Dua Lipa, Don’t Start Now | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-winning English pop artist Dua Lipa shines on “Don’t Start Now,” an infectious single from her highly anticipated sophomore album.

Dreams certainly came true for English pop singer Dua Lipa at the 61^st Grammy Awards.  During that ceremony, the “New Rules” hitmaker took home two Grammy awards – the highly coveted Best New Artist and Best Dance Recording (“Electricity”).  Given the talent that she brings to the table, it’s understandable why she became victorious early-on in her music career.  Her self-titled debut album was certified bop.  Now, she’s back once more with an electrifying, energetic single, “Don’t Start Now.”

“Don’t Start Now” has all the makings of a pop bop, period.  The groove is infectious, instantly a catalyst for foot tapping, head nodding, and busting a move on the dance floor.  Further cementing the bop status are other elements of the production – robust bass line, keyboards, and synths (including strings).  Stylistically, “Don’t Start Now” can be characterized to some extent as a neo-disco single – a pop single incorporating dance and R&B cues.

All those positives don’t even capture additional greatness characterizing “Don’t Start Now.” First and foremost, Dua Lipa continues to impress with her husky, expressive lead vocals.  She has a distinct instrument that is ready made for pop superstar status.  Beyond that, the songwriting is catchy and quite engaging.  The focal point is matters of the heart, something she absolutely excels at.  The form of the song is straightforward – verse, pre-chorus, chorus, verse, pre-chorus, chorus, bridge, pre-chorus, and verse – with the chorus being the centerpiece:

“Don’t show up, don’t come out
Don’t start caring about me now
Walk away, you know how
Don’t start caring about me now.”

Final Thoughts

Ask yourself this question.  Can Dua Lipa do any wrong musically? Early on in her career, the answer seems to be a resounding NO.  “Don’t Start Now” may not give the Grammy winner another “New Rules” level hit, but this is a great pop record through and through.  “Don’t Start Now” succeeds due to all of the aforementioned reasons: production, the voice, and catchy songwriting.  Pop bop? You bet!

Dua Lipa • Don’t Start Now [Single] • Warner • Release: 10.31.19

Photo Credit: Warner