With a shimmering combination of retro funk and disco, Dua Lipa’s new single “Houdini” will take you back in time and give you a taste of the ’80s like no other.
Three and a half years after the release of her award winning album “Future Nostalgia,” the British-Albanian artist has finally made her return.
I have always been a big fan of Lipa’s work, as her flashy hits constantly blast in my car and echo throughout the walls of my room. After discovering the artist when her song “New Rules” came out in 2017, I was immediately hooked.
There is something quite unique about the way she approaches her music, as she decorates her songs with a variety of instruments, sounds and her deep, mature voice. Rather than having a high-pitched tone that many female artists sing in, her lower register style is refreshing.
“Houdini,” which was released last Thursday, is truly a reflection of the electro-dance hits that flourished in the ’80s. With its groovy drums and pulsing piano chords, I already know I will have it playing on repeat in my room, nodding my head to the rhythm instead of getting my work done.
Lipa has always been the master of the dance floor, her hit songs transporting you to a scene of crowded parties and clubs buzzing full of bodies and booze. Lipa’s single “Physical” is a clear example of this, with her retro style peeking through and captivating listeners.
“Houdini” feels like a step forward in Lipa’s stylistic decisions, with its glittering synth arpeggio reminiscent of the era my dad grew up in. I was instantly reminded of the song “Don’t You Want Me” by the Human League, which he plays quite often.
Something that always makes me smile is how much my dad loves Lipa’s music. I remember walking down the stairs a few years ago to find him sitting on the couch, watching the music video for her song “Be The One.”
When our family got to see Lipa live in 2018 during Poptopia, a concert featuring multiple artists, it was such a surreal moment. In a way, she has brought my sister, dad and I closer together, for which I am truly grateful.
I texted him on Saturday telling him to listen to “Houdini,” only for him to say he already watched it and loved it. It was hilarious, because the one thing he said was, “Good song. Less makeup and a more natural looking face.”
I’ll have to agree with him on that one. In previous videos and concerts, Lipa has projected a smokey, heavy makeup look to present a more mature version of herself. However, with her bright cherry locks and natural face in “Houdini,” I think she looks quite stunning.
The video definitely had me in a trance the entire time I watched it. Lipa wears a netted, body-con top and baggy blue joggers, dancing as her reflection gazes at her.
Her hair is slightly damp, adding to the sultry, lustful feeling of the song and presenting Lipa in an irresistible light. Her confidence is clear, as she gazes into the camera as the lights go on and off.
When singing “I’m not here for long / Catch me ‘fore I go, Houdini” it seems as though the pop queen is teasing her potential lover, urging him to make a move before she disappears entirely.
I love the melody of the verse while she sings “If you’re good enough, you’ll find the way / Maybe you could cause a girl to change her ways,” the fiery lyrics reflecting the playful, flirtatious chase of a budding relationship.
The song completely embodies the feeling of euphoria in the midst of a large crowd, not wanting the party to come to a close.
Having the honor of playing a game of cat-and-mouse with the one and only Dua Lipa is truly a gift, which is what “Houdini” is all about. It may be a threat to one’s sanity and well-being, but it is still a chase many hope to have with the artist.
With her new album set to release in 2024, I know for a fact that Lipa will not be pulling a “Houdini” and disappearing on us any time soon.
