are big fans as well) about the underperformance, and one of them has said that maybe it wasn't a smart idea for her to leave TaP so soon right after FN considering they really had a good vision for her during FN era and that's what made her so big in first place.
Actually, when I think about it this is feeling like Jessie J's second album performance-wise compared to FN/JJ's debut.
I'm at a beach bar right now and they're playing the album. END OF AN ERA it's the one
Is nobody else liking Happy For Now? That and Falling Forever were the standouts for me!
Jessie J also had big USA hits too. And how many UK artists actually last? Even Adele has fallen below Taylor Swift. This might actually be it for Dua! Prism, this album is not. Jessie's 3rd album and on were disastrous... Fortunately we're in the streaming and concert era, so she can eke out a continuous recording career anyway. Justin Whinealake and Katy Perry are still releasing, and they're thw two biggest flops going!!
I can’t believe that an artist with such a good ear for a song and melody overlooked that they literally created an inferior version of the previous album!
I do love ‘Houdini’ a lot and enjoyed a lot ‘End of an Era” and ‘Falling Forever”, as well as ‘Illusion’, but overall it’s not a strong effort. I hope for the next album she definitely changes the game and sound a lot. The girl needs it.
I played it to my husband to see his thoughts and Training Season was by far his favourite.
According to chartdata its looking to do 55k-65k first week in the US and should debut at either #2 or #3. FN debuted at #4 with 66k (but later peaked at #3), so not too far off tbh. At least if she debuts at #2 it'll be her highest charting album in the US.
A #2 debut in the US would be a great achievement!
I agree. After not so great 1st day streaming, 55k-60k is indeed good for her in US!!!
Also she’s hosting and performing SNL so that will be good exposure, perhaps adding another 5k!!!
Oh and FN is standing at 4.3 million units in US…huge!!!
Pretty good album overall. Heard it a few times but feels quite short.
They just mashed up Training Season with Rihanna's Don't Stop the Music at the club I'm at and it goes OFF *.*
^^
That version is in TikTok for a while I believe!!!
I want to hear this Don’t Stop the Season mashup!
Kylie is enigmatic. Her warmth and charisma is off the scale. Even in the 80s the press were fascinated by her - the image, relationships, singles/album/tours. Sorry but Dua is not even remotely in the same league.
Just for the record, I wasn't mentioning this as if Kylie was (or should be) compared/pitted against. And I'm not referencing how enigmatic/charismatic she is (which is totally subjective). I'm more referencing the fact that almost every single Kylie song is a song that could be sung by anyone (as far as I'm aware, Kylie doesn't write any/many of her songs either), but that doesn't stop them being certified pop-stompers!
I'm just baffled that Dua is being critised for not letting us into her personal life. I really don't care about that, as long as the music's good (and I think this album is coherent and polished; I like it!)
Waiy, didn't Kylie ghave such a flop era she was almost dropped? So if Dua is the nee Kylie maybe she can still turn it around? This era is a disaster, and has been sincd thd start. She tried to pass off an inferior version of the album before it and people didn't bite, and her musical success is now on life support. Thr next album however is the crucial one. If it flops, and isn't inventive, she's done and becomes a Jessie J type figure. If she comes bavk with an All The Lovers, she can keep her career going much longder.
Yes but Kylie has the perfect pop voice. She makes songs into killer tracks. Pair this up with the videos/image and she strikes gold. So many iconic looks/videos and an amazing back catalogue. My niece is in her teens and even she knows more than 10 Kylie tracks. Madonna is the same, we know the songs, looks and videos.
Dua needs more striking imagery and videos to stand out. I can’t name one iconic look of hers. She simply does not have the mystique and fanbase to keep people interested. Dare I say it but she needs to do something RADICAL.
Gosh, stop with the comparisons...she's not Jessie J!!!
She's on her third album and on her 8th year of music career, which is still doing pretty decent...she's about to debut Top 3 in US and hopefully #1 in UK!!!
FN solidified Dua as a hitmaker (with longevity) and she can turn things around.
Also to me it seems that she was able to build a fan base considering FN debuted with much higher streaming numbers, yet RO is projected to open with similar chart units. Less stream but higher physical units and that showcases increase of her fanbase!!!
French Exit has grown on me a lot! Love it too now, actually probably my second favourite behind Houdini.
I also do love the fact that Dua has made the classic pop album structure — 11 tracks, the tracks aren’t too short, the whole album doesn’t end in an instant. It is not catered to inflate the streaming numbers at all.
I do believe she has it in her and she will pleasantly surprise us in the future not one time, even if this album isn’t exactly up there.
The statement that she’s mediocre because she doesn’t write about personal stuff is ridiculous to me. In fact, it’s the other way around (if it’s too much) that could get me off someone, if anything!
I worked out that Houdini had a 30% increase in Spotify streams so far which is enough for a reset, but Training Season is only up 21% and needs 25% for a reset
So we could possibly have Houdini reset, These Walls chart and Training Season starred out, unless These Walls streams really nosedive throughout the week
I’m stressing about tomorrows UK midweek and US predictions for the album!!!
HITSDD are saying it's challenging for #2 in the US with 55k units
I think the way it's going, 'Houdini' might go on to become my favourite Dua single and I was adamant there was no way 'Don't Start Now' could be topped.
I still can't get enough of it, it sounds just as good as when I first heard it and it's so addictive it's unreal.
Whatcha Doing is getting better with every listen for me atm! The production is gorgeous, those sparkly synths 😍
I’ve concluded it’s very Kelly Clarkson trajectory with FN being Breakaway and RO being My December especially since both FN and B peaked at #3 in the US, and the follow ups looking to both peak at #2 despite being underperformances of sorts (obviously jury is still out with RO)
I mean this album is utterly **** but Houdini is one of the best songs in the last 10 years so she can take that x
The countdown was for a surprise performance in NYC so no Deluxe edition just yet
Ok so she performed at Times Square.
She did Training Season, Houdini, Happy For You and Illusion.
It was very lowkey and it was raining outside lol but she gave us great vocals!!!
It's on YouTube now:
Show starts at 21:17
Setlist:
Training Season 22:17
Houdini 26:10
Happy For You 30:15
Illusion 34:30
Also here's the Saturday Night Live slayage in case anyone missed it being posted in the other thread
I've given the album a few listens now so I think I can come to a conclusion.
The majority of the album is great but the singles really stand out as being excellent. The root issue of the tracks that I don't like right now is being too generic I think? Anyway, there were obviously some fantastic ideas throughout the album and the melodies are really catchy. At least it doesn't have any tracks as bad as 'Good In Bed' or 'Boys Will Be Boys' 
Highlights: 'Houdini', 'Training Season', 'Whatcha Doing', 'Illusion', 'Falling Forever', 'Maria', 'Happy For You'
Hopefully that doesn’t catch on
The album is up to 72 on Metacritic (17 reviews), same score as DL1. Future Nostalgia had a score of 88.
She should have stayed with tAp
My personal favourite of the album is Happy For You
Not sure if staying with TAP would've helped. I think that at some point the label (Dua is their most popular artist) thought that the album needs streaming hits and the overall vision was watered down. I just refuse to think that she intentionally "oversold" the album lol it must have changed at some point.
I know it was an amazing album but I didn't expect the critics to be so fair considering its a female pop album! 72 isn't too bad a drop tbf and at least it isn't lower than DL1. It being level with DL1 makes sense though as it sounds more towards that album than FN. I think what really benefitted Dua with FN was it had a clear sonic theme - 80s sound and futuristic elements (the weaker tracks for me BWBB , GIB and PP all deviated from the theme funnily enough). I guess radical optimism is a theme in itself but not as exciting personally.
She was incredible on SNL so much charisma
my fav bit was the part of people saying she takes too much vacation and replying it's not vacation, it's holidays
Number 1 in today's midweeks outselling Taylor 2:1. Sales not revealed yet but I'm expecting Dua to be on 22k-27k so far.
Yay! Some relief amid all the doom and gloom surrounding the streaming numbers. That should be enough for #1 come Friday I hope
Omg yes, I hope we get sales numbers as well so I can feel confident she’ll be #1!!!
Spotify:
Day 1 — 20,485,575 streams
Day 2 — 14,761,140 streams
Day 3 — 11,233,031 streams
Day 4 — 12,764,223 streams
+13% increase
Metacritic score now up to 73 (19 reviews) surpassing DL1 thanks to a glowing review from PopMatters
https://www.popmatters.com/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-review
Ooh I wonder whether she can scrape #2
I don't think she will and will have to make do with Number 3 and a UK number 1.
Day 4 - differences in global Spotify daily streams
Happy For You - +16.07%
These Walls - +14.96%
End of an Era - +14.66%
Illusion - +13.72%
Houdini - +13.68%
Training Season - +13.41%
Anything For Love - +12.87%
Whatcha Doing - +12.43%
Maria - +12.43%
Falling Forever - +12.11%
French Exit - +11.60%
This is a great album. It's not quite up there with the quality of FN but I'm really enjoying it and lots of songs still have the potential to really grow.
But can we PLEASE have some appreciation for 'Maria'? I mean, WHAT A SONG! That synth whistle bit gets me every time I only wish there was more of that sort of thing going on in some of the other songs.
Illusion #13 in yesterday's UK chart update, These Walls #36, Training Season on ACR at #51. Houdini starred out.
Training Season Spotify streams is up 10% week-on-week, and Houdini 9%. Not enough for a reset to SCR. Could the label request a manual reset in this circumstance?
As far as I'm aware, a reset will only be given at the request of the label if there's a a new promotional campaign for the single... I'd be very surprised if that would be the case for a fairly recently released single that has seen a marginal increase in steams (almost entirely due to the release of the album). OCC seem to be more relaxed as to what meets the criteria lately, but I can't see them being *that* relaxed 😂 Either it makes the 25% increase it needs, or it stays at ACR I assume.
In other news... Still loving this album. My vinyl and cassette arrived, they're gorgeous 😍
She did 37k so far
UK Albums Chart update
1 Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism (37,305) [29,987 physicals, 6,244 streaming, 1,275 downloads] *
2 Taylor Swift - THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT (20,433)
3 Frank Turner - Undefeated (14,188) *
I knew her physicals were gonna pull the numbers the little lipas did their job *.*
Interesting breakdown, thank you 
Yeah I think like most albums it's gonna have a big drop in week 2, but the 3 singles + These Walls should give it some legs after that and hopefully a nice boost from Glastonbury next month.
Day 5 Global Spotify:
About right that the non-song (Anything for Love) is being skipped.
The alternate cover Deluxe CD with signed poster is back in stock on HMV!
https://hmv.com/Store/Music/CD/Radical-Optimism-(hmv-Exclusive)-Limited-Deluxe-CD
Why do I keep missing it 😩
Ok, if Taylor is releasing more CD’s from her 7.99 sale then I think Dua has to settle for #2, which would suck because there’s no chance she’ll ever get to #1 and that’s a shame!!!
Taylor’s new CDs are not scheduled to be shipped for another 3 weeks so I think Dua’s safe!
Spotify - Day 6:
Day 1: +20,485,575
Day 2: +14,761,140
Day 3: +11,233,031
Day 4: +12,764,223
Day 5: +12,332,790
Day 6: +12,082,048
46,247 sales in the end, much better than I expected!
She also debuted #1 in France with 19.5k units sold!!
European Queen <3
Debuts at 2 here in Ireland with Taylor staying at number 1
01 46,298 Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism [13,388 CDs, 16,772 vinyl, 4,779 cassettes, 1,414 downloads, 9,945 streaming]
02 31,897 Taylor Swift - THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT
I'm really happy with those sales for Dua. She was so underestimated this week. 
Radical Optimism physical sales have almost double those of Future Nostalgia's debut.
Fantastic result! Much higher than I’d have guessed *.*
Well done Dua! Very strong sales!
Glad to see that it debuted atop in the UK.
Very impressive sales indeed, thrilled to see that she hit #1 
Even if the album hasn't been it for me it still feels very deserved — it's great to see a popstar like her continue to smash it. *.*
#2 in US with almost 84k
https://m.hitsdailydouble.com/sales_plus_streaming
It went from 55k to 65k to 68k to 84k!!!
Amazing result
Omfg well done Dua!! Still not really feeling the album and have accepted its not what I wanted from her (besides the singles and EOAE) but glad she’s at least reached a new height in the US with the album!
Well done Dua Excellent first week sales!
Here's a first week sales comparison (unfortunately we don't have this data for her debut album, other than the fact it sold 16,223 overall in its first week)
Radical Optimism vs. Future Nostalgia
46,298 vs. 34,390 - Overall First Week Sales (+34.63%)
9,945 vs. 14,882 - Streaming (-33.17%)
13,388 vs. 7,346 - CDs (+82.25%)
16,772 vs. 2,970 - Vinyl (+464.71%)
4,779 vs. 4,214 - Cassettes (+13.41%)
1,414 vs. 4,978 - Downloads (-71.60%)
Bonus stats:
34,939 vs. 14,530 - Physicals (CDs, Vinyl & Cassettes combined) (+140.46%)
36,353 vs. 19,508 - Pure (Downloads, CDs, Vinyl & Cassettes combined) (+86.35%)
11,359 vs. 19,860 - Digital (Downloads & Streaming combined) (-42.80%)
----------
Format percentage contribution to first week totals:
21.48% vs. 43.27% - Streaming
28.92% vs. 21.36% - CDs
36.23% vs. 8.64% - Vinyl
10.32% vs. 12.25% - Cassettes
3.05% vs. 14.48% - Downloads
Bonus stats:
75.47% vs. 42.25% - Physicals (CDs, Vinyl & Cassettes combined)
78.52% vs. 56.73% - Pure (Downloads, CDs, Vinyl & Cassettes combined)
24.53% vs. 57.75% - Digital (Downloads & Streaming combined)
I’m pretty impressed that she managed this in debut week! It seems we did kind of underestimate but the demand was there.
I do think it’ll manage decent enough longevity as well. Definitely decent by 2024 standards at any rate. Im gonna give the album another go over the weekend I’m now on holiday so have way more free time to delve into music.
I’m glad she did get the #1 though! And her first #1 debut on the albums chart too.
The lack of streams (-33%) is striking considering streaming overall is bigger than it was in 2020 - but great that she got the #1 thanks to sales.
The most important question though: has anyone figured out why Anything for Love is on the album and what it stands for? It's not even a song but not really an interlude either. Doesn't make any sense.
Yeah, I've been thinking about how she recorded 50-60 songs for this album and decided to put 'Anything For Love' on there. It's most bizarre.
The strong physical sales prove Dua has built a fanbase since Future Nostalgia and her career is far from over. I think Dua's dad has seen the opportunity for Dua to sell and benefit from physical sales and put a lot of effort into promoting that. Only after he started managing Dua did her singles start being released on physicals. The bundles on her store were appealing, the gifs of her with the vinyls and cassettes, the lenticular CD, the art cards and the notebook.
It was hard for me at the beginning of the week to read so many people writing negatively about Dua and how she is flopping in all corners of the internet. I was considering taking a break from this forum and social media so I could just enjoy the album without the doom and gloom background noise
The streaming numbers still concern me. It was down to 10M globally yesterday. I'm nervous about today's numbers but hopeful it can still stabilize. I wonder if the numbers would have been better if they chose a better focus track for playlists than the MOR These Walls?
The streaming/sales breakdown comparison with FN indicates that although Dua’s core fanbase has grown quite a bit from era-to-era, casual fans (more likely to stream) aren’t so impressed.
I reckon she may release a new edition before the end of the year
A new edition by year end I feel is certain.
The album has had a successful debut week and better than many people thought
It is a good album even though many songs sound the same.
Radical Optimism shark floatie available to pre-order
https://ukshop.dualipa.com/products/dua-lipa-radical-optimism-shark
I bought the first two albums the day of release but even when DL1 came out I was buying the album casually but was a fan of the singles. FN will probably be her signature album for me. I think I was slightly underwhelmed with this third album as I love Houdini and I actually prefer Illusion now over Training Season.
The only tracks I’m not connecting with is French Exit and Anything for Love.
As for my favourites, album track wise, I’m loving End of an Era and Happy For You. Maria was also a pleasant surprise.
Love the shark but no thank you at £80!
80 pounds for a pool float WHAT
The album is still doing 10M daily on Spotify
Here's the update for yesterday (11th May) and the changes since Thursday update (9th May):
End Of An Era 803,123 -71,491 (-8.17%)
Houdini 1,698,312 -105,710 (-5.86%)
Training Season 1,819,867 -14,098 (-0.76%)
These Walls 1,437,255 -236,859 (-14.15%)
Whatcha Doing 513,039 -89,224 (-14.81%)
French Exit 393,417 -72,697 (-15.60%)
Illusion 1,855,897 -70,441 (-3.66%)
Falling Forever 519,325 -52,283 (-9.16%)
Anything For Love 295,642 -60,049 (-16.88%)
Maria 361,573 -73,622 (-16.91%)
Happy For You 383,231 -44,704 (-10.45%)
I have to admit that after my first listen of 'Radical Optimism' (on release day) I was a bit "oh... not what I expected" about it. Not that I thought it was bad, but I guess I needed to readjust what my initial expectations were. On the second/third listens it began to make more sense to me as being a pleasantly summery and chilled listen, as opposed to being an album packed with more Houdinis. I do believe that the three singles painted a different picture of what the album could be like, compared to what it actually serves.
Is this album full of potential singles? I wouldn't say so, but funnily enough the song that stands out to me as an obvious contender is 'These Walls'. Which, to my surprise, is the song that appears to be getting the most negative feedback on BuzzJack*. I'm not saying that 'These Walls' is the most interesting song on the album by any means, but I found it to be the most instantly catchy, and it really sounds like it would dominate on radio. I think simplicity is key with this one. Aspects of the instrumental kind of puts me in mind of a certain type of Gwen Stefani song, Natalie Imbruglia... that easy listening pop/rock flavour from the late 90s / early 00s. Also the sort of song I could see Kelly Clarkson performing a fantastic "Kellyoke" version of.
I know that some listeners have opined that the album doesn't give much of an insight into Dua's personal life / that it's not relatable (not something I consider to be a problem). However I think 'These Walls' lyrically has the universal relatability factor that could strike a chord with people. Also I know she's been hit with the "she's so samey" accusations, as in "this is another Dua Lipa sounding song by Dua Lipa". I wouldn't say that 'These Walls' could be accused of that. On that note I think 'Happy for You' would also be her offering something different as a single, but that seems to be suffering with being the closing track even though she gave it a specific promotional push with performances.
'Anything for Love' is a frustrating song... it's the only song on the album that I have a particular problem with. Frustrating in the sense that it easily could have been more than it is. Talky intros can be annoying/contrived and I fear this one is, sadly. Using that gimmick on such a short song - criminal! Then after the intro it meanders until it finally gets going into something that sounds special, something that could lift it into album highlight territory... but when that happens, the song is almost over! It's not a song I'll seek out for isolated plays, only when I'm giving the album a full play.
Ultimately I'd say that while 'Radical Optimism' hasn't rocked my world, I do like it - and that's enough for me to be happy with it. I'm sure I'll keep returning to it over the summertime!
* Particularly as it has almost universal praise in Dua's Popjustice thread, and that's a forum with members who are very willing to be critical if they're not feeling something!
#2 in the US with 83k (51.5k pure). A very good opening week outcome.
I get the comment about These Walls sounding great on radio and having that guitar-led 90s sound but I doubt it would take off on streaming. Dua should create a single mix with maybe a collab on either End of an Era or These Walls. Nothing else screams single.
Falling Forever is easily the best choice for single imo (followed by End of an Era) but nothing else screams it as blatantly to me.
I don't think there will be any more singles from this version, at least.
^^
Yeah, I agree.
All three singles are about to exit Top 200 Spotify...and it's kinda crazy to me how fast they're dropping in all honesty. I thought album would gave them some legs for few months!!!
She’s surely going to attempt another release? Doesn’t she have Glasto & other promo coming up?
I agree with Jay about 'Anything for Love', the good bit of it, is an album highlight, but as soon as it reaches to those highs it's pretty much over. A fully formed version of the last minute of the song could have been the best song on the album.
it’s definitely one of the songs that standout on the album but after the “how looooOOOOoooOOOng” bit it’s a bit forgettable lol
I think Whatcha Doing has the most single potential. It's fun and infectious, memorable hook.
Falling Forever is my least favourite. It's a bit cheesy and melodramatic. "Till tomorrow and beyond", the galloping and twinkles. It sounds cheap. I feel like the label forced her to record it.
I feel like 'Whatcha Doing' is the only one that could really work as a potential single.
UK midweek chart update
1 Kings of Leon - Can We Please Have Fun (15,208) [13,451 physicals, 948 streaming, 809 downloads] *
2 Taylor Swift - THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT (10,508)
3 Keane - Hopes and Fears (4,272) ^
4 Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism (3,909)
5 Gunna - One of Wun (3,097) *
19 Illusion
65 These Walls
86 Training Season
Ddd just as I was complaining about the song
The thing I like the most about 'Falling Forever' is that she actually sounds great and she doesn't sound like she's bored!
Falling Forever was insta love for me...it's so energetic when the chorus hits and I'm sure it is going to sound amazing with live instruments!!!
I wonder if she’d dare perform it at Glastonbury. It’s quite a vocally demanding song live lol.
I feel like Falling Forever is best left as an album gem (well, a gem for those who like it). I think it would be too polarising as a single choice.
I actually understand why they pushed These Walls as a focus track. It is definitely catchy and the most diverse to the rest of the album.
Agree about Falling Forever being left as an album gem would be a good decision!
Yeah, Falling Forever will never work as a single. That should be left as ‘fan favorite’ album track that never got single treatment lol.
I can imagine EOAE with an early 90s-style video in the same vein as Groove Is In the Heart.
'Falling Forever' is one of those songs fans want desperately as a single despite it screaming flop. The chorus is an immediate skip x
'These Walls' is probably the best choice for a potential MOR/TikTok/US hit but 'Whatcha Doing' is infinitely better. I can't see anything else working.
Are they really going to bother with another single? The album will get promo from Glastonbury and other festivals. It isn't going to be some massive streaming album that is obvious, nothing from the album has naturally took off like some album tracks do. They have also paid for 4 music videos so far (one was scrapped I believe).
I'm sure they will move quickly to a deluxe end of year or new album next year and just let this do whatever else it does now without investing too much more money in it.
Ideally, I would have her come up with a brand new single right after NYE and release new album in March!!!
Happy For You is becoming such a fave from the album It would almost certainly flop but wouldn't be opposed to it being a single.
Falling Forever is...not it. Choosing that as the next single would surely be the nail in the coffin of this era. The album is a nice listen but I agree, it's probably best for her to move on quickly with another album next year. Whatcha Doing is probably the one which stands the best chance of making a splash as a single - it's so fun and trippy already sounds like a classic Dua song.
Predicted to be around 17-20 week 2 in the US
1 1 3 The Tortured Poets Department ‒ Taylor Swift ( 1 ) (282,000 (51,000 sales))
2 ** 1 Radical Optimism ‒ Dua Lipa ( 2 ) (83,000 (51,500 sales))
From the international forum. She did better than Taylor in sales at least!
These Walls also #1 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Billboard chart.
17-20 Chart position week 2 in the US
'Falling Forever' is the ONE I fear.... Next single I beg 🙏
03 9,058 Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism
#3 and 9k sold in week 2 was a lot better than I expecting considering how much the songs have nosedived on streaming. It must still be pulling some decent physical numbers?
She's basically holding Top 10 almost everywhere on second week, with exception US which it dropped to #19 with 25k sold. Billboard numbers could either be lower or higher but we will find out that on Monday!!!
But yeah, she's holding much better than I thought in all honesty.
8 in today's midweek chart update
26 Illusion
82 These Walls
99 Training Season
'Houdini' will go down in history as being a pop masterpiece, that I am sure of.
yeah, not a good second week hold in US...and I don't know what's left in the album to keep it afloat!!!!
End of an Era feat. Sabrina Carpenter should be next
End of an Era needs to be a single
Drops another 19 to #40 this week on the US chart. I'm not sure what's going on, as her songs are on radio ALL THE TIME. Perhaps re-issue the album with the Barbie song?
Only a big new hit for deluxe edition can save this album sadly.
Here we go with the doom and gloom again
The album is still top 10 in the UK in week 4 and holding up worldwide with the exception of the US. Radio airplay means nothing in 2024. It's all about TikTok and she never had a viral song this era.
Here we go with the doom and gloom againAll 3 “Radical Optimism” singles are charting on Global Spotify today! Each experienced their highest position or biggest day in around a month.
106. “Training Season” (+47) — 1,605,945 (+9.5%)
132. “Houdini” (+66) — 1,517,646 (+15%)
197. “Illusion” (RE) — 1,314,153
What is happening
In the UK it's held up better than I imagined. I thought it'd go like 1-7-19 but to be #8 in its 4th week isn't bad going!
True! In this age it’s very easy for albums to fall out the chart (see Zayn) so Dua is doing well considering she’s not streaming really big number.
Random thought but French Exit could actually go viral if France ever decided to leave the EU.
Down to #16 in the UK :/
It is disappointing to see the album exit the top 10 so quickly but it will make it's return.
I honestly don't think the run is that bad so far, especially considering so many people were proclaiming the album as a disaster during its first week.
It should re enter the top 10 after Glastonbury I would’ve thought, after that I’m not so sure. Perhaps her Glasto set might give her another hit and stabilise the album.
In all honesty, I don’t think there is a hit on the album…maybe re-issue will have one but on the standard version, Houdini and TS will remain the only hits of the album!!!
Down to #83 in the US Despite the colossal mishandling I really thought this would at least be on Tate McRae level (#88 after 27 weeks) but I guess it wasn't meant to be.
Despite the colossal mishandling I really thought this would at least be on Tate McRae level (#88 after 27 weeks) but I guess it wasn't meant to be.Weird comparison. Isn't Dua the only British act in the US album chart outside of Charli who just debuted?
Where is Tate McRae in the UK album chart? Out after 11 weeks
Yeah we get it the album isn't smashing but the doom and gloom is so annoying on this site.
Well it's just an example of a fairly successful pop album of a streaming era - shouldn't be impossible for Dua to achieve considering she had a big top ten hit on Hot 100 just last year.
It's not like she hasn't tried to break through there? She just appeared in two Hollywood movies! I would say it's even been her priority market besides the UK until this era took its shape.
Who doesn't try to break through in the US? She's still a British artist with a European sound at the end of the day so it's always gonna be harder for her there compared to American pop singers
I don't think there's anything wrong with addressing the fact it has underperformed in the US. I'm sure Dua and her team were hoping for at least a repeat of FN's success and longevity with this era but there's nothing that's really stuck with the public (besides Houdini). It'll be interesting to see what she does next. Promoting FF over the summer and then a deluxe edition?
Training Season is actually currently doing better than Houdini on Spotify. Interesting to see which one "wins" in the long run.
Oh didn't know that! Glad it's doing well as I've grown to really enjoy it.
I think the initial focus was building Dua as an artist and live act, and building her fan base.
There are positives that came from that:
-critically acclaimed fan fave Houdini
-strong debut numbers of the singles and the album
-much bigger physical sales than Future Nostalgia
-the ticket sales so far are promising
-the little live TV promo we got was great
-the London Sessions live videos
The singles haven't been the most on-trend nor trend-setting but they definitely chose them correctly. Unfortunately, they didn't have the longevity of Future Nostalgia's big hits, didn't connect particularly with the younger audience or TikTok. (although it nearly happened for Houdini)
I do think stuff has happened behind the scenes during this album production and it got messy. I suspect because of Dua leaving her management and old producers, Warner imposed a compromise on the end vision and sound. Considering the 2 producers involved + the press articles and interviews, and Dua's looks at the start of the era compared to what we got in the end, it feels sanitized and wishy washy.
I hope Glastonbury is a success and I imagine the tour will still sell well but I think they're better off deading this era from a marketing perspective. They should rather be focusing on recording a stronger new album.
Taking all that into account, Radical Optimism did surpassed expectations in some ways. Many were expecting lower debuts and for it to totally collapse down the charts. And this hasn't really been the case apart from the US where it still had a good debut week at least.
I think most people will refer back to its peak positions and deem it a success, regardless of how long it has stayed around in the charts. I agree, DL4 for 2025 would be the best plan. She can’t afford to wait another 4 years for her next album as I think any hype would have died by then.
I reckon she should push These Walls as the fourth single from the album seeing how well the song did upon the albums release
Extended version (57:10) of the album out tomorrow.
End of an Era is the only worthy choice left from the album imo.
The extended version of Anything For Love confirms what we already knew: it should have been much longer!
It would be ideal if we had some other verses (rather than the same part pretty much on loop), but it's still better than what was given to us on the regular album...
Tbf I do get the summery 90s/early 00s vibes from These Walls, and I could see it doing well on AC radio in the US. It’s just a bit beige.
Extended versions CD with signed poster available on HMV
https://hmv.com/store/music/cd/radical-optimism-(hmv-exclusive)-extended-poster
It managed to climb 5 positions this week to 27. It will surely go top 10 next week!
I've always thought the Extended album is what I imagined from the original release, with how the album was described back then and all that.
The Extended versions are fantastic
I still don’t think this album is quite as drastic a sound change as she claimed (but this could be my critique coming from having Madonna and Gaga as my absolute favourites who undergo complete and utter whole re-brands).
I do think the extended versions offer more and really elevate certain tracks from how they are on the main album. The album itself is pretty short and sweet but i actually think it’s pretty solid. Now I’ve had time to have the album digest it does kind of flourish over time and I think the key to her having such strong longevity is that a lot of her music seems to really take its time to really hit and then it becomes long lasting.
I think initially because she’d kind of mentioned the sound change herself I (and I think others to be fair) properly expected something more drastic. I said from the start she’d have strong longevity and that her team would ensure it would be a success and Dua too if there’s one thing about her she’s a rarity in the streaming era in that she’s really managed to get full long lasting eras complete with re-releases. I wouldn’t be surprised if rather than DL4 happening if we get some sort of extension to this album.
Glasto performance gave quite a nice boost to her discography on Apple Music, hopefully the same will happen tomorrow on Spotify as well
I thought it was download only release but happy it's getting a cd release.
The CD is back in stock on HMV
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