★★★★★
In an era where pop music often faces criticism for its perceived lack of instrumental depth, Dua Lipa’s latest release Live from the Royal Albert Hall stands as a magnificent rebuttal. The live album, captured during her October performance at London’s historic venue, showcases the three-time Grammy winner’s artistic evolution and her willingness to reimagine her discography through a grandiose orchestral lens.
Accompanied by the 53-piece Heritage Orchestra under Ben Foster’s direction, a 14-member choir, and her seven-piece band, Lipa transforms her electronic-heavy pop catalog into something remarkably different. The setting of Royal Albert Hall—a venue that has hosted luminaries from Churchill to Einstein—provides the perfect backdrop for this artistic metamorphosis.
The performance’s centerpiece is a front-to-back rendition of her latest album Radical Optimism. While the studio version received mixed critical reception, these songs take on new life in the live setting. The orchestral arrangements, particularly on tracks like “End Of An Era,” achieve a cinematic grandeur that was perhaps missing from their original iterations. The brass sections on “Houdini” demonstrate how traditional orchestration can amplify rather than diminish contemporary pop production.
“What’s it about a kiss that makes me feel like this? / Makes me an optimist, I guess / I always jump too quick, hopin’ this one might stick / Hopelessly romantic,” sings Lipa in “End of an Era.”
What’s particularly striking is Lipa’s confident navigation between her pop foundations and these more sophisticated arrangements. Rather than allowing the orchestra to overshadow her presence, she uses it as a tool to elevate her performance. Fan favorites like “Love Again” and “Be the One” are reimagined with subtle orchestral flourishes that enhance rather than overwhelm their original charm.
The album’s emotional peak arrives during the encore with a surprise duet with Elton John on their hit collaboration “Cold Heart.” The performance takes on added poignancy in light of John’s recent health challenges, including his complete loss of vision. Despite performing seated, John’s voice remains remarkably strong, and the intergenerational duet serves as a powerful testament to pop music’s ability to bridge eras and styles with elements from “Rocket Man” and “Sacrifice.”
“And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time / ’Til touchdown brings me ’round again to find / I’m not the man they think I am at home,” sing John and Lipa.
Lipa’s decision to exclude some of her biggest hits like “New Rules” and “IDGAF” might seem risky, but it underscores her commitment to artistic growth over commercial safety. The inclusion of the Barbie soundtrack hit “Dance The Night” and her signature “Don’t Start Now” provides enough familiar territory to satisfy casual fans while maintaining the evening’s elevated aesthetic.
The live album arrives at an interesting juncture in Lipa’s career. Having headlined Glastonbury 2024 and with two sold-out Wembley Stadium shows on the horizon, she’s clearly reached new heights of commercial success. However, Live From The Royal Albert Hall suggests she’s equally interested in artistic credibility, pushing back against what she has described to 60 Minutes as the “stigma around pop music.”
The recording’s production quality deserves special mention. The mix perfectly balances the massive sound of the orchestra with Lipa’s vocals and her band’s contributions. The audience’s energy is captured without overwhelming the performance, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the venue’s grand scale.
As a document of artistic ambition, Live From The Royal Albert Hall succeeds brilliantly. It presents Lipa not just as a pop star but as a serious artist willing to take risks with her material. The album serves as a bridge between pop’s immediate pleasures and the more sophisticated traditions of orchestral performance, suggesting these worlds need not be mutually exclusive.
While live albums can often feel like contractual obligations or simple souvenirs, this release stands as a genuine artistic statement. It offers an extraordinary example of how to elevate contemporary pop without sacrificing its essential appeal. The accompanying CBS special, An Evening With Dua Lipa, set to air on Dec. 15, promises to add visual context to this already impressive achievement.
In reimagining her catalog with such ambition and grace, Lipa has created more than just a live album—she’s made a compelling argument for pop music’s place in the grand traditions of musical performance.
