| Dopamine | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | June 14, 2024 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 41:28 | |||
| Label | RCA | |||
| Producer |
| |||
| Normani chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Dopamine | ||||
| ||||
Dopamine is the debut solo studio album by American singer Normani. It was released on June 14, 2024, through RCA Records. The album features collaborations with American rappers Cardi B, Gunna, and English singer-songwriter James Blake, along with contributions from Brandy and Victoria Monét. Primarily a pop and R&B record, upon release it was met with generally favourable reviews. Dopamine was supported by the singles " 1:59" and " Candy Paint", as well as the previously-released " Wild Side" (2021), which reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Background and development
Normani first rose to fame as a member of girl group Fifth Harmony, formed during the second season of The X Factor in 2012. [3] The group came in third place in the competition, and subsequently signed a recording contract with Syco Music and Epic Records. The group rose to prominence with their breakthrough single " Worth It" (2015), [4] and achieved further success with the US top-ten single " Work from Home" (2016). [5] Fifth Harmony released three studio albums, all of which earned gold certifications in the United States.
Following the announcement of Fifth Harmony's indefinite hiatus in 2018, plans about Normani's debut studio album first emerged in July, when the singer announced that she had her album title ready. Between 2018 and 2022, she released eight singles, including " Motivation" (2019), which was going to serve as the lead single of her debut album, but did not make the final track listing. [6] [7]
On February 21, 2024, Normani announced the title of her debut studio album, Dopamine (an organic chemical), the album cover, and shared an audio snippet on her social media pages. [8] [9] Normani expressed that the album is "a representation of [her] evolution" and "everything [she had] gone through to get to this moment". She also touched on the expectations and pressure she dealt with while making the album, as well as having to struggle with both of her parents having cancer. [10] In an interview with Elle magazine, Normani said that the album title "represents the highs and the lows [she has] endured" and that she wanted a title that encompassed everything that she felt she went through in her journey to get to this point in her career. [11]
Release and promotion
On March 23, 2024, Normani announced the lead single from the album titled " 1:59", featuring American rapper Gunna, which was released on April 26. [12] The album's release date was then announced during the song's release. Around the same time, Normani also started teasing the release of " Candy Paint", which had been previewed multiple times since 2022, and would share a pre-save link for the song on May 2. A teaser trailer for the album, subtitled "First Dose" was released on YouTube, as well as her social media platforms, on May 22. The trailer featured a guest appearance from Gunna for what was likely a preview of the "1:59" music video, as well as a new snippet of "Candy Paint". [13] "Candy Paint" was surprise-released as the album's second single on Normani's 28th birthday, May 31. [14] It was later reported " Wild Side" (2021) featuring Cardi B would appear on Dopamine. [15] "All Yours" was released as a promotional single from the album on June 13, a day before the album's release. [16]
On June 11, 2024, Normani teased the album's upcoming release with a promotional video directing fans to call her hotline number, "Hotline 1:59." When called, the voicemail previewed a snippet from the album each day, ending with Normani saying, "Hey, it's Normani, leave a message after the beep." On June 12, 2024, Normani revealed the tracklist to Dopamine on all social media platforms. [17]
Critical reception
| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AnyDecentMusic? | 6.9/10 [18] |
| Metacritic | 73/100 [19] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Clash | 8/10 [20] |
| The Guardian |  
[21] |
| The Independent |
[22] |
| The Line of Best Fit | 6/10 [23] |
| NME |
[24] |
| Pitchfork | 7.4/10 [25] |
| Rolling Stone |
[26] |
According to the review aggregator Metacritic, Dopamine received "generally favorable reviews" based on a weighted average score of 73 out of 100 from nine critic scores. [19]
Shahzaib Hussain of Clash described the album as "a debut that hits the programmed sweet spot, conversant with contemporary trends and greater R&B and soul traditions." [20] Writing for NME, Nick Levine said that "it may have taken six years, but Dopamine sounds like the (damn) album Normani was meant to make all long." [24] Pitchfork's Heven Haile found Dopamine to be a "solid reintroduction to Normani’s sultrier side," while also ambivalently comparing it to Dua Lipa's Future Nostalgia in that a "mysteriously cool it-girl persona is thrilling in three-minute doses, but after a couple of tracks with big hooks, you come across some filler." [25]
Nicole Vassell of The Independent wrote that even though "the album will satisfy lovers of understated soul, [...] after so long a wait, you might hope for a bigger dopamine hit than this." [22] The Guardian's Michael Cragg said that "Dopamine understandably strives hard for perfection, but it can feel strangely anonymous at times"; however, he also said that "when Normani fully lets loose, [...] there's a real sense of that superstar everyone hoped to see back in 2018 finally taking centre stage on her own damn album." [21]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Big Boy" (featuring Starrah) |
| 2:53 | |
| 2. | "Still" |
|
| 2:32 |
| 3. | "All Yours" |
| 3:28 | |
| 4. | "Lights On" |
| 3:45 | |
| 5. | "Take My Time" |
|
| 3:18 |
| 6. | "Insomnia" |
|
| 3:49 |
| 7. | " Candy Paint" |
| Brown | 2:50 |
| 8. | "Grip" |
| Brown | 2:10 |
| 9. | " 1:59" (featuring Gunna) |
|
| 3:12 |
| 10. | "Distance" |
|
| 3:01 |
| 11. | "Tantrums" (featuring James Blake) |
|
| 3:10 |
| 12. | "Little Secrets" |
|
| 3:50 |
| 13. | " Wild Side" (featuring Cardi B) |
| 3:29 | |
| Total length: | 41:28 | |||
Notes
- ^[p] signifies a primary and vocal producer
- ^[a] signifies an additional producer
- ^[v] signifies a vocal producer
- "Still" contains a sample and interpolation from " Still Tippin'," written and performed by Mike Jones, Slim Thug and Paul Wall.
- "Insomnia" contains an interpolation from "A Capella (Something's Missing)," written by Soundz, Chad C. Roper, Le'che D. Martin, and Tiyon Mack, as performed by Brandy, from her 2008 album Human.
- "Little Secrets" contains a sample of " Drip Too Hard," written and performed by Lil Baby and Gunna.
- "Wild Side" contains an interpolation from " One in a Million", written by Missy Elliott and Timbaland, as performed by Aaliyah.
Personnel
- Normani – lead vocals
- Mike Bozzi – mastering (tracks 1–8, 10–13)
- Ohad Nissim – mastering (track 9)
- Jaycen Joshua – mastering (track 13), mixing (3, 7, 13)
- Rachel Blum – mastering (track 13)
- Patrizio "Teezio" Pigliapoco – mixing (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8–12)
- Ignacio Portales – mixing (track 4), engineering assistance (1, 2, 6, 8–12)
- Serban Ghenea – mixing (track 5)
- Brad Bustamante – engineering (tracks 1, 7, 11–13)
- John Scott – engineering (tracks 2–4, 6, 11)
- Mike Seaberg – engineering (tracks 3, 7), engineering assistance (13)
- Mikkel S. Eriksen – engineering (track 6)
- Thomas Warren – engineering (track 6)
- Kuk Harrell – vocal engineering (tracks 1, 3–5, 8, 10, 13)
- Jelli Dorman – vocal engineering (tracks 1, 3–5, 8, 10, 13)
- Federico Giordano – engineering assistance (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8–12)
- Jacob Richards – engineering assistance (tracks 3, 7, 13)
- Leslie Quinonez – engineering assistance (track 4)
- Bryce Bordone – engineering assistance (track 5)
- Chris Bhikoo – engineering assistance (track 7)
- DJ Riggins – engineering assistance (track 13)
- Brandy – background vocals (track 6)
- Gunna – vocals (track 9)
- James Blake – vocals (track 11)
- Cardi B – vocals (track 13)
- Josie Aiello – background vocals (track 13)
- Starrah – vocals (tracks 1, 13)
References
- ^ "Normani 'Dopamine' Full Album Review and Breakdown". ELLE. June 14, 2024. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ "Normani: Dopamine review – pop's longest-awaited debut almost defeats the trolls". The Guardian. June 13, 2024.
- ^ Harp, Justin. "Britain's Got Talent: Watch Fifth Harmony rock your world with a live semi-final performance". Digital Spy. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
- ^ Pietroluongo, Silvio (July 27, 2015). "OMI's 'Cheerleader' No. 1 for Third Week on Hot 100". Billboard.
- ^ "Drake's 'One Dance' Holds Atop Hot 100, Ariana Grande's 'Dangerous Woman' Returns to Top 10". Billboard. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
- ^ Gonzalez, Erica (February 21, 2024). "Normani's Debut Album Dopamine: Everything We Know". Elle. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
- ^ Major, Michael (February 21, 2024). "Normani Announces Long-Awaited Album Dopamine". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
- ^ Mamo, Heran (February 21, 2024). "Normani Announces Debut Album Dopamine". Billboard. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
- ^ "Instagram video by Normani". Instagram. February 21, 2024. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Suliaman, Jasmine Fox (February 22, 2024). "Normani's Moment is Now". Who What Wear UK. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Maude, Samuel. "Normani is Dropping the Damn Album". ELLE. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Mamo, Heran (March 23, 2024). "Normani Announces '1:59' Single Featuring Gunna". Billboard. United States: Eldridge Industries. ISSN 0006-2510. OCLC 732913734. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
- ^ Grow, Kory. "Normani Answers 'Where's the Damn Album' With Hypersexual 'Dopamine' Trailer". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- ^ Zemler, Emily (May 31, 2024). "Normani Celebrates Her Houston Roots on Upbeat Summer Anthem 'Candy Paint'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ Brathwaite, Lester Fabian (May 31, 2024). "Normani on the pressure of finally releasing her debut album – and why 'Candy Paint' had to be on it". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ "All Yours - Single by Normani on Apple Music". Apple Music (US). June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ Madarang, Charisma (June 12, 2024). "Normani Unveils 'Dopamine' Track List, Featuring Cardi B, Gunna, James Blake". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- ^ "Dopamine by Normani reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
- ^ a b "Dopamine by Normani Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
- ^ a b Hussain, Shahzaib (June 14, 2024). "Normani – Dopamine". Clash. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
- ^ a b Cragg, Michael (June 13, 2024). "Normani: Dopamine review – pop's longest-awaited debut almost defeats the trolls". The Guardian. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
- ^ a b Vassell, Nicole (June 14, 2024). "Normani review, Dopamine: Fifth Harmony star's long-awaited debut is sexy but too sleepy". The Independent. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
- ^ Khuttapan, Tanatat (June 14, 2024). "Normani: Dopamine Review – finally arrived". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
- ^ a b Levine, Nick (June 14, 2024). "Normani – Dopamine review: belated, yes, but also brilliant". NME. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
- ^ a b Haile, Heven (June 18, 2024). "Normani: DOPAMINE Album Review". Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- ^ Conteh, Mankaprr (June 14, 2024). "Normani Finally Hits Her Sweet Spot on Dopamine". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
| Dopamine | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | June 14, 2024 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 41:28 | |||
| Label | RCA | |||
| Producer |
| |||
| Normani chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Dopamine | ||||
| ||||
Dopamine is the debut solo studio album by American singer Normani. It was released on June 14, 2024, through RCA Records. The album features collaborations with American rappers Cardi B, Gunna, and English singer-songwriter James Blake, along with contributions from Brandy and Victoria Monét. Primarily a pop and R&B record, upon release it was met with generally favourable reviews. Dopamine was supported by the singles " 1:59" and " Candy Paint", as well as the previously-released " Wild Side" (2021), which reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Background and development
Normani first rose to fame as a member of girl group Fifth Harmony, formed during the second season of The X Factor in 2012. [3] The group came in third place in the competition, and subsequently signed a recording contract with Syco Music and Epic Records. The group rose to prominence with their breakthrough single " Worth It" (2015), [4] and achieved further success with the US top-ten single " Work from Home" (2016). [5] Fifth Harmony released three studio albums, all of which earned gold certifications in the United States.
Following the announcement of Fifth Harmony's indefinite hiatus in 2018, plans about Normani's debut studio album first emerged in July, when the singer announced that she had her album title ready. Between 2018 and 2022, she released eight singles, including " Motivation" (2019), which was going to serve as the lead single of her debut album, but did not make the final track listing. [6] [7]
On February 21, 2024, Normani announced the title of her debut studio album, Dopamine (an organic chemical), the album cover, and shared an audio snippet on her social media pages. [8] [9] Normani expressed that the album is "a representation of [her] evolution" and "everything [she had] gone through to get to this moment". She also touched on the expectations and pressure she dealt with while making the album, as well as having to struggle with both of her parents having cancer. [10] In an interview with Elle magazine, Normani said that the album title "represents the highs and the lows [she has] endured" and that she wanted a title that encompassed everything that she felt she went through in her journey to get to this point in her career. [11]
Release and promotion
On March 23, 2024, Normani announced the lead single from the album titled " 1:59", featuring American rapper Gunna, which was released on April 26. [12] The album's release date was then announced during the song's release. Around the same time, Normani also started teasing the release of " Candy Paint", which had been previewed multiple times since 2022, and would share a pre-save link for the song on May 2. A teaser trailer for the album, subtitled "First Dose" was released on YouTube, as well as her social media platforms, on May 22. The trailer featured a guest appearance from Gunna for what was likely a preview of the "1:59" music video, as well as a new snippet of "Candy Paint". [13] "Candy Paint" was surprise-released as the album's second single on Normani's 28th birthday, May 31. [14] It was later reported " Wild Side" (2021) featuring Cardi B would appear on Dopamine. [15] "All Yours" was released as a promotional single from the album on June 13, a day before the album's release. [16]
On June 11, 2024, Normani teased the album's upcoming release with a promotional video directing fans to call her hotline number, "Hotline 1:59." When called, the voicemail previewed a snippet from the album each day, ending with Normani saying, "Hey, it's Normani, leave a message after the beep." On June 12, 2024, Normani revealed the tracklist to Dopamine on all social media platforms. [17]
Critical reception
| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AnyDecentMusic? | 6.9/10 [18] |
| Metacritic | 73/100 [19] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Clash | 8/10 [20] |
| The Guardian |
[21] |
| The Independent |
[22] |
| The Line of Best Fit | 6/10 [23] |
| NME |
[24] |
| Pitchfork | 7.4/10 [25] |
| Rolling Stone |
[26] |
According to the review aggregator Metacritic, Dopamine received "generally favorable reviews" based on a weighted average score of 73 out of 100 from nine critic scores. [19]
Shahzaib Hussain of Clash described the album as "a debut that hits the programmed sweet spot, conversant with contemporary trends and greater R&B and soul traditions." [20] Writing for NME, Nick Levine said that "it may have taken six years, but Dopamine sounds like the (damn) album Normani was meant to make all long." [24] Pitchfork's Heven Haile found Dopamine to be a "solid reintroduction to Normani’s sultrier side," while also ambivalently comparing it to Dua Lipa's Future Nostalgia in that a "mysteriously cool it-girl persona is thrilling in three-minute doses, but after a couple of tracks with big hooks, you come across some filler." [25]
Nicole Vassell of The Independent wrote that even though "the album will satisfy lovers of understated soul, [...] after so long a wait, you might hope for a bigger dopamine hit than this." [22] The Guardian's Michael Cragg said that "Dopamine understandably strives hard for perfection, but it can feel strangely anonymous at times"; however, he also said that "when Normani fully lets loose, [...] there's a real sense of that superstar everyone hoped to see back in 2018 finally taking centre stage on her own damn album." [21]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Big Boy" (featuring Starrah) |
| 2:53 | |
| 2. | "Still" |
|
| 2:32 |
| 3. | "All Yours" |
| 3:28 | |
| 4. | "Lights On" |
| 3:45 | |
| 5. | "Take My Time" |
|
| 3:18 |
| 6. | "Insomnia" |
|
| 3:49 |
| 7. | " Candy Paint" |
| Brown | 2:50 |
| 8. | "Grip" |
| Brown | 2:10 |
| 9. | " 1:59" (featuring Gunna) |
|
| 3:12 |
| 10. | "Distance" |
|
| 3:01 |
| 11. | "Tantrums" (featuring James Blake) |
|
| 3:10 |
| 12. | "Little Secrets" |
|
| 3:50 |
| 13. | " Wild Side" (featuring Cardi B) |
| 3:29 | |
| Total length: | 41:28 | |||
Notes
- ^[p] signifies a primary and vocal producer
- ^[a] signifies an additional producer
- ^[v] signifies a vocal producer
- "Still" contains a sample and interpolation from " Still Tippin'," written and performed by Mike Jones, Slim Thug and Paul Wall.
- "Insomnia" contains an interpolation from "A Capella (Something's Missing)," written by Soundz, Chad C. Roper, Le'che D. Martin, and Tiyon Mack, as performed by Brandy, from her 2008 album Human.
- "Little Secrets" contains a sample of " Drip Too Hard," written and performed by Lil Baby and Gunna.
- "Wild Side" contains an interpolation from " One in a Million", written by Missy Elliott and Timbaland, as performed by Aaliyah.
Personnel
- Normani – lead vocals
- Mike Bozzi – mastering (tracks 1–8, 10–13)
- Ohad Nissim – mastering (track 9)
- Jaycen Joshua – mastering (track 13), mixing (3, 7, 13)
- Rachel Blum – mastering (track 13)
- Patrizio "Teezio" Pigliapoco – mixing (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8–12)
- Ignacio Portales – mixing (track 4), engineering assistance (1, 2, 6, 8–12)
- Serban Ghenea – mixing (track 5)
- Brad Bustamante – engineering (tracks 1, 7, 11–13)
- John Scott – engineering (tracks 2–4, 6, 11)
- Mike Seaberg – engineering (tracks 3, 7), engineering assistance (13)
- Mikkel S. Eriksen – engineering (track 6)
- Thomas Warren – engineering (track 6)
- Kuk Harrell – vocal engineering (tracks 1, 3–5, 8, 10, 13)
- Jelli Dorman – vocal engineering (tracks 1, 3–5, 8, 10, 13)
- Federico Giordano – engineering assistance (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8–12)
- Jacob Richards – engineering assistance (tracks 3, 7, 13)
- Leslie Quinonez – engineering assistance (track 4)
- Bryce Bordone – engineering assistance (track 5)
- Chris Bhikoo – engineering assistance (track 7)
- DJ Riggins – engineering assistance (track 13)
- Brandy – background vocals (track 6)
- Gunna – vocals (track 9)
- James Blake – vocals (track 11)
- Cardi B – vocals (track 13)
- Josie Aiello – background vocals (track 13)
- Starrah – vocals (tracks 1, 13)
References
- ^ "Normani 'Dopamine' Full Album Review and Breakdown". ELLE. June 14, 2024. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ "Normani: Dopamine review – pop's longest-awaited debut almost defeats the trolls". The Guardian. June 13, 2024.
- ^ Harp, Justin. "Britain's Got Talent: Watch Fifth Harmony rock your world with a live semi-final performance". Digital Spy. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
- ^ Pietroluongo, Silvio (July 27, 2015). "OMI's 'Cheerleader' No. 1 for Third Week on Hot 100". Billboard.
- ^ "Drake's 'One Dance' Holds Atop Hot 100, Ariana Grande's 'Dangerous Woman' Returns to Top 10". Billboard. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
- ^ Gonzalez, Erica (February 21, 2024). "Normani's Debut Album Dopamine: Everything We Know". Elle. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
- ^ Major, Michael (February 21, 2024). "Normani Announces Long-Awaited Album Dopamine". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
- ^ Mamo, Heran (February 21, 2024). "Normani Announces Debut Album Dopamine". Billboard. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
- ^ "Instagram video by Normani". Instagram. February 21, 2024. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Suliaman, Jasmine Fox (February 22, 2024). "Normani's Moment is Now". Who What Wear UK. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
- ^ Maude, Samuel. "Normani is Dropping the Damn Album". ELLE. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Mamo, Heran (March 23, 2024). "Normani Announces '1:59' Single Featuring Gunna". Billboard. United States: Eldridge Industries. ISSN 0006-2510. OCLC 732913734. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
- ^ Grow, Kory. "Normani Answers 'Where's the Damn Album' With Hypersexual 'Dopamine' Trailer". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- ^ Zemler, Emily (May 31, 2024). "Normani Celebrates Her Houston Roots on Upbeat Summer Anthem 'Candy Paint'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ Brathwaite, Lester Fabian (May 31, 2024). "Normani on the pressure of finally releasing her debut album – and why 'Candy Paint' had to be on it". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ "All Yours - Single by Normani on Apple Music". Apple Music (US). June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
- ^ Madarang, Charisma (June 12, 2024). "Normani Unveils 'Dopamine' Track List, Featuring Cardi B, Gunna, James Blake". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- ^ "Dopamine by Normani reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
- ^ a b "Dopamine by Normani Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
- ^ a b Hussain, Shahzaib (June 14, 2024). "Normani – Dopamine". Clash. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
- ^ a b Cragg, Michael (June 13, 2024). "Normani: Dopamine review – pop's longest-awaited debut almost defeats the trolls". The Guardian. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
- ^ a b Vassell, Nicole (June 14, 2024). "Normani review, Dopamine: Fifth Harmony star's long-awaited debut is sexy but too sleepy". The Independent. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
- ^ Khuttapan, Tanatat (June 14, 2024). "Normani: Dopamine Review – finally arrived". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
- ^ a b Levine, Nick (June 14, 2024). "Normani – Dopamine review: belated, yes, but also brilliant". NME. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
- ^ a b Haile, Heven (June 18, 2024). "Normani: DOPAMINE Album Review". Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- ^ Conteh, Mankaprr (June 14, 2024). "Normani Finally Hits Her Sweet Spot on Dopamine". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 15, 2024.