Nearly a month after the release of Laufey’s third studio album, A Matter of Time, it’s clear she’s succeeded again, charting in six different Billboard categories and captivating fans with her signature blend of pop, jazz, bossa nova, and classical music. How does the album hold up track by track? Here's my take.
- “Clockwork”
With a light, airy choral intro that feels like someone singing over your shoulder, “Clockwork” gently settles into the listener’s ears. Laufey pairs her wholesome lyricism with a soft jazz rhythm that gently saunters in the background. Describing the familiar aches and highs of young love, Laufey creates a relatable, dreamy musical memoir once again.
- “Lover Girl”
It’s the song everyone’s been listening to: “Lover Girl.” The distinct opening rhythm hooked me. Laufey’s bossa nova-inspired groove and resonant singing roll cheerfully into the chorus, where she iconically expresses self-awareness for being lovestruck. Heading into the bridge, she captures the struggle of yearning and its irony. Indeed, what a curse it is, because Laufey has created another hit track for all of us to adore.
- “Snow White”
A slower, calmer pace in the album, “Snow White” explores insecurity and conventional beauty standards for girls. Laufey composes a melancholic ballad with emotional vulnerability. Perfectionism, longing, and insecurity are woven together as she expresses self-reflection.
- “Castle in Hollywood”
With singing that feels like a soul pouring itself out, Laufey describes the conflicted end of a close friendship in “Castle in Hollywood.” The guitar rhythm alone captures a relentless sense of longing. In the bridge, Laufey poetically rhymes each lyric, heavy with nostalgia, conveying her loss of a once honorable relationship.
- “Carousel”
Laufey’s circus-inspired music in “Carousel” immediately set the mood. With an intimate melody, she uses the carousel as a metaphor for the spontaneity of love and identity. A wholesome message about someone seeing your true self, I thought this song was a perfect addition to the album.
- “Silver Lining”
Another song with a beautiful introduction, Laufey provides the listener with heartfelt singing, creating the old-school style of “Silver Lining.” She boldly describes loyalty and romantic companionship. A tribute to found love, this track is my personal favorite on the album.
- “Too Little, Too Late”
In this piano ballad, Laufey takes on a male perspective to express unrequited love.
Conveying a buildup of desperation and regret, this song carried some heavy emotional weight. Laufey’s voice gradually crescendos throughout the chorus, creating a longing, aching feeling. The second verse simmers with quiet anger, a stark contrast to the first. As a result of the repeating melody, this song definitely put me in my feelings.
- Cuckoo Ballet - Interlude
A quaint way to showcase her cellist background, “Cuckoo Ballet” is an entirely instrumental piece. Laufey utilizes some classical music techniques, which are prominent throughout the song.
- “Forget-Me-Not”
In collaboration with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, this track had a royal opening. With vivid imagery and poetic lyrics, Laufey expresses her connection with her homeland. The first chorus of “Forget-Me-Not” hits with unexpected emotional depth.
- “Tough Luck”
Laufey describes the lows of an undesirable relationship in “Tough Luck.” With honest confidence, her lyrics express dignity and freedom from a negative influence. In the bridge, the song experiences a boost of energy through a repeating melody and an entrance of drums, followed by some belts from Laufey. I thought this track had a perfectly timed ending.
- “A Cautionary Tale”
Laufey self-reflects on a poor relationship in “A Cautionary Tale.” I found this song to be a reminder of how her authentic experiences shape her musicianship. The poignant piano and string instrumental perfectly support Laufey’s melancholic singing in this track.
- “Mr. Eclectic”
Featuring a buoyant bossa nova-inspired rhythm, the second of its kind in the album, “Mr. Eclectic” is Laufey’s stage for criticizing male vanity and insincerity. In the outro, Laufey’s jazz-style vocals can be heard, beautifully fading along with the instrumental as the song comes to an end.
- “Clean Air”
Containing a folk-style guitar pattern throughout, “Clean Air” can feel like a trip through the countryside. Matching the song’s upbeat flow, Laufey’s lyrics explore recovery after a painful relationship. In each verse, she describes the challenges of healing. I deeply resonated with the acoustic feel of this track.
- “Sabotage”
Laufey concludes her album with a dark twist. “Sabotage” ends with a ruthless orchestral twist, sharply contrasting the mellow vocals and gentle strings that open the track. Lyrically, she explores self-doubt in love and the poetic malice that follows. I thought this song was a brilliant wildcard that showcased more of Laufey’s musical abilities!
Overall, I think it’s safe to say that Laufey’s still got it.
