Laufey’s jazz-pop masterpiece A Matter of Time makes you lose track of time

By News Editor Jennifer Li

In an era where rap and pop dominate the charts, Laufey continues to captivate listeners by bringing a dynamic combination of jazz and classical music to the younger generation. In her newest album A Matter of Time, released on August 22, the Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter continues to prove herself as a brilliant musician. The album’s 14 phenomenal tracks explore themes of love and loss, beautifully incorporating her iconic jazzy sound. It is undoubtedly her best work yet,  featuring even lusher production and more authentic exploration of complex themes than her previous music.

Laufey, born Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir, has an extensive background in the world of music. She grew up playing cello, guitar, and piano, and even performing solo at the Iceland Symphony Orchestra at age 15. Her classical background manifests in her signature sound today, with hit songs like “I Wish You Love” and “Let You Break My Heart Again” being accompanied by orchestral instrumentals. She began her career as a singer-songwriter in the spotlight with her first EP Typical of Me in 2021. Her music gained significant traction after the release of her second album Bewitched in 2023, which captivated listeners with its timeless romantic feel and relatable lyrics. 

While her previous work is primarily centered around mid-century pop and bossa nova genres, A Matter of Time explores new styles — such as Icelandic folk and even some R&B influences in certain songs — while still featuring a spectrum of her typical pop, jazz, and classical sounds. Additionally, it employs more experimental sound elements, including a waltz-like tempo on “Carousel,” rhythmic sounds of a clock reflecting the album art on “Clockwork,” and even dissonant static on “Sabotage.” The album’s diverse inter-genre blend and bold production choices makes for a diverse and complex soundscape that appeals to a broad audience. 

Not only does A Matter of Time live up to her past works in terms of sophisticated musicality, it exceeds expectations through its broader artistic and thematic  exploration, setting a new stage for Laufey’s musical growth. Each of the album’s songs illustrate various introspective and mature themes: “Snow White” sheds light on toxic beauty standards for girls,  “Mr. Eclectic” commentates on performative men posing as intellectuals, and “Too Little, Too Late” laments on a lover who got away. The tracks delve into complex emotions including anger, anxiety, and self doubt to tie into a deeply enriching and encapsulating broader narrative that pulls the listener in for more.

Laufey begins to explore a more unfiltered and dynamic view of her classic romance songs, steering into deeper introspection of self-discovery and vulnerability than mere wistful longing. “Silver Lining”  stands out as a clear example of her thematic development, incorporating exceptional storytelling and nuanced emotional expression. Unlike the more simple and pure love songs on her previous album Bewitched, “Silver Lining” depicts the double-edged sword of vulnerability through the lens of a destructively loving relationship, which on one hand allows her to be emotionally liberated in a childlike manner with her true self, yet ensues chaos as exemplified in lyrics such as “we pirouette in fields of rosy sin,” with the “silver lining” being mutual commitment regardless of the disastrous outcome.

Overall, A Matter of Time is not only masterfully crafted with Laufey’s signature blend of jazz, classical, and pop influences but is also deeply resonant and meaningful, featuring complex themes and storytelling. She and her music have come a long way since her cellist days, and as her sound continues to evolve and grow, fans are excited to see what more Laufey has in store.

Rating: A+