Hollywood Records
Release Date: June 25th 2021
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Olivia Holt– Next (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Next
Sometimes an artist just hits you out of nowhere, with a discography so catchy, energetic, infectious and potent that you can’t help but be proud and inspired. I guess that’s the best type of ‘new’ artist there is- when you immediately find a singer and a performer and an entertainer that entertains, but speaks to your soul as well- one that provides joy, hope, inspiration, comfort and food for thought. And as I was perusing through Youtube the other month, one such artist jumped out at me. A young star who has had her start in Disney (like other well-known stars like Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, and now defuct sibling pop group Everlife); Olivia Holt has recorded plenty of songs and given us many inspiring hits (view her discography on Apple Music here!). However it was only since the start of this year that I have had the pleasure of being introduced to Olivia’s music- and boy is it super fun and extremely boppy. Similar in style to Sabrina Carpenter and Hailee Steinfeld; we are met with a young artist who is extremely confident in her craft, as she shows us that there is no limit on how young you are when you start chasing your dreams.
While I have already recently reviewed Olivia’s latest EP In My Feelings; she has since released a brand new single called “Next”. Written by Meghan Trainor, the pop/dance number is a playful and groovy song about dancing and being present with your loved ones in a party-like setting- and boy could we use a cheerful song like this during the pandemic which seems to be never-ending. While we are all itching for life to get back to as normal as can be, “Next” is sure to bring a smile to our faces, as this melody to me is one of the songs of the summer (or winter). As Olivia relays to us that she wants to dance with ‘you’ after, we are met with an explosive, powerful and compelling anthem about being alive in the moment and not worrying too much about the future.
Olivia Holt’s music is predominately about relationships and the feelings of happiness, frustration, joy and sadness that go along with them. But for us single people, inclusive of myself, let’s not let subject matter that we can’t fully relate to yet, ruin our enjoyment of these songs. Because Olivia is indeed a star in the making- and as we are immersed in these songs that speak to us about the human condition, and wanting to be the best that there is, especially in the romance department; let us remember that being human means feeling the hurt along with the joy, the disappointment and sadness along with the happiness. And once we accept this, we can indeed love again, we can be talked out of playing it safe in life, and we can be able to miss someone yet still be ready to move on. And with Olivia slated for a debut album this year; why don’t we all hold our breath with anticipation, and marvel and how talented this young woman is- in acting and in singing? Well done Olivia for these poignant songs, especially the fun, joyful, pop number of “Next”, I can’t wait to hear what’s next in store for you in 2021!
Score: 4/5
RIYL: Everlife, Sofia Carson, Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan, Sabrina Carpenter, Dua Lipa, Little Mix