Up-and-coming teen pop artist Olivia O’Brien returns with a compelling new single, the ‘heartless’ “No Love.”

Olivia O’Brien made a name for herself appearing on the gnash megahit, “I Hate U, I Love U” in 2016, which she co-wrote.  Since that her “I Hate U” days, O’Brien has been establishing herself as the next big pop star, releasing several singles including “RIP,” which appeared on our quirky playlist, A Random ABC of Artists with Respective Songs That Feature the F-Bomb.  But this isn’t about “RIP,” but her latest single, “No Love.”

“No Love” commences with piano, serving as the intro. Once O’Brien begins singing the verse, minimal, but rhythmic drum programming arrives.  The full rhythmic foundation arrives on the pre-chorus section, which is one of the best moments of the record.

“You act like you did it yourself / But you’re just taking credit for somebody else, yeah / You’re somebody else, yeah / You look like you’re nice, but you’re not / And if anyone likes you, it’s just cause you’re hot, yeah / And you think you’re hot, yeah.”

Interestingly, after things percolate to a boil on the pre-chorus, the first chorus diminishes the energy, as well as ditching the drum programming. Go figure.  However, this shift makes sense, given the downer sentiment of the lyrics:

“Love ain’t a thing in L.A / Ain’t no love in L.A / Love ain’t a thing in L.A / Ain’t no love in L.A / But nothin’ is real anyway.”

Expectedly, the second verse is more fully produced compared to the first.  Furthermore, the second half of the second chorus gets a bit more ‘beef,’ even if it’s still low-key. O’Brien continues to show poise on the bridge section, never packing a major punch. On the final chorus, O’Brien concludes quietly.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “No Love” is a compelling new single from Olivia O’Brien.  For the most part, it’s all good.  The biggest rub is that the ending of the song is a bit of letdown – too much diminishing perhaps. Nonetheless, regardless of minor flaws, vocally, O’Brien showcases the stunning nature of her pipes, particularly impressive considering her youth.

Olivia O’Brien • No Love – Single • Island • Release: 11.3.17

Photo Credit: Island