It’s no secret that Dua Lipa has said goodbye to her ‘Future Nostalgia’ era and is moving into a new phase of music inspired by the psychedelic sounds of the 1970s. Just a few days ago, Lipa deleted all her Instagram posts, hinting that something truly significant is on the horizon. Additionally, on various streaming platforms, she has replaced the album and song covers with versions that exude a more kaleidoscopic aesthetic.
Before she released her second studio album, ‘Future Nostalgia,’ in March 2020 –yes, right in the middle of a global pandemic–, Dua Lipa had already used this strategy to mark the end of her self-titled debut era. Nonetheless, both Dua Lipa and Future Nostalgia treated us to memorable moments that have left a lasting impression. As a tribute to this era that gave us songs now considered classics, such as «Don’t Start Now,» «Levitating,» «Break My Heart,» and «Physical,» let’s revisit some of the standout moments.
Dua Lipa performs at the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival at Parc Jean-Drapeau on July 31, 2022. Mark Horton/Getty Images.
Future Nostalgia
This marks the second studio album by the British-Albanian singer, released on March 27, 2020, under the Warner Records label. Its inception dates back to early 2018 and was inspired by the music of artists that Dua had been listening to during her adolescence, including Nelly Furtado and Gwen Stefani. The album features a blend of genres including pop, electro, and dance-pop, with influences from funk, house, euro disco, synth-pop, and R&B. Lipa herself has described it as a ‘dance class,’ and she also drew inspiration from the music of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s to create a contemporary yet timeless dance sound.
«Don’t Start Now»
In October 2019, Dua Lipa, after announcing her return to the music scene, cleared her social media accounts by deleting all her previous posts. Then, on October 22, 2019, she shared a video where she wore a vibrant yellow outfit with her hair featuring two distinct shades, black and blonde.
In the video, she sat in a chair while the caption «Don’t Start Now» appeared, and a snippet of the song played in the background. Two days later, on October 24, 2019, she formally announced on her social media platforms that the song would officially be released on November 1, 2019, along with revealing the cover art for the single. This song later became the leading single for her upcoming album.
«Don’t Start Now» at the 2019 EMA
It’s hard to forget that during her very first 2019 EMA awards show performance of her latest single, Lipa was joined by a sizable group of dancers, all dressed in attention-grabbing yellow leotards. The singer herself stood out in her striking black cutout outfit, taking center stage while her team surrounded her.
As she flawlessly delivered each note of the disco-inspired song «Don’t Start Now,» the stage lighting changed to a vibrant red, and Dua Lipa confidently moved to the forefront to perform some impressive choreography.
Dua Lipa performs on stage during the MTV EMAs 2019. Dave J Hogan/Getty Images.
«Physical»
The album’s second single was released on January 31, 2020, drawing significant inspiration from the 1980s. Later, she unveiled a video that revived the iconic aerobics classes of that era.
«Break My Heart»
This song was released on March 26, 2020. Lipa had already acknowledged that her new single drew inspiration from «Need You Tonight» (1987) by INXS, continuing in the footsteps of her previous hit. «Break My Heart» updates the late 80s classic for today’s pop and dance music audiences.
The storyline of the song mirrors Dua Lipa’s own experiences. Through special effects and seamless transitions, we follow the soloist’s journey through various vibrant and fantastical scenes as she grapples with feelings of insecurity in the face of a seemingly unattainable love.
Home Performance
Despite her album being released in the middle of a pandemic and having it leaked shortly before, Dua did not let this defeat her, and she provided us with a performance at the James Corden Late Night Show, worthy of remembering during these dark times due to COVID-19.
I don’t know, it’s funny, I guess. I hope that it brings back happy memories of the time we’re spending indoors” –Dua said for High Snobiety when called ‘quarantine queen’.
«Hallucinate»
On July 10, 2020, she released the official music video for «Hallucinate». For this one, Lipa opted for an animated video inspired by the aesthetics of Studio 54. Lipa addressed a playful critique from a fan who questioned the choice of an animated music video instead of a traditional live-action production. She replied, “Did you guys forget that we’ve been in the middle of a pandemic for the past 3 months?”
«One Day»
This song is a collab effort featuring J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, and Tainy. Universal Music Group released the track for digital download and streaming as a standalone single in multiple countries on July 23, 2020. It combines elements of house, Latin pop, and reggaeton, enriched with dream pop melodies and dancehall influences. «Un Día (One Day)» explores themes of nostalgia and yearning, depicting the emotions between two estranged lovers.
Levitating
On October 2, 2020,Dua Lipa made a big impact with «Levitating,» a song that blends various musical styles like dance-pop, pop-funk, power pop, and space rock. It takes inspiration from the pop and R&B sounds of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The lyrics convey the feeling of being on cloud nine when falling in love and include references to outer space to capture that magical sensation.
Levitating at the AMAs 2020
On November 22, 2020, Dua Lipa took her hit song «Levitating» to the American Music Awards 2020. She performed it live from London, sharing the stage with a team of dancers dressed in blue bodysuits. Their performance was set against a celestial backdrop, creating a visually stunning experience. As the performance reached its climax, Dua Lipa seemed to defy gravity, ‘levitating’ into the sky with the help of wires while a shower of glitter descended around her. It was a truly remarkable and unforgettable moment.
Dua Lipa performs onstage for the 2020 American Music Awards, broadcast on November 22, 2020 London, England. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images.
Tiny Desk
On December 2, 2020, the famous concerts of Tiny Desk (home, due to the global pandemic) hold as guest Dua Lipa, which is the most watched with more than 115 million views. The setlist included «Levitating,» «Pretty Please,» «Love Again,» and «Don’t Start Now.»
«Love Again»
On March 11, 2021, Lipa released this song, which uses «My Woman» sample. For the music video, she’s seen with rodeo clown-styled dancers in the hotel’s ballroom line dancing, riding mechanical bulls that sometimes disappear and painting eggs. A horse appears and the rodeo clowns attempt to capture a giant egg. Several critics commended the video’s message of it being silly to fall in love so soon, as well as its Western style and surrealism.
GRAMMYs 2021
On March 14, 2021, at the 2021 GRAMMYs, Dua Lipa not only received six nominations but also undoubtedly stood out as the best-dressed artist of the night. She wore a stunning Versace dress inspired by the Aurora Borealis, as noted by the fashion brand. The gown, entirely adorned in shimmering crystal mesh and adorned with delicate Swarovski butterflies, can be described in one word: breathtaking.
Dua Lipa at THE 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards on March 14, 2021. Francis Specker/Getty Images.
Levitating (& «Don’t Start Now) at the GRAMMYs 2021
She then delivered a stunning performance featuring two of her biggest hits, «Levitating» and «Don’t Start Now.» For her first act, she graced the stage in an exquisite pink gown that had a robe-like quality. Against a dreamy backdrop of purple clouds, she began with a solo rendition of «Levitating.» Shortly after, DaBaby joined her on stage to perform his verse from the remix of the same song, surrounded by a group of dancers.
In the later part of the performance, Lipa returned to the stage, with the iconic moon featured on the covers of various editions of her album Future Nostalgia serving as her backdrop. After a brief dance interlude, she transitioned seamlessly into a vibrant rendition of the album’s debut single, «Don’t Start Now.» The whole performance was nothing short of spectacular.
Dua Lipa performs onstage during the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards on March 14, 2021. Kevin Winter/Getty Images.
Future Nostalgia Tour
During her inaugural world tour, a few mishaps became internet sensations, including her stumble while performing «Be The One» and the moment her microphone unexpectedly went airborne during «New Rules.»
Who could forget the buzz created when she revealed her role in the Barbie movie? In the film, she brought to life Mattel’s rendition of Mermaid Barbie, known as «Malibu» Doll, characterized by her strikingly long and vibrant blue hair and a stunning ombre tail adorned with premium details and intricately sculpted scales.
«Dance the Night»
Then she gave us a music video infused with sensuality and a pinch of Barbie’s fantasy. Her song, starting with the combination of violins and synthesizers mixed with the rythms, results in a flawless melody that perfectly complements the lyrics.
A combination of pink, shimmering outfits that cling perfectly, cascading confetti, high heels, and exquisite dancers swaying to the captivating rhythm of disco music all blend harmoniously with the allure of Dua Lipa’s figure and the power of her voice. This synergy extends to Margot Robbie, who, in her role of Barbie, follows the choreography in glimpses of the film.
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