On Aug. 22 2025, Grammy Award winning artist, Laufey, released her new album titled “A Matter of Time”. In previous months she had essentially sneak peaked the album through spaced out singles such as “Silver Lining” and “Lover Girl” which currently remain the most popular songs on the record. But what makes this album different to her past work is revolutionary to her career. She blossoms into a new era that changes her public image from a “hopeless romantic” to a pinnacle of human suffering. Instead, she displays herself as someone who is messy and vulnerable by addressing certain effects of social issues, like her personal life, heartbreak and the devastating side of yearning (the emotion of wanting something or someone that might be unrealistic), which typically she does the opposite by romanticizing love. Laufey also has changed the direction of her music genre with a more symphonic orchestral element–instead of the typical steady bossa nova guitar strum she usually goes for–which shocked fans.
In the song, “Mr. Eclectic” she addresses a hot topic that currently surrounds her fan base with the term of the performative male. But what is a performative male? The premise of the performative male is an uproaring trend on social media. Men now want to portray themselves to be more desirable towards women by doing specific actions that are considered a one of a kind hobby. When in reality it is not the case and sets the bar lower for women’s standards, especially when it comes down to romantic relationships or attraction. This movement was influenced due to the supposed uprise of male loneliness. Some of the things that the performative male will indulge into are activities such as poetry, literature and even certain music tastes that seem to break away from the “stereotypical” norms of masculine hobbies.
However, it seems that Laufey’s music is unfortunately now associated with this unhealthy form of toxic masculinity. An abundance of performative males disguise themselves into the crowds of actual fans in exchange for egotistical praise. This mentality even goes as far as being a fake feminist, but just like how a wolf hides in sheep’s clothing — then is revealed as a womanizer.
In the lyrics of the song Mr. Eclectic, she states, “ Bet you think you’re so poetic, quoting epics and ancient prose truth be told, you’re quite pathetic” and “What a poser, you think you’re so interesting”.
These bold statements have shook the performative side of her fan base who felt called out immediately and did not hesitate to show their true colors— responding with instant distaste and hate. Which was ultimately expected but in a satisfying manner. This led to Laufey giving herself and fans clarity as there was no room for performative listeners to no longer bombard her fan base.
“Snow White”, another song within the album, has captured the hearts of thousands of women. Mostly because they have all related to the experience of gender expectations, body dysmorphia and sexism. This is the first time that Laufey has openly discussed this topic which has led to increased adoration from fans.
“I don’t think I’m pretty, it’s not up for debate. A woman’s best currency is her body, not her brain” and “The world is a sick place, at least for a girl. The people want beauty, and skinny always wins.”
Those lyrics have empowered many of her fans as they felt heard. She focuses on the unfortunate reality of women in the present day as discouragement through the idea that beauty standards harm the confidence of many and how the patriarchy feeds on that misery of those same people. This also makes room for her to express that although she is a celebrity, it reminds audiences that she is human as well and has negative feelings.
Another main idea explored within her album is heartbreak, which is something she has always successfully managed to express through her music. But it has been taken even further. While her past albums touch on the topic, it is a much more somber feeling of sadness. However, in contrast with this album Laufey instead describes a more intense depression with the reality of breakups, relationship issues and the unhealthy desperation of yearning.
She also shifts her music genre as she uses a more dramatized and impactful orchestral approach. This heavily differs compared to her past work as she would usually use a bossa nova–a jazz genre originating in Brazil and played with a classical guitar–music style in her songs.
What I personally enjoyed about this album was her bold take about some topics that I thought she wouldn’t cover in her music. But I’m glad she proved me wrong. I’ve been a fan since her first album, and it brings me an abundance of joy to see her progressive personal growth not only in her work but through her personal life as well. It’s a beautiful and messy change that her inner workings create, as they make me feel the same emotions she had when probably writing each lyric. BVH junior, Dalia Candelario shares the same sense of admiration for the new album.
“I love the song Cuckoo Ballet-Interlude, which has no lyrics, only instruments. Lyrics are not the only thing with passion and intention behind it, an instrument can tell a story, set a mood and make you feel a specific emotion. Overall this album was very artistic and was a heavenly experience to listen to. The amount of different emotions that are represented in the album guarantees the listener to feel seen in at least one song,” Candelario said.
