Normani has officially made her much-anticipated return to the music scene with her debut album, Dopamine, and it does not disappoint. The former Fifth Harmony singer has taken a significant leap into her solo career, and this record marks her first full-length project since the girl group that catapulted her into the spotlight disbanded in 2018. The release of this album is monumental not only for Normani but also for her dedicated fans who have eagerly awaited this moment.
With Dopamine, Normani has clearly established her unique sound, which is rooted in R&B while seamlessly incorporating elements of pop and rock throughout the tracks. This debut project is impactful and multifaceted, delving into her experiences with the pressures of fame, revealing candid details about her personal life, including a complicated “situationship,” and embracing her sexuality in an empowering and playful manner. The album is an invitation to its listeners, encouraging them to get up, dance, and lose themselves in the music. Although some tracks might hit a low note or feel like they could have been left off the album, the overall message resonates: Normani is still that girl—confident, talented, and capable of delivering stunning performances that include everything from sultry vocals to impressive dance moves.
The journey to this album has not been without its challenges for Normani, who has faced significant personal hurdles over the past few years, including her parents' battles with cancer. These obstacles understandably delayed her artistic development, as she took the time necessary to refine her sound. The album closes with “Wild Side,” featuring Cardi B—a track released in 2021 that helped solidify her current artistic direction. Prior to the album, she teased fans with two singles, “1:59” featuring Gunna and “Candy Paint,” both of which gave listeners a taste of what was to come. Normani reflected on the energy she wanted to bring to her music in her interview with ELLE, stating, “When you think of me, you think of movement. I feel like where we are musically, we can afford to pick it up a little bit, like tempo, energy, full-on eight counts.”
With Dopamine, Normani delivers a confident and cohesive body of work that proves the wait was indeed worth it. Below, two ELLE editors—Erica Gonzales and Samuel Maude—offer their insights and reactions to the album.
First Impressions
Erica Gonzales: I can't believe we’re finally here! It feels surreal.
Samuel Maude: Absolutely! We’ve been clamoring for a Normani album for what seems like forever. I’ve been so curious about what her sound would evolve into after she expressed that she didn’t particularly love her hit single “Motivation.” After hearing tracks like “Fair” and “Wild Side,” I was eager to hear how the full album would sound. The lead singles “1:59” featuring Gunna and “Candy Paint” didn’t quite give me the full picture, either.
Some songs on the album made me want to get up and dance. For instance, with “Take My Time,” I was so into it that it literally felt like my heart was racing.
Erica: Here’s the thing: we’re five years out from “Motivation,” and Normani has undoubtedly evolved since then, even if that was her breakout hit. If listeners go into this album expecting a collection of tracks similar to “Motivation,” they might find themselves disappointed. That’s simply not who she is anymore, and it’s not the direction she wanted to pursue. Some tracks, like “Candy Paint,” still capture that energy, and she mentioned in your ELLE interview that it serves as a bridge to this album. Overall, it’s a solid R&B record. On my second listen, I found myself really leaning into the grooves and enjoying it.
I can definitely see choreographer Sean Bankhead creating some captivating routines to certain rhythms on this album. There’s so much potential for dance moments, and I can imagine fans getting ready for nights out to some of the moodier, more subdued tracks, much like how they do for Summer Walker or Ari Lennox. I’m genuinely rooting for her.
Sam: We’re all rooting for her! I truly want her to succeed because I believe she has the potential to do so. However, I’m curious about what her fans think. When I envision Normani’s fanbase, I wonder: Do they want to dive into this R&B world? This album seems like it’s very much for her, showcasing her vision and what she wants. I’m just intrigued to see how fans who may have loved “Motivation” or followed her as a Harmonizer will react to this new sound, especially since some might not have been fans of tracks like “Fair” and “Wild Side.”
“Big Boy”
Erica: The opening track “Big Boy” feels distinctly like her, and it establishes a strong reintroduction to her artistry. It pays homage to her Southern roots, with references to Big Boi and André 3000. Growing up in Atlanta but having strong ties to New Orleans, the incorporation of horns in the track evokes a New Orleans jazz feel, deeply steeped in her identity.
Sam: I love the lyric “cornbread fed.” When I was writing about her, I heard five tracks, and “Big Boy” was one of them. Interestingly, Normani asked me which track should be the lead single, and I suggested either “Candy Paint” or “Big Boy.” This song captures her essence and made me want to get up and dance. It opens the album with an explosive energy that I find incredibly engaging.
“Still” and “All Yours”
Sam: The track “Still” has a clear message of resilience: “I’m still around, I’m still here.” It’s as if she’s reminding everyone that they may have forgotten her, but she’s still relevant. The lyrics emphasize this sentiment: “So back then they didn’t want me / Now I’m hot, I can’t keep them off me / Lights flash, shaking ass with my girls, spending money / Still sexy, still extra.” I thought that was a smart way to assert her presence.
Erica: I also appreciated her vocal experimentation throughout the album. There are parts where she employs a percussive style with her voice that adds depth. On “All Yours,” I found myself anticipating a feature from Ty Dolla $ign, as the sound aligns perfectly with his style.
Sam: I even wrote down “Uma Thurman” because of the repetitive “uma uma, uma uma” on “All Yours.”
Erica: Normani, let’s create a TikTok trend for that!
“Lights On” and Influences
Sam: I loved the rain sound at the beginning of “Lights On.” It reminded me of Mariah Carey’s song “Petals,” which I adore. Not to make comparisons, but there were moments in the album that felt reminiscent of The Weeknd’s style. Perhaps it’s the signature R&B elements that connect the two.
Erica: That’s a valid point. Normani intentionally draws inspiration from icons like Aaliyah, even sampling “One in a Million.” I got a lot of Janet Jackson vibes throughout the album as well. Normani also had Brandy lay down vocals for “Insomnia,” which further honors the legacy of ’90s and 2000s R&B, especially Black women who paved the way for her.
“Take My Time”
Sam: When I heard “Take My Time,” I felt transported. It has this soaring quality that makes it feel almost ethereal. It experiments with a different sound that works beautifully in the middle of the album. I found myself stopping to get water because I just wanted to sink into the song. It really does evoke a sense of dopamine.
Erica: This track could still contend for song of the summer. I even jotted down “JANET!!!!” with four exclamation points because it’s that good.
“Insomnia”
Sam: “Insomnia” captures the essence of a difficult relationship, portraying feelings of being led on. The lyrics, “But when you decide to hit me / I’ll reminisce on all the history / And if it ain’t because of the whiskey / I wonder if you really miss me,” struck me as particularly intimate. The imagery evokes a deep emotional connection: “And how your name triggers all my emotions / Into my eyes, into an ocean.”
Erica: Normani, are you okay?
Sam: This song portrays a very toxic relationship, and it feels deeply personal—definitely encapsulating the “situationship” vibe. It’s a term that’s prevalent today, and I think many can relate to the struggles it
