
Review by Renee Clark Quade
Dean Lewis’ new album The Epilogue, couldn’t have a more fitting title. For those unfamiliar with the term, an epilogue comes after the final chapter of a story, hinting at what the future holds for the characters. In many ways, that’s exactly what this album represents for Dean—he’s looking back at where he’s been, while also offering us a glimpse into what’s next.

Dean himself described this album on TikTok as “my entire life in an album,” and that authenticity shines through in every song. The Epilogue, which dropped on October 18, 2024, feels like Dean coming full circle. While he’s gained a massive following and plays arenas across the world, including sold-out shows in Australia and Europe, this album takes him back to his roots. It’s stripped down, raw, and emotionally honest, showing not only his growth as a songwriter but also a more mature vision in his storytelling.
From the opening track, “Empire,” you’re immediately pulled into the emotional world Dean creates. This song is about his best friend going out on her own, and you can feel the mixture of pride and loneliness Dean experiences watching her move forward. He sings, “It’s the fall of an empire / The wind spreads the blue fire / There’s some things we just can’t control,” capturing that feeling of watching someone grow, while still grappling with your own emotions. When he admits, “I feel so alone,” it’s a reminder of how even when we’re proud of someone we love, their absence can leave a gaping hole in our hearts and lives.
One of the most powerful aspects of Dean’s music is his ability to reflect on relationships and how they evolve over time. In “All I Ever Wanted,” the regret and sorrow hit hard as he looks back on a relationship that fell apart because he was too focused on chasing his dreams. When he sings, “All my mistakes oh I took you for granted / I was looking for something when I already had it,” it’s a feeling so many of us can relate to—the realization that what we needed was right in front of us, but we didn’t appreciate it until it was gone. There’s so much pain and remorse in this track, especially with the line, “I miss you more than you know / I’m coming home soon.” It’s as if he’s still hoping for redemption, even though he knows it’s too late.
“Rest Of My Life,” which Dean wrote with Sasha Alex Sloan, stands out as one of the more hopeful songs on the album. It’s his first proper love song, and you can feel the weight being lifted off his shoulders as he sings, “Suddenly the world isn’t as lonely now / When you look at me you know I can’t come down.” After the sadness and regret that colors much of the album, this track feels like a breath of fresh air—a reminder that even after heartbreak, love can find its way back into your life.
That said, “All Your Lies” takes a hard turn back into darker territory. This song feels like a cathartic release—Dean is finally letting go of a toxic relationship and standing up for himself. “I don’t care tell them what you want to / You can paint me how you like,” he sings, giving himself permission to walk away from the lies and betrayal. It’s a liberating anthem about walking away from those who wrong you and letting go of whatever they may be saying about you to other people.

Then there’s “I Still Do,” a song that struck me as possibly being from the perspective of the person left behind in “All I Ever Wanted.” It’s a haunting reflection on a past love that just won’t fade away. “I’ve been pushing you out / But you don’t seem to leave,” he sings, capturing that lingering attachment that refuses to disappear. When he repeats, “I used to love you love you love you / And I still do,” you can feel the weight of unresolved feelings, the inability to fully move on from someone who still holds a place in your heart.
One of my favorite songs on the album is “Cold.” Dean describes it as being about someone who feels like an escape—a person who gives you peace. To me, this track is about finding safety and comfort in a relationship, knowing that person will always be there for you. “I feel you in my blood / You are the reason / The only thing that I can still believe in,” he sings, reminding us of the power of unconditional love and support.
“Memories” is another deeply personal track, this time reflecting on the breakdown of a close friendship. It hits hard for anyone who’s ever grown apart from someone they thought would be in their life forever. Yet rather than dwelling on the sadness, Dean focuses on the gratitude, singing, “We didn’t last forever / But I won’t forget ya,” and, “Thank you for all the memories.” It’s a bittersweet goodbye, but it leaves room for growth and acceptance.
Dean’s relationship with his friends and family also takes center stage in “Trust Me Mate.” This song was released last fall, but it still holds the same emotional weight. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of showing up for the people you love, even when they’re struggling. “And if it gets worse before it gets better / Don’t be afraid to fall / ‘Cause I won’t let you,” he reassures them. It’s a beautiful tribute to being there for your friends and loved ones when they need you most.
“Love of My Life” is a standout track for me, especially in how well Dean paints a picture with his lyrics. He sings, “We get to the party / And inside we both walk / Past the pretenders and their small talk / And I say it’s funny how in this crowded room / You make it feel like it’s only me and you,” vividly setting the scene and capturing the feeling of being so deeply in love that no one else in the room matters. It’s those small, intimate moments—holding onto your partner while the world fades away—that make you realize they’re the one. This song beautifully expresses the power of unconditional love and finding the person who makes everything else in life feel secondary. The repeated refrain, “You’re the love of my life,” is both haunting and beautiful, driving home the depth of emotion Dean conveys.
“Until The End” is my favorite song on the album because it reflects exactly what my relationship with my husband means to me. The lyrics, “Slow dancing in the kitchen just looking in your eyes / No matter how much time has passed with you I still get butterflies,” take me back to the first time I knew I was in love with him. He started dancing with me in his living room and told me he loved me for the first time. Now, years later, he still surprises me with random kitchen dances in the kitchen we built together and every time, I feel like a giddy teenager again.
For me, this song is about finding a love I thought wasn’t possible. The lyrics, “Oh my darling I am all in / ‘Cause you’re every single thing I thought that I could never have,” reflect how I felt when I found my husband. I had almost given up on love, but now that I’ve found him, I’ll never let go. This song is about finding a love that lasts through time and captures the promise we’ve made to each other—loving each other “until the end.”
Dean closes the album with “The Last Bit Of Us,” a song that feels like the perfect ending to The Epilogue. It’s about saying goodbye to someone who once meant everything, while also coming to terms with the fact that the relationship is truly over. “When I’m in the darkness, the sadness it hits me when I think I’m fine,” he admits, perfectly capturing the unexpected waves of grief that hit after a relationship ends. It’s a powerful reminder that while some chapters must end, it doesn’t diminish the importance they once held.
The Epilogue is a journey through Dean’s life, and you can feel and relate to every moment of heartache, love, and growth in each song. His storytelling has always been his strength, but this album takes it to another level. It’s raw, real, and reflective—everything his fans, including myself, love about him, but with a sense of maturity that shows how far he’s come. The Epilogue isn’t just the end of a chapter; it’s the beginning of something new, and I can’t wait to see where Dean’s journey takes him next.
The Epilogue – Album Track-Listing
Empire
All I Ever Wanted
Rest (with Sasha Alex Sloan)
All Your Lies
I Still Do
Cold
Memories
Trust Me Mate
Love Of My Life
Until The End
Clelia’s Song
The Last Bit Of Us
Listen to the album now and be sure to catch Dean when he brings his The Epilogue tour to the US in 2025. See tour dates and get tickets at deanlewismusic.com.