Rating: 5/5
Viral Icelandic singer Laufey recently released her third studio album, “A Matter of Time” on Aug. 22 to an eager fanbase. Laufey is well-known for her unique jazz-inspired style and warm, full vocals.
Some highlights on the album include “Lover Girl,” “Castle in Hollywood,” “Too Little, Too Late,” and “Tough Luck.” The album features four singles, “Silver Lining,” “Tough Luck,” “Lover Girl,” and “Snow White,” as well as a bonus track.
The album blends elements of jazz and pop music to create a full, rich sound. Different classic instruments, including trumpets, violins, and guitars, give the album a unique, nostalgic feel. The jazz elements and bells in the opening song, “Clockwork,” and in “Cuckoo Ballet” are reminiscent of Christmas carols, adding to the nostalgic sound.
The album delves into the memories of a past relationship, the heartbreak that accompanied its ending, and the eventual acceptance of the break-up. The album’s structure is meant to represent this journey; the first half of the album reminisces about falling in love and being heartbroken, but after the interlude, “Cuckoo Ballet,” Laufey has moved on from the heartbreak.
Overall, the album feels very cohesive. Each song perfectly conveys the emotions of falling in and out of love.
Many teenagers can relate to this album, especially when it comes to their first love and heartbreak. They know firsthand what it is like to question what went wrong in a seemingly perfect relationship, a feeling that Laufey expertly expresses throughout her album.
The album starts off soft and slow, with Laufey falling in love and recalling how dizzying the rush of love felt. However, the third song on the album, “Snow White” is much more reflective and sets up the album’s melancholy tone.
The album then follows the familiar cycle of grief: the feelings of hurt and betrayal, the belief that something is wrong with you, which is highlighted in the song “Snow White,” and the regret of not fighting for your relationship.
Halfway through, the album includes an interlude: “Cuckoo Ballet.” An excellent transition, this instrumental song symbolizes the time needed to heal from a relationship and serves as a pause within the album.
The song itself follows the album’s story; it begins lighthearted, then crescendos with only sorrowful string instruments playing, before other instruments rejoin, and the song lifts in spirit again. It is a musical interpretation of the grief of heartbreak.
On the second half of the album, Laufey seems to be over her heartbreak. “Tough Luck” is essentially a song saying goodbye to Laufey’s past partner. This song is a refreshing change from the rest of the album; it’s upbeat and calls out Laufey’s ex. It’s as though Laufey is taking control back of her life, and therefore her music.
The few upbeat songs are a breath of fresh air; they balance out the heavy, melancholic songs that make up the majority of the album.
“A Matter of Time” is a masterclass in songwriting and is truly a joy to listen to. Listeners are able to connect with Laufey’s album; they know the pain of wanting to go back to a relationship that isn’t meant to be, and this album gives them the space to grieve. It takes the listener on a journey, and it feels complete.
