Dancing with the Devil... The Art of Starting Over
by Demi Lovato
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Apr 2, 2021
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 3177 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,838 out of 3177
  2. Mixed: 49 out of 3177
  3. Negative: 290 out of 3177
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  1. Diegox12
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Si hablamos de inspiración ella tiene una gran inspiración ya que tiene luchas por las cuales nos demuestra su fuerza de ahi viene todo el arte que crea para callar bocas y cortar lenguas de los haters… Expand
  2. kellykel222
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Not one of Demis best but the songs Met Him Last Night, Dancing With the Devil, Easy, Melon Cakes, and The Art of Starting Over make the album perfect.
  3. FrankFk
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    One of the best albums of Lovato...more personal ando powerful! She deserves everything with this álbum!
  4. BeatrizRaposo
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    There so many things that I could say here, she is an true artist. This album is raw, beautiful and soulful. and this is demi lovato.
  5. Eddytorresq
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    One of her best album. Demi’s a complete artist and no one should doubt that.
  6. Jhabibbaizm
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    I love this album, it is very beautiful and deep, it touches on sensitive issues and Demi opens her heart to us through it
  7. Danya_Solis
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    I love this album. The art of starting over es de esas canciones que te ponen de buen humor en cualquier momento. Me encanta.
  8. Sarah1999
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    She deserved a Grammy for this. This album is a Masterpiece and deserved more.
  9. Juliobrea23
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    I never listened to a more relatable album in my life! Great lyrics, sounds and of course vocals.
  10. SaraPaixao
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    I really LOVE this album. She is an AMAZING singer and deserves much more good attention.
  11. Matt_Jeevas
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    Потрясающий альбом! Отличная концепция и аналогия с бабочкой. Хорошие тексты и инструментал.
  12. igxrteles
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Another great album of Demi. The Art of Starting over is completely different from ever Demi has made!
  13. ohmnanon
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    PERFECT ALBUM. Such a masterpiece. Demi is truly the vocalist of this generation
  14. leonardoobadia
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    This masterpiece Demi gave us as an album… AMAZING!!! The way it was written us just FIRE
  15. Its_lucaas
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    Um álbum completo que conta a história marcante da cantora, e da pra ver nitidamente os dois pontos que o álbum se propõe a ter.
  16. Badguypepe
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love this album. Dancing with the devil...the art of starting over is a masterpiece!!! The kind of lover i am, carefully and good place best songs of the album!… Expand
  17. knowlesvato
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    The best way to put it, is that Demi laid a foundation for themselves as to why they’re a versatile artist, each song tells a story, especially Melon Cake which tackles a real life story on how they couldn’t have cake for their birthday due to their old management emotionally and mentally abusing them, as well as The Way You Don’t Look at Me with it’s powerful yet tearjerking opener “I’veThe best way to put it, is that Demi laid a foundation for themselves as to why they’re a versatile artist, each song tells a story, especially Melon Cake which tackles a real life story on how they couldn’t have cake for their birthday due to their old management emotionally and mentally abusing them, as well as The Way You Don’t Look at Me with it’s powerful yet tearjerking opener “I’ve lost 10 pounds in two weeks.” The most vulnerable song would have to be ICU (Madison’s Lullaby) in which Demi tellers the listener how after their near fatal OD they suffered temporary blindness but managed to remember their little sister’s voice to keep fighting. This album is not for everyone but it’s definitely an album worthy of listening… Expand
  18. AbrilF
    Sep 13, 2022
    10
    A masterpiece. I love how Demi knows how to rise like a Skyscraper. Very inspiring.
  19. Wellramos2022
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    O the art of starting over é um álbum tão profundo e bem produzido. Cada música conta uma história que parte para o início de uma nova era da vida da demi. Incrível!!
  20. tamiflovato1992
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    It's really unfair how much hate Demi receives. Maybe it's because she is the voice of the generation.... Great Album!
  21. diegoguate
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Demi’s “Dancing with the devil” is just a taste of what her talent is capable of! What a brilliant record!
  22. Kevinbfiguera16
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    I LOVE the way she made a cathartic album and it was so beautiful. I think It was a transition to the new real Demi that has risen today after her fatal overdose. ❤️
  23. LuanAlmeida20
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Gostei muito desse álbum, tem algumas faixas que são muito cruas e inspiradoras ao mesmo tempo, minha música favorita é Butterfly.
  24. evertonjardim
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    apesar de não ser um álbum tão alegre, as baladas te fazem pensar bem sobre tudo o que essa pequena pessoa passou durante sua trajetória, amei o álbum
  25. sasalina
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    amazing, and starting with anyone? just shows how this album is a masterpiece, good job demi
  26. Critiqueime
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Um álbum realmente muito magnífico, Demi foi perspicaz em cada música, eu amo o trabalho dessa mulher
  27. jaquefahd
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Demi é tão perfeite! que voz incrivel, que album emocionante! estou apaixonada
  28. Theus283
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    Que álbum mais gostoso de ouvir, amo esse álbum. Tenho tanto orgulho da Demi!
  29. tismxtt
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    An absolute masterpiece of an album. This record truly represents Demi’s rebirth and a celebration of their career. From the lyricism, visuals and versatility of genres being a collection of all the genres they have dwelled into previously. Would definitely recommend!
  30. memyselfandi0
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    gave it a listen after Holy Fvck and I can’t believe how different it is and yet it’s still flawless omg Demi really is THAT versatile
  31. FerVillag
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Beauty pop álbum in all aspect, the art of starting over is the Best album pop
  32. Sandcordeiro
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Uma produção simples, letras incríveis, detalhes e seguimentos da vida de Lovato contadas por uma imersão de instrumentos nunca usados por ela. Um trabalho curioso, vulnerável e muito delicado. Para mim ele funciona muito bem.
  33. Nany_tonho
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    Ótimo álbum incriveeeeel de maisssss demi sempre entrega boas música…… Demi Lovato sempre será artista
  34. eltsilvana
    Aug 29, 2022
    10
    So perfect, i love the songs The Art of Starting Over, Met Him Last Night, What Other People Say
  35. v1nc333333
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    a masterpiece, full of emotions. they did what have to be done. and they know it.
  36. ddlovatoss
    Aug 27, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love this. I love Demi, They are so warrior. The Way You Don't Look At Me is My favorite song.… Expand
  37. Baby_Frog
    Aug 24, 2022
    10
    Surprised! Not a fan of their earlier music but this album has a lot of good songs
  38. lifehigh
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    This album is good but HOLY FVCK is better! (Plus I have a thing going with the Target photos!)
  39. Andy0203
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    El álbum más personal de Demi. Las letras, ritmos y melodías son perfectas.
  40. AbrilFch
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    Simply inspiring and wonderful.Truly this album touched my heart. Demi Lovato never disappoints us. A Masterpiece.
  41. Selana
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    bjhftytchbccydtdgufngdHfgudutd6vhjfhgcyffjcbfytcghchdtdhgmhvjhffcf vh. Ggcc ngcg
  42. miikke
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There's nothing better than this album. I'm proud of demi... She's the queen of queens… Expand
  43. fahadalt
    Aug 24, 2022
    10
    really enjoyable and the features fit perfectly into their respective songs.
  44. demilovato12
    Aug 25, 2022
    10
    Demi has all the best albums! I love every song on every record. Demi, you are amazing!
  45. B1tchiepoo
    Feb 3, 2023
    10
    Beautiful album. I loved HOLY FVCK and did not expect nearly as much from this one, but I believe it brought nearly as much. I’ve found myself constantly streaming this throughout the New Year. Highly recommend.
  46. ahleiou
    Mar 15, 2023
    10
    Este álbum de Demi Lovato es muy ya que muestra su lado más vulnerable y muestra su verdadera voz y habla de temas que son muy personales para ella. Realmente disfruto escuchar su música
  47. Halediaz
    Mar 21, 2023
    10
    Ella es tan talentosa y con una increíble voz que puede hacer cualquier tipo de música y todas le quedan. Este album es asombroso y me encanta
  48. matthewmirliani
    Apr 3, 2021
    9
    It’s Demi’s most adventurous, ambitious, liberated, experimental, and mature album to date - a moving and uplifting confessional with hints of Kacey Musgraves’ spiritual venture from 2018. While tackling heavy themes, the album maintains a light, sunbaked, retro breeziness (particularly notable in “The Art of Starting Over,” “California Sober,” “The Kind of Lover”).
  49. KBarbosa
    Apr 4, 2021
    9
    Full of amazing lyrics and melodies!
    Demi's confession delivers to her own lemonade vibe, but seems like something is missing, however it's her best album.
  50. ewokguy15
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    These might not be a “Sorry Not Sorry” instant hit in the album, but there are some fantastic songs and Demi tells a story start to finish. She did a great job with this album.
  51. JoLeon
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    Her most cohesive record she has created in her discography. Demi truly shines in this album experimenting with different sounds. The feature guests blend so well with the story she is trying to convey throughout the album. Top tier!
  52. AnthonyRizo
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    What an Adventureeeee. A skipless album... Album of the Year. Hits after Hits
  53. Sophieblackbeak
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    We waited almost 4 years for this album, but it was worth it because it's a MASTERPIECE. The sounds, the production, the lyrics, the vocals, everything. This is the most honest and raw album I have ever heard. She's the best herself now, she truly lives her best life and she finally makes that kind of music what she wants and loves. This album deserves a Grammy.
  54. vegetalno
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    i just love how the album goes starting from the intro... relatable lyrics, uplifting sonics, just pure beautiful Demi vocals
  55. Korayma
    Apr 9, 2021
    9
    Demi es conocida por lo sincera que es con sus letras, en este álbum no sólo se superó como persona si no también como artista es un 9 para mí. No tiene ninguna canción mala y los featurings fueron bien elegidos.
  56. Bearcatbetch27
    Apr 6, 2021
    9
    As a Taylor Stan I do not support scooter and I hate that I am giving him a penny by streaming and supporting Demi. However, I support Demi and her fight. This album is the best she has done and I really feel it. I support Demi and her whole journey.
  57. keenanbh
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    amazing, funny, and emotionally striking. simply an excellent album ❤️ congratulations demi
  58. fahimjefri
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. melon cake is my fav and met him last night is a bop too, i hope this album will win something… Expand
  59. kkaterinaa
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    This album is so personal and touching. I have no words to describe how I’m feeling rn. I’m so proud of Demi♥
  60. LISOCHIKOTOSA
    Apr 3, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The album by Demi Lovato is very good. The songwriting is great, the production is very impressive as well. But what makes this album excellent is Demi's powerhouse vocals. She also has a very concise list of collaborations which are all very unique and they feel very necessary. Stylistically, the album is mostly filled with emotional or inspirational ballads and more uptempo pop rock groovy anthems. Though she does veer from this formula with some folk inspired and Hip Hop production here and there. With a voice like Demi's there really aren't any limits so she manages to pull off whatever she goes for. The album is also unique for Demi because it is conceptual with the some songs addressing her personal struggles coming first, then an intro comes as the 4th track and the songs after the intro sort of deal with her recovery and where she is now. This was a masterful way to tackle the themes in the album. I personally enjoyed the piano ballads and slow songs like ICU, Anyone, The Way You Don't Look at me, Easy, Butterfly & Good Place more than i enjoyed the groovy pop rock tracks like The Art of Starting Over, Melon Cake, Lonely People, Carefully & The Kind of Lover I Am. Her collaboration with Noah Cyrus is by far the best collaboration on the album and they harmonize so beautifully. The collaboration with Saweetie is also very good and it makes for a great bff anthem. All in all, what Demi has here is an album that is mostly cohesive and thematically consistent, though it ended up being a bit long.… Expand
  61. giovannasj
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    honest, pure and inspiring. through letters as heavy as a punch in the stomach, she shows lightness through the purest and most relaxing sound while pouring insecurities, overcoming, hopes. It's brilliant
  62. tristanponomban
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    Her best album to date. This album was definitely the right step for Demi's comeback. A small number of mediocre tracks but easily covered by all the great ones! Collaborations were well chosen and the whole album is sung amazingly. Demi told her story the way she wants it and that's the only narrative that matters. The lighthearted, fun songs are good laughs but definitely needed betweenHer best album to date. This album was definitely the right step for Demi's comeback. A small number of mediocre tracks but easily covered by all the great ones! Collaborations were well chosen and the whole album is sung amazingly. Demi told her story the way she wants it and that's the only narrative that matters. The lighthearted, fun songs are good laughs but definitely needed between the beautiful ballads. Amazing album.… Expand
  63. mariafercrp
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    Demi's best album so far, the most different and authentic body of work she has put out
  64. rhon25
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the album is very expressive through lyrics. the album is good sonically and lyrically. the way demi took us into a new different adventure … Expand
  65. alanyatracy
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dancing with the devil is the album of the year. This album has NO SKIP. And the story is so emotional… Expand
  66. seray94
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    A really brilliant album, well worth the wait. I would've rated it 10, but I think that 'I Love Me' and 'Still Have Me' should've been in the 'Dancing with the Devil' section, and I wasn't keen on the last thirty or so seconds of 'The Kind of Lover I Am'.
  67. bshshshshsdh
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. IT WAS SOOO GOOD omg the lyrics the versatility how she tried something different and it was so good. hearing her sing in her lower register and head voice!!!! she produced notes and tones selenators/swifties wish their fav could! and the features omg i’m mind blown.… Expand
  68. quaiji
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Coeso, linear e sensível, sem exageros vocais e letras maravilhosas. Lindo!… Expand
  69. mendesguimaraes
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    Incrível, Demi realmente se superou. Entregou um trabalho coeso e bem feito!
  70. MsGigiCarly
    Apr 3, 2021
    9
    Very amazing album! Might even say that it's her best work to date. Lovato proved once again why she is one of the best. Highly recommend listening to it. Good job Demi!
  71. marcoruiz
    Apr 5, 2021
    9
    This album is a very beautiful vibe after the hell Demi went through, which is to be admired.
  72. Meca18
    Apr 30, 2021
    9
    This album is one of Demi’s best. She gets real and sheds out nothing but raw honesty. Demi has been through a lot as a person and this album magnificently showcases how much she’s been through. The lyrics are well-executed and the production in this album is excellently done. But her vocals were the star of the show. They are better than ever in this project and are really worth listeningThis album is one of Demi’s best. She gets real and sheds out nothing but raw honesty. Demi has been through a lot as a person and this album magnificently showcases how much she’s been through. The lyrics are well-executed and the production in this album is excellently done. But her vocals were the star of the show. They are better than ever in this project and are really worth listening to. She also showcases her versatility in pop music. She doesn’t just do ballads. She gives some country, light trap, and soft rock anthems. The soft rock anthems are a little weak, but still an earworm. This is truly Demi at her peak and I highly recommend this pop/ballad masterpiece.… Expand
  73. whyamistaying
    Aug 20, 2022
    9
    this album is crazy good and like ngl my standards were low cus it's demi lovato yk but like when i finished it i was like "oh my like why is it lowkey good" so yea u should listen
  74. Leeway
    Apr 5, 2021
    8
    Demi Lovato’s “Dancing with the Devil. The Art of Starting Over” is such a great reintroduction to who she is, where she’s at and the road she’s making for herself. She is one of this generation’s greatest vocalists. At 19 tracks, it can get overwhelming and there are a few songs that don’t quite standout. With that being said though, the majority of it does. It’s experimental, fresh andDemi Lovato’s “Dancing with the Devil. The Art of Starting Over” is such a great reintroduction to who she is, where she’s at and the road she’s making for herself. She is one of this generation’s greatest vocalists. At 19 tracks, it can get overwhelming and there are a few songs that don’t quite standout. With that being said though, the majority of it does. It’s experimental, fresh and she uses an array of her vocal range to great extremes - whether it’s belting out notes in “Anyone”, “Dancing with the Devil” to quiet & somber “Carefully” to funny autotune lines in “The Kind of Lover I Am.” Experiential pleasures such as “California Sober”, “The Art of Starting Over” are a joy to listen to (creating a sense of space, freedom and lightness) while “15 minutes” and “Lonely People” add dimension, it’s upbeat but accompanied with heavy percussions. There are handful of ballads that work, in particular “Easy” (with a gorgeous duet from Noah Cyrus) and album closer, “Good Place.” The BOPs are filled in “Met Him Last Night” (with two amazing vocalists; Demi and Ari, singing at a higher register), “What Other People Say” and “My Girlfriends are my Boyfriend”. The other tracks are not standouts in my opinion but they do have the ability to be a grower. There are peaks and valleys in this album - which mirrors the road of recovery and journey that Demi’s on. The message is clear; Demi’s flawed, emotional, broken and yet she is confident in her fragility, brave, forward thinking - human. She is here to stay.… Expand
  75. Januar
    Apr 2, 2021
    8
    so refreshing to hear her not belting all the time combined with the sleek laid back production. definitely her best album to date.
  76. SoloChriz
    Apr 8, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Me gusta que se haya arriesgado a explorar nuevos sonidos demostrando que su voz se adapta a cualquier genero si se lo propone, melon cake , y dancing with the devil las mejores canciones del album y met him last nght y girfriends are my boyfriend tienen potencial de ser hits . el mejor album de su carrera yo le doy 80/100… Expand
  77. pedro_pelizer
    Feb 3, 2023
    8
    depois de nos apresentar uma obra prima que foi o Tell Me You Love Me, Demi volta quase quatro anos depois e faz o que todo mundo queria: se superar. Demetria com toda certeza se superou e nos mostrou seu trabalho mais coeso. Dividido entre o "prelude" e o "the art of starting over", Demi, e 3 músicas, nos apresenta a parte mais pesada de sua trajetória desde a overdose; seguindo para adepois de nos apresentar uma obra prima que foi o Tell Me You Love Me, Demi volta quase quatro anos depois e faz o que todo mundo queria: se superar. Demetria com toda certeza se superou e nos mostrou seu trabalho mais coeso. Dividido entre o "prelude" e o "the art of starting over", Demi, e 3 músicas, nos apresenta a parte mais pesada de sua trajetória desde a overdose; seguindo para a "intro", Demi discorre sobre "dançar com o demônio" e ficacr cega, se despir de sua antiga pele e recomeçar, falando que essa é a arte de recomeçar (the art of starting over). A partir daí, Demi mostra uma parte mais "descontraída" e chega com participações de artistas como Ariana Grande, Sam Fischer, Noah Cyrus e Saweetie… Expand
  78. hausoflilluis
    Apr 2, 2021
    8
    In 2017, Demi release on of the best pop albums, considered her best work ever... but now, things are changing as she does. This is her diary into metamorphosis. There are lofty tracks to remind the people the fact of popstars are human; they have issues like us, and they're trying to survive in this "Mad World" (yeah, look what I did there) by playing something to make themselves real forIn 2017, Demi release on of the best pop albums, considered her best work ever... but now, things are changing as she does. This is her diary into metamorphosis. There are lofty tracks to remind the people the fact of popstars are human; they have issues like us, and they're trying to survive in this "Mad World" (yeah, look what I did there) by playing something to make themselves real for a second stopping the glamorous life, being confessional in Prelude, the first part of the LP (3 tracks), as well with certain tracks of the Part Two, The Art of Starting Over (like "Melon Cake", "Easy", "The Way You Don't Look At Me"). The pop, R&B and trap-influenced tracks worked well on Demi's repertoire for long time, however ballads seems to fit better with the mature girl we're listening now. Would y'all stop the hate for a minute so she can breathe? Those drug jokes used to be painful, and now they are... dull. Demi's growing, and you?

    favorite tracks: "ICU", "The Kind Of Lover I Am", "Mad World", "Met Him Last Night" and "15 Minutes"
    KEY-TRACK: "The Art Of Starting Over"    … Expand
  79. Mobrizi
    Apr 4, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I feel a breath in the tracks. Each melody seems to loosen the lump in her throat, but naturally Lovato does not forget his commitment to charging for another phonographic hit. Unpretentious and ambitious when flirting with your demons in public.… Expand
  80. Mobina1
    Apr 3, 2021
    8
    I'm so proud of her and I'm sure this will help lots of people who had this experience. Her best project and I hope she continue this way of making music
  81. ycarorbs
    Apr 3, 2021
    8
    It's a really personal album, we can see clearly that her voice is getting better and more versatile.
    In a 19 songs álbum it never got monotonous or boring
  82. bkjpjaugan
    Apr 2, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Messy tracklisting but one of her best album so far. I really wish she pulled out Met Him Last Night, Carefully, Easy, Mad World, and Butterfly from the final tracklisting.… Expand
  83. PEDROMFR
    Apr 2, 2021
    8
    This is, for sure, her most triumphant body of work. It´s raw, truthful and beautiful. Demi told us all her story, managing to still cativate us, exploring new sounds, bringing something fresh to the pop game. In a few years, it can really turns out to be one of the most truthful albums of this decade.
  84. bruvernaschi
    Apr 10, 2021
    8
    I love Demi and this is her best work so far. Although i feel that all songs were kinda of the same and the pop was kinda of stagnant in time. She said that this album was different from the other but i feel like was the same vibe, the same melody from her older albums. Was good, but not mind blowing as i expected.
  85. MusicloverDave
    Apr 18, 2021
    8
    It's a beautiful comeback. The fact that she is still alive is true miracle. My personal favorite is Easy featuring Noah Cyrus. That song deserves a grammy for sure. But if I'm really honest, I'd say the whole album does! The only reason it's only an 8 score for me, because there were songs that I I couldn't relate to, such as Carefully, 15 minutes or Butterfly. Overall I'm so proud ofIt's a beautiful comeback. The fact that she is still alive is true miracle. My personal favorite is Easy featuring Noah Cyrus. That song deserves a grammy for sure. But if I'm really honest, I'd say the whole album does! The only reason it's only an 8 score for me, because there were songs that I I couldn't relate to, such as Carefully, 15 minutes or Butterfly. Overall I'm so proud of Demi a, she did an amazing job… Expand
  86. chitchattalkerb
    Apr 2, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this album is perfectly done, we can see that she put a lot of effort in this. she is starting over and i’m living for it. the best track is obviously the track with ariana and all her collaborations are cohesive and coherent she did amazing… Expand
  87. flavialc
    Apr 11, 2021
    8
    i think she did a fine job here, it's her best work so far. my favorite songs are melon cake, met him last night and my girlfriends are my boyfriend. dancing with the devil is also very good.
  88. Nw65162003
    Apr 8, 2021
    8
    Overall, a solid project from Demi Lovato. The album starts off strong, showing off Lovato's vocal power with piano ballads and stripped-back production. ICU (Madison's Lullaby) is a particularly high point on this record. However, as the album progresses, Lovato falls back on her pop laurels. While many of the songs of enjoyable and her emotionally raw songwriting elevates them beyondOverall, a solid project from Demi Lovato. The album starts off strong, showing off Lovato's vocal power with piano ballads and stripped-back production. ICU (Madison's Lullaby) is a particularly high point on this record. However, as the album progresses, Lovato falls back on her pop laurels. While many of the songs of enjoyable and her emotionally raw songwriting elevates them beyond previous releases, her vocal talents fall by the wayside (again). Listeners only get glimpses of her powerful voice, with soaring ad-libs over the final chorus. The features are well chosen, and the interjections of 80s synth pop here and there made for an interesting turn of events. When zooming out on the album, it clearly exceeds her previous releases, while still presenting many of the problems in them. Where her songwriting has significantly improved as she recounts the tales of her struggles with fame, abuse, and drugs, Lovato fails to accurately center her vocals. The production on this album improves from her basic pop brand of the past, but struggles to jump headfirst into the singer-songwriter vocal-centered record she ought to make. 8/10… Expand
  89. kamilwithtea
    Apr 9, 2021
    8
    Very strong album, but I'm not really big fan of Demi's style. Song with Ariana (Met Him Last Night) is very good!
  90. b327
    Apr 9, 2021
    8
    Her best work to date. Her vocals are incredible and the concept of the album really touching. The “dancing with the evil” part of the album is amazing. The other part is ok, but way too long and it’s not sure if she really started over. Could’ve done better
  91. Laura_K
    Apr 17, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a very strong album. I think the first 3 songs of the album are incredible. They are standouts.
    Other standouts for me are Met Him Last Night, Easy, Carefully, Melon Cake, Lonely People, The Way You Don't Look At Me and The Art of Starting Over.
    The outro for The Kind of Lover I Am is weird, but kinda funny.

    None of the songs on the album are bad, but there are 3 that I'm not as in too.

    The only 3 songs I don't like all that much are
    California Sober - a good song, but the message makes me uncomfortable. It gives me an uneasy feeling and I don't want it to become her song that we look back on like Rehab is for Amy.
    Mad World - For a new album that took 4 years to come out, her including a cover song makes no sense. It's gorgeous, but I could have lived without it.
    Butterfly - The other songs have all grown on me, but this one has yet too. It's just not the most memorable. Maybe because it comes right after Mad World, I have trouble getting back in to the album after being distracted by a random cover.    … Expand
  92. MetacriticOnur
    Sep 21, 2021
    8
    excellent
    [ ek-suh-luhnt ]

    adjective
    possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
  93. lifesupport
    Jun 1, 2021
    8
    A great album that shows the struggles demi faced! "The Kind of Lover I am" "Mad World" "Dancing with the Devil" all a bunch of beautiful songs. There were 2-3 skips for me but this album was an excellent body of work.
  94. Didido09
    Sep 9, 2021
    8
    A voz dela é muito boa, é um ábum muito agradável. Eu sinto que algumas músicas são bem esquecíveis, mas no fim de tudo é um bom álbum
  95. cinnamongirl97
    Oct 15, 2021
    8
    This is a great album, such a shame that it got overshadowed by a wrong rollout and Demi Lovato's tragic headlines. If I was Demi, I would have scrapped first three songs and changed the album title to "The Art of Starting Over", because we are tired of hearing same old ballads from her. That being said, the rest of the album is pretty good. This time around, we hear a different Demi.This is a great album, such a shame that it got overshadowed by a wrong rollout and Demi Lovato's tragic headlines. If I was Demi, I would have scrapped first three songs and changed the album title to "The Art of Starting Over", because we are tired of hearing same old ballads from her. That being said, the rest of the album is pretty good. This time around, we hear a different Demi. Beautiful lyrics, personal stories and much chilled vocals. I enjoyed most of the songs. I wish she chose the right singles and didn't f*cked up this era by giving embarassing speeches. Anyway, a great album.… Expand
  96. someonewhocares
    Aug 6, 2022
    8
    It's an album with mediocre pop production, but Demi shines on this album with her heartfelt lyrics and vocals, and the songs' abilities to relate to all women of her age and the things that they might go through; Good for you, Demi!
  97. carolinakinter
    Apr 2, 2021
    7
    Demi's best album. For me it's too long and I don't actually appreciate songs written by others songwriters. The art of starting over should have had Demi as the main songwriter of the songs.
  98. Jfm828
    Apr 5, 2021
    7
    I dont like her music but ill give this one 7/10. She is a survivor, deserves it.
  99. guimatt
    May 1, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is such a powerful move with so powerful thematic it makes me feel bad that this kind didn't work. I feel like Demi could've delivered so much better songs to represent this new phase of her life, the collab with Ariana is def something completely out of hand, it feels like is there just for charts and doesn't match the rest of the songs. Yea, kinda disappointed with this one, but is not a bad album at all, just something that could've went better… Expand
  100. whatashockerxx
    Apr 2, 2021
    7
    The album is a mixed bag, it certainly is not perfect and has its skips. However the good songs are very very good. Notably Anyone, Dancing with the Devil, Madison's Lullaby and Easy. Perhaps The Art of Staring Over portion should've been left out, as it drags down what could've in theory been a perfect album. The ending and beginning are its strongest elements.
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. AllMusic
    Apr 15, 2021
    60
    Lovato's frankness is disarming, forcing a listener to reckon with the depths of the singer's distinction, yet the album works best when it veers toward lighter territory, letting the slick R&B rhythms and sugared hooks carry Lovato's emoting.
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  2. PopMatters
    Apr 8, 2021
    80
    Dancing With the Devil… The Art of Starting Over is Demi Lovato like we have never heard before. She is sassy and carefree while serious about her identity and personhood in a way she has been itching to be for years.
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  3. Clash Music
    Apr 8, 2021
    80
    The opening three tracks are almost an EP in their own right, before a quick reset. Semi title track ‘The Art Of Starting Over’ begins anew, a straight forward bop that gets to the root of Demi’s recovery – her natural talent, her ear for pop magic, affording room for personal renewal.
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