At The Honey POP, we’re here to help fill your playlists and hearts with five underrated Olivia Dean songs that are incredibly worthy of a spot on your Valentine’s Day playlist. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or a lover this year, these tracks are sure to put you in the loving spirit.
‘UFO’
‘UFO’ is a sweet, soft ballad and the perfect opener for Olivia’s debut album, Messy. In a 2023 interview with Dork, Olivia Dean describes the song as a “shy love song,” a sentiment we at THP wholeheartedly agree with. The atmospheric autotune of the vocoder, paired with a simple acoustic guitar, creates an unexpected yet seamless blend of sounds. The track delves into the uncertainty of a new romance; Olivia uses the metaphor of piloting a UFO to describe navigating a relationship where you don’t yet know all the buttons. This clever lyricism is just one of the many reasons we adore her.
‘Touching Toes’
Released as a single in 2024, Olivia Dean’s song ‘Touching Toes’ captures the precise moment you realize you’ve fallen hard. Olivia details how, after a period of comfort and normalcy, a lightbulb moment occurs where she suddenly just knows. She describes the act of touching toes as the “warmth of loving,” an act of total surrender. Highlighting the intimacy of sharing a space with a partner, this track was a beautiful bridge for Olivia to share with fans before moving on to her second album.
‘The Dress (Dijon Cover)’ – Spotify Live Room
While not an original, Olivia’s jazzy rendition of Dijon’s ‘The Dress’ for the Spotify Live Room is essential listening. Her spin on this modern classic is gorgeous and definitely worthy of a spot on your V-Day playlist. Since its 2021 release, Dijon’s hit has left a massive mark on the indie scene, with stars like Reneé Rapp and Bathe also offering their own takes. However, Olivia’s version truly showcases her effortless control and signature jazz-inflected vocals. We’re obsessed, and we have a feeling you will be, too.
‘It Isn’t Perfect But It Might Be’
Written for Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, this Olivia Dean song is the ultimate anthem for giving yourself permission to love again after loss. It opens with cheerful “la la la”s before transitioning into Olivia’s signature soulful delivery, a shift that makes us (and hopefully your Valentine) burst with joy. Lyrics like “write your name on every blank page” are a sweet nod to Bridget’s diary entries about Mark Darcy. This adorable track is guaranteed to have you swooning while simultaneously igniting a craving for a Bridget Jones movie marathon.
‘Float’
‘Float’ from Olivia’s EP Growth is less of a traditional love song and more of an underrated track about relationships. It serves as a reminder to stay present with a love interest and not to rush things. Throughout the song, Olivia asks her partner to let them “just float here for a while” instead of rushing into a formal title. She explains, “I’m all in, I’m not having second thoughts / Just wanna stay in this moment before we get lost.” This gentle, introspective track really highlights her incredible band; the crisp guitar plucking continues through the song, while the rest of her talented musicians stand out as well.
Which of these Olivia Dean songs is going straight to the top of your V-Day queue? Did we miss your ultimate underrated favorite? Come chat with us! Tweet us @thehoneypop or drop a comment on our Facebook and Instagram, we’re all ears!
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