The anticipation surrounding Normani’s debut album, “Dopamine,” has finally come to an end. Released on June 14, 2024, the album marks a significant milestone in Normani’s career, which began over six years ago when she embarked on her solo journey post-Fifth Harmony. Despite releasing several singles over the years, fans and critics alike were puzzled by the prolonged wait for her debut project. However, the 28-year-old artist has been meticulously crafting a timeless piece of work.
“I took the time to learn and develop my sound. I wanted to be different and create a body of work that’s unique but still fresh and exciting,” Normani shared with GRAMMY.com. “There were many days of trial and error trying to perfect something that embodies who I am and the type of artist I wanted to be. I always knew that I had to trust myself even when others doubted me and questioned my hunger.”
“Dopamine” showcases Normani’s evolution as an artist and a woman across its 13 tracks. She embraces her sexier image and music, a stark contrast to her Fifth Harmony days. This newfound confidence translates into a musical paradise, offering fans a full dose of her talent.
Normani’s journey to “Dopamine” has been marked by several significant moments. In 2018, she reintroduced herself as an R&B star with her first solo single, “Love Lies,” a collaboration with Khalid. The sultry R&B track, featured on the “Love, Simon” soundtrack, hinted at her potential success outside of Fifth Harmony. Later that year, she released “Waves,” a slow-burning duet with 6lack, showcasing her vocal range.
In 2019, Normani achieved global success with “Dancing With a Stranger,” a collaboration with Sam Smith. The disco-tinged track became the most-played radio song worldwide that year and remains her biggest single to date. That summer, she opened for Ariana Grande’s Sweetener Tour, further proving her prowess as a solo act. She also released “Motivation,” a bubbly pop track with a Y2K-inspired video that went viral, although she later admitted it didn’t fully represent her as an artist.
The following years saw Normani collaborating with some of rap’s biggest female stars. In 2020, she teamed up with Megan Thee Stallion for “Diamonds” and made a cameo in the video for Cardi B’s “WAP.” In 2021, she released “Wild Side” with Cardi B, a track that returned to her R&B roots and continued her artistic evolution.
In 2022, Normani explored different musical genres, incorporating synth-pop into her single “Fair” and lending her vocals to Calvin Harris’ “New to You.” She also collaborated with childhood friend Josh Levi on a remix of his song “Don’t They.”
In 2023, Normani made significant business moves, parting ways with S10 Entertainment and signing a new management deal with Brandon Creed and Lydia Asrat. This transition marked a new chapter in her career. She also launched a partnership with Bose, previewing the assertive “Dopamine” track “Candy Paint” and offering insight into the album delays, which were partly due to her parents’ health struggles.
By early 2024, Normani acknowledged the long wait for her debut LP with a facetious website, wheresthedamnalbum.com, which served as the official kickoff to the album campaign. Two months later, she released the lead single “1:59” and announced the release date for “Dopamine.”
Despite numerous challenges and delays, “Dopamine” is a testament to Normani’s resilience and star power. The album features tracks like “Big Boy” and “Still,” which showcase her confidence, while songs like “All Yours” and “Lights On” exude sensual vibes. While primarily rooted in R&B, the album also touches on dance music with the house-leaning “Take My Time.”
“Dopamine” also includes a full-circle moment for Normani, with Brandy, one of her biggest musical inspirations, lending background vocals to “Insomnia.” As Normani embraces her moment in the spotlight, she remains aware of the high stakes but is confident in her readiness.
“I hope [fans] see the passion and the hard work that I have put into creating something so special,” she told GRAMMY.com. “I love my fans and how they have been patiently waiting and supporting me over the years. I hope the wait was worth it for them and they are proud of what we have accomplished together.”
