Olivia Dean “Let Alone the One You Love”
Olivia Dean sold out four nights at Madison Square Garden this week, an extremely impressive feat for a singer who just recently played four shows there as the opening act for Sabrina Carpenter. It’s a real perspective-shifter – Dean is substantially more popular than she seemed, and the market for lovelorn classic-style R&B is clearly stronger than ever. (Also take note of Giveon’s show at MSG, and Cleo Sol selling out three nights at Radio City Music Hall.) Dean has a lot of very good songs, but I figure a lot of her success comes down to how easily and effortlessly she fills a void in the pop landscape where Adele and Amy Winehouse used to be. Her music...