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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Eleonora99
    Apr 8, 2021
    10
    I love this album! The best Demi Lovato’s one. She deserves the #1 on Billboard Hot 100 even if I think she’s underestimated. At least I can say that she grew up musically.
  2. maurogomes
    Apr 8, 2021
    10
    perfect album she is so powerful and the best singer. this is everything for me.
  3. Adriellyy
    Apr 8, 2021
    10
    It's an extraordinary album, full of her history and her feelings. She turned her pain into art.
  4. henrsampaio
    Apr 8, 2021
    10
    Demi é uma artista brilhante, capaz de transformar acontecimentos ruins em novos recomeços... esse álbum é só uma amostra do quão forte e honesta ela consegue ser !
  5. CaioSouza
    Apr 8, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So amaziiing, she was perfect, coherent, great tones of voice, incredibly perfect, stepped on the crazy blonde who did several songs for ex… Expand
  6. Hxnryr
    Apr 8, 2021
    10
    Demi is amazing! This album is the **** awesome, the lyrics, the beats, the featuring! Oh damn!
  7. EduRosnovski
    Apr 8, 2021
    10
    AOTY!!!!! So proud of Demi! This album means rebirth, grow, she made her best album.
  8. 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
  9. Alikhandannik
    Apr 9, 2021
    1
    That was awful I am sorry for her ,her voice isn’t good at all
  10. larissa26
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    An amazing album with very heavy and powerful lyrics... Demi Lovato is a warrior and i am so proud of her, it's beautiful when artists turn pain into art.
  11. lilianek
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    this album is completely perfect, demi's best work so far!!! soo good!! pure masterpiece
  12. 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!
  13. Edsaliinas
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    This album is so personal and powefull and beautiful. She is a Queen! Voice of her generation.
  14. Rafaellovatic
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Este album es de los mejores de su carrera es una joya tremendo arte que nos dió demi… Expand
  15. 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
  16. FlagLadino
    Apr 10, 2021
    10
    i love it, omg, i think its deserve aoty, this so personal and the same time to everyone, superaction and love, is it. Thank u demi to make this perfection
  17. SusanaGR
    Apr 10, 2021
    10
    Best album, ever
  18. Aikamazing
    Apr 11, 2021
    10
    I believe this is the best album she has made! Its raw and real. Not everyone will be able to appreciate this album. I love Demi's honesty and how she owns her truth in this album, and I love that she is discovering new sounds. The album is lyrically and sonically impressive. A work of art indeed! I highly recommend it
  19. alilmonsterrr
    Apr 13, 2021
    10
    This album is one of the best by Demi and also this album is an emotional rollercoaster and it's a masterpiece.
  20. Lu4nzz
    Apr 14, 2021
    10
    It's a masterpiece! It's so personal and so brave! Demi really did a great job with this album.
  21. brendasima
    Apr 16, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The best album of all time, holds us from beginning to end! Demi was awesome!!!… Expand
  22. 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
  23. DinahJane
    Apr 20, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. É simplesmente o melhor álbum de todos os tempos! Demi Lovato nos entregou mais uma vez um trabalho sem nenhum defeito.… Expand
  24. 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
  25. MetacriticOnur
    Sep 21, 2021
    8
    excellent
    [ ek-suh-luhnt ]

    adjective
    possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
  26. 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.
  27. megdid
    Jun 14, 2021
    10
    This is truly Demi Lovato’s best body of work. The fact that it comes from such a raw and genuine place makes it even better. This album truly is the unofficial soundtrack to Demi’s past, current and future life. The way they were able to turn all their traumas into triumphs is so admirable. I have been a fan of Demi’s since As the bell rings and every album of theirs has neverThis is truly Demi Lovato’s best body of work. The fact that it comes from such a raw and genuine place makes it even better. This album truly is the unofficial soundtrack to Demi’s past, current and future life. The way they were able to turn all their traumas into triumphs is so admirable. I have been a fan of Demi’s since As the bell rings and every album of theirs has never disappointed me. I can undoubtedly say this is Demi’s best album ever and also my favorite. I am so proud of Demi and look forward to their future getting even brighter. This album deserves ALL the Grammys and recognition. Demi, you poured your heart OUT!! I love you always, Demi.… Expand
  28. huskywhite14
    Sep 4, 2021
    0
    The album seems very uninspired and follows common overused themes. Demi should find her own sound.
  29. Gianmxrcos
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Best album ever that’s awesome and inspire me ♥️ Tiene excelente música algunas de relleno pero no me aburrí en ningún momento. Me encanta las canciones con emoción no que digan mmmmmm y vacíos. TODAS son canciones que llenan y tienen un mensaje
  30. traumaking4eva
    Sep 3, 2021
    10
    This is literally THE BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR!! Everything about it is perfect, from beginning to end. The world does not deserve this divine masterpiece.
  31. 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
  32. sergioisraelds
    Dec 28, 2021
    10
    One of the best albums of 2021.
    Vocals, lyrics, perfection, if this album were a grade It would be A+
  33. Cooboo21
    Sep 12, 2021
    10
    Es un álbum para amarse a si mismo, buena musica, demuestra su talento vocal y ritmos. Mis favoritas son The Art Of Starting Over, Good Place, entre otras. Demuestra en pocos razgos lo que es amar, junto con más detalles fisoloficos de la identidad de genero.
  34. Segundoleo26
    Oct 24, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Es más de lo mismo nada sorprendente parece que reciclo sonidos del 2016 para hacerlos parecer como nuevos ahora simplemente debería haber quedado por debajo de 60.… Expand
  35. ray32
    Oct 25, 2022
    0
    esse álbum é o maior da carreira, essa mulher nunca decepciona. isso que é ser artista!!!
  36. 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
  37. aftergiowhore
    Aug 23, 2022
    0
    As a demi stan for the last 25 years i can confirm that her music is mediocre at best. This album is cow ****
  38. TiagxPl
    Nov 4, 2021
    7
    I think its time to stop the hate to Demi Lovato, this album is one of the best and I recommend it.
  39. Luiz_ferrir4
    Nov 27, 2021
    10
    Demi Lovato foi muito perspicaz neste álbum, ele é profundo, sentimental é simplesmente perfeito!
    Demi se encontrou e agora está fazendo as coisas de sua maneira, eu amei a estética, as melodias o conceito
  40. miguelccdias15
    Nov 27, 2021
    10
    this album incredible, great lyrics and production, and their amazing and poweful voice is everything.
  41. daviferreira
    Jan 4, 2022
    10
    Demi Lovato's shocking fights have become a witty and redeeming pop classic. Favorite song: Dancing With The Devil
  42. Brighamm
    Jan 25, 2022
    10
    One of the most incredible works Demi Lovato has done. It's a powerful master piece album mixing sounds that makes this album very special and unique.
  43. jvaraujo
    Apr 19, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Esse álbum é uma obra prima apresentando incríveis vocais e sentimentos ao mundo da música. Parabéns Demi lovato ❤… Expand
  44. Ananyasanjiv
    Aug 22, 2022
    0
    What utter Trash, her yogurt sympathy thing obviously didn't work, she's over
  45. 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!
  46. Vinattow
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Carefully is my anthemmmm also can we talk about how Easy is easily Demi’s best featuring that no one talks about? Ugh iconic… Expand
  47. Analine
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Really raw and unapologetic lyrics. An long album but not tiring, it fits the narrative they were aiming for
  48. Oliveiraxvan
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    O meu segundo álbum favorito dela, a forma como ela se expressa soa bem verdadeiro e real, amo demais
  49. Yeinsyeist
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000/10
  50. JR_MUSIC
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    The second best album by Demi Lovato after HOLYFVCK. Vocals are absolutely amazing
  51. Yunopoot
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    This album so iconic im so proud of you demi. i love u. Dancing with the devil deserved more
  52. Salvador16
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Es increíble como Demi Lovato se puede adaptar a diferentes géneros sin duda es la voz de esta generación, nos sorprendió con este álbum!
  53. echoloux
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    they’re so creative with the way they write. giving their addiction and drugs a persona (the devil) makes for a heartbreaking and interesting imagery. glad they’re in a good place now.
  54. theyartie
    Aug 19, 2022
    10
    This album is delicious, Demi knew how to make another good album and delivered everything he promised, perfect.
  55. Saamuelbenignoa
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    É um álbum incrível com canções e letras extraordinárias, demi mostrando mais uma vez o seu talento.
  56. OGeovaneAbreu
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Magnífico, coeso, bonito, agradável, maravilhoso, sem palavras, expendido,
  57. theeostallion
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    this is could be Lovato's best album from her previous work. They delivered us a story!
  58. Adam16
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Amazing album , demi did a great job , one of the best albums i heard in my entire life
  59. mawg
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The best bubblegum pop album of Demi Lovato. Very underrated! Definitely deserve a Grammy for Anyone.… Expand
  60. Noahdurham
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I like this album a lot it was very lengthy and full of incredible lyrics which Demi provides consistently.… Expand
  61. Giolovato
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Eu amo um álbum, perfeito, maravilhoso. Demi fez tudo aqui. DWTD a maior que temos no álbum
  62. Edoardorosas
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Mueranse selenators, su muda nunca tendrá un álbum con notas altas, soporten panzonas
  63. Maheep48
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    This album is very honest and Demi does a great job in sharing her life with her fans and whoever might lend an ear to listen to her stories.
  64. SiahRey
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    The way demi can turn their traumas into such healing music will forever make me a fan!!
  65. dante2404
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    I will never understand why this album didn't have more success. it's like the best cohesive album I have heard. it's a lyrical masterpiece. Carefully tho, my song
  66. joaolwcas
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    amo muuuuito esse álbum, apesar de achar que o último álbum sonoramente combina mais com Demi.
  67. ZinouAouidad
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    So beautifully made incredibly written No wrong nothing better than this
    The best work of 2021
  68. Markus_asc
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    This is what i call a perfect pop album, i love the melodies, the sounds, her voice, the lyrics, the meaning, i love all the influences on it! It's a beautiful alternative organic pop album.
  69. evanshort86
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    So much raw honesty on the album and a refreshing since of calmness amongst Demi’s heavy hitting discography.
  70. chrisrostran
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    New sounds, it has a great feat that was not taken advantage of, the singles were not chosen properly but they know what they're doing, ig
  71. javsiness
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    The midtempos allow Demi to show extraordinary vulnerability and showcase their voice in a different way than they used to. The sound of this album is refreshing and at the same time fragile, amazing.
  72. itscodyjackson
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Amazing album by Demi. The visuals itself make this album worth listening to because it really tells a story of how far they’ve come.
  73. pedrolovato
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    Álbum gostoso de se ouvir! Uma Bíblia tem o feat da carreira com ariana um sabor delicioso!
  74. Ceza10
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    demetria devonne lovato's best second album to date... it's literally a masterpiece
  75. adriannette
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    I can tell that this album was made with beautiful and inspiring tracks. From a trauma to recovery- a recovery that still on progress. Thank you Demi for this.
  76. Gabrielblanco17
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Un aire de renacimiento.
    Sin dudas Lovato encaja en cualquier estilo que decida cantar. 10/10
  77. 7keywest
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Best album of 2021 from start to finish there was no skip. A storytelling album.
  78. Nananananan
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Así se ve un álbum que no tienen ningún "skip" amé cada canción. Gracias Demi por solo darnos joyitas… Expand
  79. elladev
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    One of Demi's best albums, to this day I can't stop listening to it. My faves: "The Way You Don't Look At Me", "What Other People Say", "Lonely People" and "Good Place"
  80. gabddl
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think this was Demi's most cohesive work but HOLY FVCK released this year. Yet, it doesn't make this is album worse, actually, it just makes it better 'cause we can see different phases from Demi… Expand
  81. Sofiahato
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    I really love this album!! The vocals are amazing and it feels fresh. Also the emotion and the vulnerability are unbelievable.
  82. Goulart01
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Love u demi, make álbum this beautiful songs !!!

    Lest go demi Shock in house club
  83. Jax01
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Amazingggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
  84. selenatolete
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    A masterpiece! This album helped me a lot when I was in a dark place in my life. That's why I'll always be there for Demi.
  85. Createmen1
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Demi is creating art when making their albumn they always give inspiration to others
  86. M4CC4
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Refreshing album, giving me her indie girl era hahaha, but for real I did really enjoy this album, some really pretty songs, for the most part, it’s a nice lowkey chill album
  87. Lipe_ao
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Work of art!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  88. Miguel2612
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    I love this album, Demi gave us an incredible album with full of bangers and the way she sings it’s absolutely amazing
  89. ddfernanda
    Aug 27, 2022
    10
    É incrível sua capacidade de transformar toda sua dor em arte e fazer com que seja ouvida. Sem dúvidas, é uma das maiores vozes da geração e uma das maiores intérpretes.
  90. floryn
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    this album is perfect, demi lovato always delivering amazing and quality work!
  91. drosielov
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    her BEST ALBUM. everything is so great the vocals, the lyrics, the melodies. I am proud that she is a true artist
  92. adsonflavio1
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. demi is incredible, perfect e best vocal of generation. nenhuma das outras conseguiram superar seu talento… Expand
  93. vhazevedos
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Carefully and Easy! MASTERPIECES!
    Demi tried something new here and it kinda paid off
  94. matheeuscv
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    a real masterpiece. even though is a long album, it doesn't lost power in any moment
  95. rosaliotapia
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    DEMI HAS OUTDONE THEMSELVES! I love their artistic growth! they deserve the world
  96. Leticiaarcelino
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Melhor álbum de toda a carreira de Demi Lovato. Coeso e com excelentes vocais!
  97. Anselmitchel
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Simplesmente uma masterpiece, album e documentário forte e pesado sobre uma fase da sua vida. Eu amo como ela sempre consegue melhorar.
  98. dlyb1
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    This is a sonically incredible album by Demi... ethereal dream pop at its finest! we love to see it Demi!
  99. Spongussy
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Such an honest and flawless record form Demi. She doesn’t hold back anything from her struggles and emotional journey in this music.
  100. Mari_music
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    demi is insanely talented, she always surprises and shines with her voice and viscerality! she can belt, she can hit high notes, all while laying bare her raw emotions. Dwtdtaoso is a wonderful album
Page:

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »