At #5 on the latest Billboard Hot 100 is Olivia Dean with her hit ‘Man I Need.’ This is the third single from the English singer-songwriter’s sophomore album, The Art of Loving, and the first to gain traction in the U.S.
Dean has been an emerging star for several years now and seems to be on the verge of a breakthrough. I’m writing this blog entry the morning of her Saturday Night Live debut as musical guest alongside host Glen Powell. I could see that appearance boosting her even more.
‘Man I Need’ is a light, poppy R&B track that sounds like a throwback to 1970s Natalie Cole. The retro vibe sets her apart from a long list of contemporary artists who are starting to sound alike. I’m curious to hear if the rest of the album has a similar vibe.
Talk to me, talk to me
Talk to me, talk to me
[Verse 1]
Looks like we’re making up for lost time
Need you to spell it out for me
Bossa nova on all night
It’s like a type of alchemy
Introduce me to your best friend
I can come and slot right in
A satellite ain’t even that far
I, I kinda wonder where you are
[Pre-Chorus]
Already know I can’t leave it alone
You’re on my mind, mm
Already gave you the time and the place
So, don’t be shy
[Chorus]
Just come be the man I need
Tell me you got something to give, I want it
I kinda like it when you call me “Wonderful”
Whatever the type of talk it is, come on then
I gotta know you’re meant to be the man I need
Talk to me
Talk to me
[Post-Chorus]
Mm, talk to me, talk to me
Be the man that I need, baby
Talk to me, talk to me
Be the man that I need, need, need
Mm, talk to me, talk to me
Be the man that I need, baby
Talk to me, talk to me
Be the man, man, man, man, man
[Verse 2]
I’d like to think you feel the same way
But I can’t tell with you sometimes
So, baby, let’s get on the same page
Stop making me read between the lines
[Pre-Chorus]
Already know I can’t leave it alone
You’re on my mind, mm
Already gave you the time and the place
So, don’t be shy
[Chorus]
Just come be the man I need
Tell me you got something to give, I want it
I kinda like it when you call me “Wonderful”
Whatever the type of talk it is, come on then
I gotta know you’re meant to be the man I need
Talk to me, talk to me
Talk to me, talk to me
[Post-Chorus]
Mm, talk to me, talk to me
Be the man that I need, baby (Be the man)
Talk to me, talk to me
Be the man that I need, need, need
Mm, talk to me, talk to me
Be the man that I need, baby (Be the man)
Talk to me, talk to me
Be the man, man, man, man, man
Meet Me In Montauk 
Really great album! Been a fan of Olivia Dean’s for a little while now and I’m very glad to see her gain a bigger following! I especially enjoy her music videos – they’re always a joy to watch.
Both of my kids are big fans, and I can see why. She did this song on SNL. Good stuff!
A big part of the reason I travelled to Nashville to see Sabrina Carpenter at the Bridgestone Arena was so I could see Olivia Dean as an opener. This was the first year I fully discovered her music and quickly fell in love! I’d heard the name for a while but it wasn’t until I made the effort to listen to “Dive”, her first breakout single that I understood the appeal.
Shortly after, “The Art of Loving” dropped and as you stated it’s such a refreshing throwback sound she brings to the table. So many of the songs throughout that album just fill your heart with sweet lyrics delivered breezily with great tone backed by stirring horns and funky arrangements! This song was clearly the hit in the making and it’s been so great seeing so many people gravitate towards it.
Watching her live and seeing the audience reaction it was clear that she is on the way up deservedly so. I agree that there has become a certain monotony to the Top 10, so it’s great to see a standout track like this make it into the Top 5 and will hopefully lead to more unique artists gaining success!
For now, I shall bop along to “Man I Need” often and contribute some more streams!