I think Dua Lipa’s single Be The One is one of the best pop songs of this decennium. Ever since I was one of the first to play it, she’s been a fixture in my Carte Blanche radio show and on this blog. In the meantime, she’s gone on to become one of the most popular female solo artists in the world. Her eponymous debut album (which spawned no less than 11 singles) is the most streamed album by a female artist in Spotify’s history. Also, she is the youngest female artist ever to attract 1 billion views on YouTube.

Now, exactly four years after the release of Be The One, Dua Lipa is back with another banger. It may be called Don’t Start Now, but it certainly is the start of a new era, with a new musical direction. Her second album will feature more live instruments (rather than electronica). On top of that, she collaborated with the likes of Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers.

The influence of the Chic frontman is very clear on Don’t Start Now, although he doesn’t appear in the credits. Nevertheless, the song is a funky nu disco anthem with ‘Nile Rodgers’ written all over it. Dua Lipa explains: “I chose to put this song out first so I could close one chapter of my life and start another. Into a new era with a new sound! It’s about moving on and not allowing anyone to get in the way of that. It also felt like a natural first song choice as I made it with the brilliant same crew I made New Rules with.”

Recommended as well:
Dua Lipa – Swan Song
Dua Lipa – Bad Together / Genesis
Dua Lipa – Thinking ‘bout You

For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.

Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.