Dua Lipa’s ‘Radical Optimism’ goes beyond ‘dance-crying’

The new album was informed by what she’s learned from touring the world over the last few years—drawing influence from trip-hop and Brit-pop, and including newfound interest in live instrumentation.

Dua Lipa is floating in the ocean, the sun just beginning to set behind her. She looks strong, serene—save for the looming threat of a massive shark, fin just breaching the surface a few feet away.