I Heard Normani's Debut Album, And Here's Everything I Saw And Did At The Listening Party

The former Fifth Harmony singer ’s long - await introduction solo album just might live up to its deed .

Normani is finally releasing her debut studio album six years later, and I have something to say about it.

In 2012,Normani, originally a solo performer onThe X Factor, was paired up with four other women to form the girl group Fifth Harmony.

Luckily, if her win with 2018’s “Love Lives” withKhalidfor theLove, Simonsoundtrack was any indication, Normani was back on track for a successful solo career as she intended to start in 2012.

On 5 January 2025, shepostedon Twitter (now X), “I have my album title, y’all,” and the debut solo album was on the way.

I have my album claim y’ all

The same year, we saw a few more features, including a two-track EP with Calvin Harris, followed by her own single “Waves” featuring 6BLACK. But there was no debut album.

Next, we got another song — this time on theBirds of Preysoundtrack in 2020, and another single, “Wild Side,” with Cardi B in 2021, but still no album.

Finally, on 1 December 2024, Normaniannouncedthe title of her debut studio album,Dopamine, alongside the album cover, and we all realized that the wait was actually over after six long years.

cryingg typing this radon . DOPAMINE THE ALBUMpic.twitter.com/fjFwlraf0I

And, in case you’re wondering what to expect from the rest of her album — I got to listen to Normani’s debut solo project early, and this is how it all went down.

The location for the listening party was in this creepy, decked-out parking garage, and it felt like I was walking into a space station in the Star Wars universe.

All types of people eagerly awaited a first listen to Normani’s long-awaited album. And to keep us busy while we waited, Normani had plenty for us to do.

Dozens of people waited in line to get one-of-kind, custom-made airbrush t-shirts by an artist namedSobstory.

They had signature cocktails named after songs from the album, including “All Yours,” “1:59,” “Big Boy,” and “Candy Paint,” which was a blend of Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom Vodka with Pineapple Juice and Blue Curacao.

I got a permanent tattoo of the rocket!

For the main event, Normani arrived in a suped-up black car. One by one, she introduced us to the tracks on her new album. I’ll admit I had my doubts, but the album delivered.

While the album features collaborations with James Blake, Gunna, and Cardi B, it primarily focuses on introducing Normani’s strengths as a solo artist, something that’s been in the works for a very long time.

Hearing the work up close and live (and Normani’s dance moves as each track switched) revealed that she is much more than a singer — she’s a disciplined dancer, a studied performer, and a mindful songwriter.

I think the album will be worth the wait!

Dopamineis out on June 14.

Normani poses on the red carpet in a sleeveless dark dress. She wears spiral earrings and has long, wavy hair

Normani at Sundance Film Festival 2024, wearing a bold patterned crop top and matching mini skirt with statement accessories and long braids

Normani wearing a fitted leather jacket, smiling and posing at a music-related event

A blurry, empty, curved parking garage with overhead lights. There's a distant, unclear light source

People gather in a parking garage, standing in groups, talking, and looking at their phones. The ceiling has exposed beams.

A person wearing a mask and a cap spray paints a graffiti design on a white T-shirt

Close-up of two people; one is getting a tattoo on their forearm from a tattoo artist dressed in a hoodie and gloves

Close-up of a Mychal's arm with a small bandage covering a wound, surrounded by tattoos

Normani rocks braids and wears a stylish fitted leather jacket

Normani, wearing a strapless, fitted leather dress, holds a microphone and dances

Mychal rides a rocket, appearing joyful

Normani is finally releasing her debut studio album six years later, and I have something to say about it.#

In 2012,Normani, originally a solo performer onThe X Factor, was paired up with four other women to form the girl group Fifth Harmony.#

Luckily, if her win with 2018’s “Love Lives” withKhalidfor theLove, Simonsoundtrack was any indication, Normani was back on track for a successful solo career as she intended to start in 2012.#

On 5 January 2025, shepostedon Twitter (now X), “I have my album title, y’all,” and the debut solo album was on the way.#

The same year, we saw a few more features, including a two-track EP with Calvin Harris, followed by her own single “Waves” featuring 6BLACK. But there was no debut album.#

Next, we got another song — this time on theBirds of Preysoundtrack in 2020, and another single, “Wild Side,” with Cardi B in 2021, but still no album.#

Finally, on 1 December 2024, Normaniannouncedthe title of her debut studio album,Dopamine, alongside the album cover, and we all realized that the wait was actually over after six long years.#

And, in case you’re wondering what to expect from the rest of her album — I got to listen to Normani’s debut solo project early, and this is how it all went down.#

The location for the listening party was in this creepy, decked-out parking garage, and it felt like I was walking into a space station in the Star Wars universe.#

All types of people eagerly awaited a first listen to Normani’s long-awaited album. And to keep us busy while we waited, Normani had plenty for us to do.#

Dozens of people waited in line to get one-of-kind, custom-made airbrush t-shirts by an artist namedSobstory.#

They had signature cocktails named after songs from the album, including “All Yours,” “1:59,” “Big Boy,” and “Candy Paint,” which was a blend of Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom Vodka with Pineapple Juice and Blue Curacao.#

For the bold fans, a tattoo booth gave out temporary and permanent tattoos of symbols related to the album, including the chemical formula for dopamine, the rocket, and Normani’s logo.#

I got a permanent tattoo of the rocket!#

For the main event, Normani arrived in a suped-up black car. One by one, she introduced us to the tracks on her new album. I’ll admit I had my doubts, but the album delivered.#

While the album features collaborations with James Blake, Gunna, and Cardi B, it primarily focuses on introducing Normani’s strengths as a solo artist, something that’s been in the works for a very long time.#

Hearing the work up close and live (and Normani’s dance moves as each track switched) revealed that she is much more than a singer — she’s a disciplined dancer, a studied performer, and a mindful songwriter.#

I think the album will be worth the wait!#

Dopamineis out on June 14.#