How to Be Lonely cover

How to Be Lonely

Rita Ora · 2020

2 min · 1 track · contemporary R&B

An introspective blend of contemporary R&B and urban beats that navigates themes of solitude and self-discovery.

Top tracks — play these first

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    How to Be Lonely — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of loneliness, merging catchy hooks with poignant lyrics about emotional vulnerability.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100
Foothills
Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The single effectively blends R&B elements with personal themes, showcasing Ora's growth while remaining accessible.

What we noticed

  • The track features a steady mid-tempo beat with layered synths that create an atmospheric backdrop.
  • Vocals are delivered in a conversational style, alternating between melodic phrases and spoken word elements.
  • The song's structure includes a verse-chorus format, with the chorus emphasizing the theme of loneliness through repetition.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Showcases growth in songwriting during a transitional phase.
Career context
By the release of How to Be Lonely, Rita Ora was navigating a transitional phase in her career. Following her successful debut album, Ora faced challenges with label changes and personal setbacks, making this project a significant step toward reclaiming her narrative as an artist.
Stylistic neighbors
Dua Lipa· Tinashe· Jessie J

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 How to Be Lonely 2:55

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata