Bewitched — Album by Laufey


Album cover: Bewitched by Laufey

 
ALBUM: Bewitched
ARTIST: Laufey
LABEL: AWAL Recordings
RELEASE DATE: September 8, 2023
GENRE: Jazz Pop
RATING: 8.2/10
 

  1. Dreamer
    ’Dreamer’ is the captivating opening track of Laufey's 'Bewitched' album. Its enchanting intro transports you to a cinematic world, setting the tone for the musical journey ahead. With an upbeat tempo and Laufey's comforting vocals, the song carries a powerful message of resilience in the face of love's disappointments, reminding us to never let anyone break our dreams for a more fulfilling life.

    8/10 — winter holiday type vibe;

  2. Second Best
    Placing ‘Second Best’ as the album's second track was a fitting choice by Laufey. The song's lyrics beautifully capture the essence of feeling unreciprocated in a relationship, where one's love takes a backseat to their partner's emotions. Laufey's melancholic sound and almost whisper-like vocals create a powerful backdrop for introspection and self-discovery.

    8/10 — heart wrenching but in a good way;

  3. Haunted
    Taking a more darker sound to Laufey’s experiences with love, she delves into the complex emotional experiences of her unrequited love. In the verses, Laufey vividly paints the picture of fleeting moments of pleasure with someone whose feelings don't quite align with hers, mirroring the bittersweet sensation of being trapped in a whirlwind romance. The chorus perfectly encapsulates the intoxicating cycle they find themselves in. They drift apart, only to be reunited by lingering memories and unresolved feelings. ‘Haunted’ skillfully explores the paradoxical nature of an asymmetrical love that is destined to be temporary.

    7/10 — lyricism is spectacular and paradoxical feelings go hard;

  4. Must Be Love
    As a hopeless romantic, 'Must Be Love' quickly became a personal favorite. The song beautifully captures the feelings of deep infatuation and love, resonating deeply with those moments when new love takes center stage in one's life. The first verse evokes the excitement and warmth of a budding romance, turning annoying moments into cherished ones. In the chorus, the lyrics convey a sense of being overwhelmed and nervous, reflecting the powerful emotional impact this new love has on the narrator. Laufey's warm vocals and heartfelt lyrics create a melody that's impossible to resist, evoking that unmistakable skipping feeling in your heart. 'Must Be Love' encapsulates the transformative journey of falling in love, ushering in newfound happiness and vulnerability.

    9/10 — heart fluttering lyrics;

  5. While You Were Sleeping
    Listening to 'While You Were Sleeping' feels like stepping into a fairy tale, where one becomes a Disney princess dancing through a forest, lost in thoughts of love. The song beautifully captures the sheer disbelief and wonder of being loved and loving someone in return. The chorus highlights the transformation the narrator undergoes, embracing happiness and playfulness in their “idiot things.” The reference to “3:30 AM” hints at the unexpected nature of falling in love. The song weaves a tapestry of emotions, from astonishment to newfound happiness, inviting listeners to get lost in the story of love. 'While You Were Sleeping' is a perfect embodiment of the magical feelings that accompany the journey of falling in love. It's a musical experience that captures the essence of falling head over heels and finding joy in the simplest of moments.

    10/10 — heartwarming song about love;

  6. Lovesick
    Much like the ache of homesickness, ‘Lovesick’ delves into the profound yearning and inner turmoil that grips a person when they lose love. In the opening verse, Laufey vividly expresses her desire for someone who is absent, underscoring the emptiness she feels by likening it to a "deathly silence." The song exudes a sense of nostalgia as she reminisces about a tender memory, only to have reality cruelly remind her that the love has faded away. The lyrics and the fading music serve to encapsulate the desperation and relentless yearning that accompany the loss of love. While the overall theme may be tinged with sadness, the song also sheds light on the beauty and intensity that love can bring into one's life.

    8/10 — personified expression of conflicting feelings in love;

  7. California and Me + Nocturne (Interlude)
    This song delves into the consequences of a relationship that has ended in failure and the profound effects it leaves behind. The lyrics evoke emotions of heartbreak, remorse, and wistfulness. The verses guide you through the turbulent feelings of anger and sorrow that flood your mind in the aftermath of a breakup. Contemplating feelings of being undervalued and dismissed, the thoughts lead to deeper despair. Laufey reminisces about once-sweet memories and envisions the life her partner might now lead without her. California stands as the backdrop for these memories and shared experiences, in stark contrast to New York City, where her partner relocated after their breakup, underscoring the emotional and physical chasm between them.

    8/10 — tearjerking lyrics and addition of an orchestra squeezes my heart;

8. Promise
Promise’ explores the internal struggle that arises when one attempts to maintain distance from an unsuitable partner. The overwhelming, even obsessive, emotions that surface when we try to resist something are inherently human. It's challenging to categorize these emotions behind the lyrics as love because love thrives on mutual connection. The recurring line, "It hurts to be something, it's worse to be nothing with you," vividly conveys that this love had a detrimental impact on her mental well-being. This song delves into the complexities of moving on, highlighting that the process isn't always a straightforward journey. Reverting to what's familiar is often more tempting than venturing into the unknown, and encountering reminders of the past can resurrect all those suppressed emotions.

7/10 — yearning and heartaches;

9. From The Start
When comparing Laufey's ‘Second Best’ to ‘From The Start,’ the latter approaches the theme of unrequited love and its accompanying heartache in a more cheerful and upbeat manner. The lyrics delve into moments of awkward silence and the painful reminders of love that remains unreciprocated. This bossa nova-inspired song is masterfully arranged, featuring soft percussion and deep bass lines that invite toe-tapping and swaying. Laufey's soulful vocals and contemplative lyrics vividly capture the raw emotions of someone who finds themselves longing for love.

7/10 — fun and catchy;

10. Misty
Laufey's rendition of the timeless Jazz standard ‘Misty’ has truly become a personal favorite of mine. The slow and tender instrumental arrangement, combined with Laufey's soft vocals, creates an incredibly intimate ambiance. This song seems to personify the emotions of love and infatuation, and it's remarkably easy to become utterly immersed in the warmth of these feelings.

7/10 — lullaby type of song;

11. Serendipity
The title of this song, ‘Serendipity,’ serves as a perfect prelude to the heart-wrenching lyrics that speak to the pains of love. It is an ode to the remarkable journey of discovering love at the most unexpected moments and the profound impact such love can have on our lives. The song carries a subtle undercurrent of bittersweetness that manages to stir the hearts of even the most hopeless romantics. ‘Serendipity’ takes us on an emotional voyage, one that traverses the exhilarating heights of falling in love with someone who feels like they were fated to cross our path. This song reminds us that, in the most serendipitous of moments, love has a way of gently sweeping us off our feet, etching unforgettable memories into our hearts.

10/10 — perfection;

12. Letter To My 13 Year Old Self
I deeply resonate with this song, particularly as an Asian immigrant. In the opening verse, it delves into the societal pressures and self-doubts that a young person from a different background might grapple with when surrounded by peers who conform to stereotypical beauty ideals. However, as the song unfolds, the narrator comes to terms with these insecurities and offers a reassuring message to their younger self, emphasizing that these differences will eventually transform into strengths. This song is a poignant exploration of self-empowerment, personal growth, and resilience. It serves as a powerful reminder that we should wholeheartedly embrace our individuality, and our self-worth is not contingent on the people we are surrounded by. It beautifully conveys the idea that our unique qualities and experiences are what make us stronger and more remarkable as individuals.

10/10 — perfect, relatable, I feel seen;

13. Bewitched
This song beautifully captures the enchanting sensation of being utterly captivated by someone's love and presence. It begins with an air of innocence and naivety, where even the smallest gestures and kisses have the power to sweep the narrator off their feet. The lyrics convey the idea that in the early stages of the relationship, these seemingly insignificant moments could make time stand still, as the world seemed to pause when their lover kissed them goodnight. The song masterfully encapsulates the intoxicating honeymoon phase of a romance, a time when emotions run high and have the ability to leave our minds in a delightful state of chaos.

8/10 — so sweet and comfy;

OVERALL THOUGHTS

OVERALL THOUGHTS

With nearly two months since the release of this remarkable album, my thoughts on each song have evolved into a profound obsession and deep emotional connection. This album, in my opinion, is a work of absolute perfection, standing out as one of the rare collections where I can't bring myself to skip a single track. Each song resonates with me on a profound level. It's a musical journey through the realms of love, loss, yearning, and transformation. These emotions have found a special place in my heart, and I can't resist their allure. As I listen to the album, its lyricism and storytelling weave a captivating narrative, taking me through a wide spectrum of emotions that I can't help but adore. The album truly crafts a wonderful story that I find myself completely immersed in.


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