I first encountered Laufey’s captivating music while searching for the perfect Parisian morning ambiance on YouTube. Her song “Like the Movies” from the Typical of Me EP immediately resonated with me. Intrigued, I explored more of her discography and found myself equally enchanted. Her songs became my go-to for performances and personal listening, perfectly capturing emotions I wanted to express. Laufey’s artistry exudes a unique blend of charm and sophistication, beautifully showcased in her latest EP, Bewitched, released on September 8th. This review delves into each track, exploring the magic woven into Laufey Songs.
“Dreamer”: The EP opens with “Dreamer,” and the introduction is instantly evocative, painting a cinematic soundscape reminiscent of childhood daydreams. It gracefully transitions into an irresistibly catchy melody, centered around the theme of prioritizing personal aspirations over the pursuit of romantic love. Laufey’s lyrics express a conscious decision to step back from the often-disappointing search for “that special feeling,” choosing instead to safeguard her heart and nurture her imaginative spirit. “Dreamer” is more than just a song; it’s an affirmation of self-love and the pursuit of inner passions, making it a standout among Laufey songs.
“Second Best”: Staying true to its poignant title, “Second Best” navigates the complex emotions associated with feeling like aPlan B in love. Laufey eloquently articulates the bittersweet experience of receiving wonderful gestures of affection, while simultaneously sensing that someone else holds the coveted top spot in her love interest’s heart. As the song progresses, she hints at a burgeoning affection for another, tinged with uncertainty about whether it could evolve beyond friendship. “Second Best” offers a relatable exploration of unrequited love and the quiet strength found in navigating these emotional challenges, resonating deeply with the themes often found in Laufey songs.
“Haunted”: Venturing into slightly darker sonic territory, “Haunted” embraces the EP’s Bewitched title with a touch of spookiness. The instrumental arrangement is particularly striking, adding layers of depth and intrigue to the song’s atmosphere. When Laufey sings the word “haunts,” a noticeable shift in mood occurs, drawing the listener deeper into the song’s captivating spell. “Haunted” is a chillingly beautiful piece, showcasing Laufey’s ability to blend ethereal melodies with emotionally resonant lyrics, a hallmark of many beloved Laufey songs.
“Must Be Love”: The melody of “Must Be Love” is instantly captivating, particularly the nuanced execution of the verses. The song delves into the initial confusion and questioning that arises when experiencing the unmistakable stirrings of love for the first time. Laufey’s lyrics are filled with gentle inquiries, as she grapples with the unfamiliar sensations, wondering if these feelings truly signify love, given her inexperience with such profound emotions. The song beautifully catalogues the cascade of emotions that accompany falling in love, making “Must Be Love” a charming addition to the collection of Laufey songs about love and self-discovery.
“While You Were Sleeping”: “While You Were Sleeping” possesses a dreamy, stargazing quality, perfect for quiet contemplation under a night sky. Its gentle melody and easy-listening vibe create a soothing and comforting atmosphere. The musical notes and overall ambiance of the track are particularly appealing, and the lyrics flow seamlessly, enhancing the song’s overall tranquil tone. This song exemplifies Laufey’s talent for crafting melodies that transport listeners to serene and introspective spaces, a quality evident in many Laufey songs.
“Lovesick”: The transition from the introduction to the main melody in “Lovesick,” coupled with a shift in tempo, is both surprising and attention-grabbing. It shares a melancholic undercurrent with “Haunted,” setting it apart from some of the EP’s more upbeat tracks. This feeling is especially pronounced in the concluding “ahhs,” which lend a whimsical yet powerfully edgy finish. “Lovesick” poignantly captures the ache of loving someone deeply when that affection may not be reciprocated, a theme explored with raw honesty in Laufey songs.
“California and Me”: A deeply thoughtful and evocative piece, “California and Me” explores the painful narrative of a love that fades, leading one partner to return to a familiar place while leaving the other behind. The powerful imagery of California itself weeping alongside Laufey as her love departs is incredibly moving. The song portrays a deliberate act of leaving, even when staying might be easier, driven by a deeper connection with someone else. The heartbreak is palpable in the lyrics, making “California and Me” a standout for its emotional depth among Laufey songs.
“Nocturne (Interlude)”: “Nocturne (Interlude)” is a masterclass in musicality, primarily featuring a beautiful piano instrumental that serves as a seamless bridge between the two halves of the EP. It evokes the feeling of an overture in a musical, subtly weaving in melodies from tracks heard earlier, foreshadowing the sonic journey yet to come. This interlude is a testament to Laufey’s creative vision and her ability to enhance her albums with thoughtful, musical transitions, adding another layer to the artistry found in Laufey songs.
“Promise”: “Promise” stands out with its raw emotional honesty, depicting the struggle of letting go of someone even when the relationship feels directionless. Laufey sings about a self-imposed promise to cease contact, believing the relationship lacked a future. However, in a moment of vulnerability at the song’s end, she breaks her promise and reaches out, revealing that the pain of separation outweighs the uncertainty of the relationship. “Promise” poignantly captures the internal conflict between knowing a relationship might not be ideal, yet desperately craving connection, a complex emotion often explored in Laufey songs.
“From the Start”: In contrast to the emotional weight of “Promise,” “From the Start” bursts forth with an upbeat and joyful instrumental arrangement, making it instantly uplifting. It narrates the timeless tale of unrequited affection, where the protagonist harbors feelings for someone who is interested in another. The song perfectly encapsulates the yearning to confess hidden emotions. “From the Start” is irresistibly listenable, a testament to Laufey’s ability to craft catchy and relatable melodies, ensuring its place as a frequently revisited track among Laufey songs.
“Misty”: “Misty” creates a powerfully evocative atmosphere, using fog as a metaphor for emotional confusion and the inability to clearly discern one’s feelings. The lyrics beautifully depict the sensation of feeling “misty” in the presence of a love interest, overwhelmed by the intensity of affection. With its timeless quality and poetic lyrics, “Misty” echoes the elegance of golden age jazz, solidifying its position as a beautifully crafted piece within the collection of Laufey songs.
“Serendipity”: “Serendipity” celebrates the liberation of embracing one’s feelings openly, contrasting with the need to suppress emotions. Laufey’s lyrics express a joyful surrender to infatuation, embracing the overwhelming sense of serenity and bliss that love brings. The way she sings “serendipity” at the song’s conclusion is particularly striking, conveying a sense of lightness and freedom, as if being carried away on a cloud of happiness. “Serendipity” is a beautiful ode to embracing love’s joyful spontaneity, a theme often touched upon in Laufey songs.
“Letter to My 13 Year Old Self”: “Letter to My 13 Year Old Self” is profoundly moving, prompting deep reflection. The lyrics, conveying a message of hope and reassurance to a younger self that “it truly does get better,” are deeply touching. The line “Write your story, fall in love a little too (Laufey)” subtly encourages self-authorship and trusting in the natural timing of love. The song poignantly addresses the common experience of viewing our younger selves, particularly our teenage selves, with self-criticism. It gently reminds us that our past selves deserved as much love and compassion as we do now. “Letter to My 13 Year Old Self” is a powerful and resonant narrative, undoubtedly impacting listeners deeply, making it a standout among emotionally resonant Laufey songs.
“Bewitched”: Concluding the EP is the title track, “Bewitched,” which immediately evokes autumnal and Halloween-like imagery with its enchanting introduction. The song explores the feeling of being completely captivated by someone, as if under a magical spell. The lyrics paint vivid pictures, enhancing the song’s compelling and magical nature. The melody is a highlight of the album, perfectly suited to the transition into the fall season. “Bewitched” encapsulates the EP’s overall theme of enchantment and emotional depth, fittingly concluding this collection of Laufey songs.
Laufey once again masterfully channels the relatable yet intricate nature of love through her songwriting in Bewitched. Her storytelling and poetic lyricism continue to impress. Her vocal performance is simply breathtaking, amplifying the enchanting quality of her music. The sophisticated orchestration of each track adds significant charm and beauty to her work, making each of these Laufey songs a rich listening experience.
Choosing a single favorite track from this album is impossible, but my personal top three are “California and Me,” “Letter to My 13 Year Old Self,” and the title track, “Bewitched.” The upcoming Bewitched Tour promises to bring these songs to life for audiences worldwide, and I eagerly anticipate future musical creations from Laufey.
