by Dua Lipa has become one of the biggest pop stars in the world thanks to her infectious dance-pop hits like “New Rules,” “Don’t Start Now,” and “Levitating.” Known for empowering anthems and catchy dance beats, Lipa brings joy and positivity to millions of fans worldwide. However, behind her upbeat pop persona, Lipa also has a side that delves into deeper emotions and explores darker themes in her music. On some of her songs, she opens up about heartbreak, loneliness, and inner turmoil – showing fans a more introspective and vulnerable side.
Two songs in particular – “Goodbyes” from her self-titled debut album and “Homesick” from her sophomore release “Future Nostalgia” – showcase Lipa tapping into complex feelings of loss, longing, and displacement. While not necessarily representative of her entire discography, these tracks demonstrate Lipa’s ability to create resonant music that moves beyond just catchy pop tunes. They provide a glimpse into the emotional depth and artistic growth she has achieved early in her career.
“Goodbyes”
Released in 2017 as the fifth single from her debut album, “Goodbyes” marked a shift towards a more emotionally raw sound for Lipa. Gone were the upbeat dance-pop vibes of her previous hits – this track was a melancholy breakup ballad. Over a sparse piano melody, Lipa sings vulnerably about the lingering pain of a ended relationship.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of heartache, with Lipa detailing all the unanswered questions and mixed emotions that come with separating from a former partner. She wonders where it all went wrong and laments the fact that they’ll never get to say a proper goodbye. The verses build with increasing vulnerability, as Lipa works through the five stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.
The stripped-back production allows Lipa’s powerful vocals to shine through. Her voice cracks with emotion on some lines, truly conveying the rawness of processing a breakup. The minimalist piano instrumentation enhances the intimacy and melancholy mood. It’s a stark contrast to Lipa’s typically upbeat dance-pop style, showcasing a more somber side of her artistry.
Critics praised “Goodbyes” for its emotional honesty and Lipa’s ability to tap into universal feelings of heartbreak. It was a commercial success as well, peaking at number three on the UK Singles Chart and entering the top 40 in several other countries. The song’s emotional resonance helped cement Lipa as more than just a dance-pop artist – she could craft resonant songs exploring deeper themes too.
“Homesick”
Released in 2020 as part of her smash-hit sophomore album “Future Nostalgia,” “Homesick” showed Lipa’s artistry continuing to evolve and mature. Gone was the heartbreak theme – this track delved into feelings of displacement, isolation and longing for a sense of belonging.
Over a pulsating synth beat and melancholy melody, Lipa sings about being far from family and friends. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of homesickness – missing familiar comforts, feeling alone in a new place, and yearning for a sense of home. She describes “waking up in different places, different faces” and wondering “if I’ll make it home again.”
Musically, the track has a moody, atmospheric quality that enhances the theme of loneliness. Glitchy electronics and a repetitive, building synth line create a sense of isolation and unease. Lipa’s vocals are layered and manipulated to sound distant at times, further emphasizing the theme of being far away from loved ones.
The song resonated deeply during the COVID-19 pandemic, as millions found themselves separated from friends and family while isolating. Reviews praised “Homesick” for its ability to capture universal emotions of displacement, longing and the human need for connection – even more so during difficult times. It showed Lipa’s songwriting continuing to mature beyond just dance-pop into more introspective territories.
Vulnerability and Growth
While dance-pop singles will likely remain her bread and butter, songs like “Goodbyes” and “Homesick” demonstrate Dua Lipa’s ability to tap into vulnerability and craft resonant music exploring deeper emotions. They showcase her artistic growth beyond just catchy pop tunes – she can create songs that move listeners on an emotional level too.
Only 26 years old, Lipa still has plenty of room to evolve as an artist. But these tracks are early signs of a pop star willing to be emotionally open and explore darker themes beyond surface-level happiness and joy. In doing so, she connects more meaningfully with fans and shows multi-dimensional sides to her artistry. It’s a testament to Lipa’s talent and potential for continued growth that even some of her less upbeat songs have become fan favorites.
As her career progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Lipa’s songwriting evolves further. Will she continue delving into vulnerability and complex emotions? Or will her music stick primarily to empowering dance-pop? Either direction shows promise – but songs like “Goodbyes” and “Homesick” prove Lipa has what it takes to create resonant music beyond just catchy hits too. They offer a glimpse of even greater artistic depths she may plumb in the future. For now, they stand as early signs of an immensely talented pop star willing to be emotionally open and explore darker themes alongside her signature joyful dance tunes.
