Music - Dua Lipa Unveils Chart-Topping Hit Houdini with Tame Impala's Kevin Parker

By Mulder, 09 november 2023

More than three years after the release of her acclaimed album Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa has triumphantly returned to the music scene with her latest single, Houdini, which has quickly become a global sensation, topping charts worldwide. In an exclusive interview with NRJ, the British-Albanian star shared insights into the creation of the track, her connection to dance, and teased details about her upcoming album.

I haven't slept in centuries, Dua Lipa revealed with a smile during the interview, emphasizing the anticipation and effort that went into the project. The wait proved worthwhile as Houdini amassed over 26 million views within just a few days of its release on a Friday. The track is a collaboration with Australian artist Kevin Parker from Tame Impala and pays homage to the legendary illusionist Harry Houdini, born in Hungary in the 1920s.

Describing Houdini as an artist of escape, Dua Lipa explained that the song's profound meaning revolves around understanding one's worth, knowing when to stay and when to leave, and the art of making decisions, just like Houdini. I think it's also about self-awareness, understanding yourself, knowing what's right for you at that moment, she added.

Known for her dance-pop hits like Levitating, Don't Start Now, and Dance The Night Away, Dua Lipa expressed her love for dancing, stating, I feel like it's a big part of who I am, the way I express myself. Her instinct-driven approach to music has undoubtedly contributed to her success. While keeping details about her upcoming third album discreet, Dua Lipa expressed her eagerness to dive into new music and start with her new album.

Houdini, co-written by Dua Lipa, Caroline Ailin, Tobias Jesso Jr., Danny L Harle, and Kevin Parker, serves as the lead single from her highly anticipated third studio album, scheduled for release. The track, released on November 9, 2023, maintains a tempo similar to Dua Lipa's previous hits, featuring catchy choruses and instrumental transitions.

Critics have praised Houdini for its infectious melody and Dua Lipa's seamless cohesion with her past works. The song delves into emotional detachment through the lens of illusionism, presenting a ultimatum from the singer to a potential lover—act decisively or face disappearing.

The contemporary music scene has warmly welcomed Houdini, celebrating its catchy motif and acknowledging Dua Lipa's evolution from her disco-influenced Future Nostalgia era. The accompanying music video, directed by Emmanuel Cossu and shot in a London dance studio, has garnered over 61 million views on YouTube.

Leading up to the single's release, Dua Lipa engaged her fans with a strategic social media campaign. She replaced the covers of her previous albums with kaleidoscopic versions on all streaming platforms and adopted an enigmatic approach by removing all Instagram photos, replacing them with intriguing self-portraits.

On October 31, 2023, Dua Lipa teased the track on her social media profiles, incorporating rearranged numbers that eventually revealed the word Houdini, paying homage to the renowned illusionist who passed away 97 years ago. Fans drew parallels with Kate Bush's 1982 song of the same name, noting the thematic connection to Houdini and the use of a key, reminiscent of Houdini's partner delivering the key to his escape via a kiss.

Co-written between November 2022 and January 2023, Houdini is hailed as a pop masterpiece with a neo-psychedelic twist, incorporating elements of electronica and nu-disco. Critics highlight the song's infectious rhythm, pulsating bassline, and '80s synth layers reminiscent of Talk Talk's It's My Life.

Dua Lipa's lyrics in Houdini playfully challenge a potential lover, using the metaphor of the magician to convey the idea of disappearing if they remain indecisive about their feelings. According to Dua Lipa, The lyrics are a bit cheeky, but there's a real underlying message of self-understanding and self-forgiveness. Sometimes, all you need to do is like Houdini and leave an unsolvable situation behind.

Houdini has received predominantly positive reviews from both Anglophone and Francophone music publications. Critics praise its catchy nature, pop perfection, and Dua Lipa's ability to merge retro sounds with contemporary pop sensibilities.

As the lead single from her upcoming album, Houdini marks the beginning of a new chapter in Dua Lipa's musical journey, showcasing her versatility and artistic evolution. Fans eagerly anticipate the release of her third studio album, set to further solidify Dua Lipa's status as a global pop sensation.

Houdini
Single de Dua Lipa
Sortie : 9 novembre 2023
Enregistré : Avril 2023 Studio 5dB Industries (Londres, Royaume-Uni), Studios Westlake (Los Angeles, États-Unis)
Durée : 3min
Auteur-compositeur : Dua Lipa Caroline Ailin, Danny L Harle, Kevin ParkerTobias Jesso Jr
Producteur : Danny L HarleKevin Parker
Label : Warner