LONDON – Laufey is a Grammy winner jazz singer, popular for songs like “From The Start” and “Valentine.” Today, she released her third studio album called A Matter Of Time.
Listen to the author read this review:
Fans are now questioning if this album is even better than her last two.
The opener “Clockwork” was interesting, with my favorite parts being the clock sounds in the background. The beat is catchy and reminds me of “Dreamer” from her old album Bewitched. At the same time, it gives similar vibes to a Michael Buble Christmas song.
Then “Lover Girl” is next. I got to hear it live during her serenade in London. It has a catchy chorus that has consumed my mind and has a similar vibe to her most popular song, “From the Start.” The music video goes well with the vibe of the song with a cute choreography sequence.
But the whimsy aura is abruptly stopped by the emotional and raw song, “Snow White.” This is a better version of her old song “Magnolia.” After hearing both the live and studio version, you can really feel her struggles with her insecurities through the voice cracks added to the song, with lyrics such as, “tell me I’m wrong but mirrors tell lies to me and my mind just plays along.”
Even the music video expresses a sense of vulnerability. This piece is truly beautiful.
“Castle in Hollywood” marks the start of angst in her albums. It’s clear there is inspiration from artists such as Olivia Rodrigo through the lyrics, but in Laufey’s style. The bridge was my favorite part of this song.
“Carousel” is soft and takes the listener back to the whimsy Christmas tune that songs had earlier. It reminded me of one her old songs, “Bewitched,” but a sadder version.
My favorite music video of the album is “Silver Lining.” The costumes throughout are just as fabulous as this song. The transition of this song from the previous one feels like an emotional rollercoaster, from near tears to a sappy warm feeling.
“Bewitched” vibes are once brought back again in “Too Little, Too Late” with the violin. This song, though, is nowhere near as romantic but instead is rather soul crushing and full of rage, which I absolutely loved. This is one of the best songs on the album and brought me to tears.
Next, “Cuckoo Ballett” is an amazing interlude which embraces all the emotions and melodies we heard throughout the album, with the “Snow White” section being my favorite.
Fans also get reminded why this album is called A Matter of Time with the clock effects.
Next is “Forget-Me-Not.” Listeners get a song that embraces her native language – Icelandic – which was angelic. The reference to Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake was also magical and divine.
Then Laufey brings us back to the angst of songs such as “Too little, Too late” with the track “Tough Luck.”
Unfortunately, the background music overpowered Laufey during the bridge, but after hearing this song live and the jazz version I have warmed up to it and truly love this emotional piece.
In “A Cautionary Tale,” the vocals prove why this album is fabulous, feeling like a punch to the soul, especially at the end. The lyrics were just as good. You really feel her pain.
The bossa nova version of her old songs “Dreamer” and “Bored” resurface with “Mr. Eclectic.” This song was so fun musically with the beats and the clock sounds throughout. I also loved the American singer Clario’s vocals in the background.
The album’s studio version of “Clean Air” was not what I was expecting after hearing the live version. There was a clear difference, which I adored. It was unique from all her songs and the country influence really works with this song.
Lastly we get a jumpscare from “Sabotage” at the same time we are given an experimental song full of rage, sadness, shock. I really was not expecting death metal at the end. This truly was an impactful way to end such a masterpiece of an album.
So the final question is if this album is on par with the others. I would say yes from its heartbreaking lyrics in songs such as “Snow White,” from songs that go back to a traditional bossa nova like “Mr. Eclectic,” and to the clock sounds throughout the songs.
I love the difference of styles throughout the album; each piece has something special that bewitches me. I recommend this album to anyone who wants a deep, creative album full of emotional rollercoasters.
Dezlene Akua Erza-Essien is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International.
