By Katherine Rasmussen
Laufey (pronounced lay-vay), an Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, has quickly become a modern-day example of soft jazz and bedroom pop. Since her debut, she captured hearts with a voice reminiscent of a vintage vinyl record spinning slowly on a rainy afternoon. With her signature blend of jazz, classical and pop, Laufey’s music is only on the rise.
Her sophomore album, A Matter of Time, is no exception. Released in August 2025, this record further cements her unique sonic space, where old Hollywood charm meets millennial wistfulness. While it doesn’t completely break new ground, it delivers plenty of charm, introspection and musical finesse.
At its core, A Matter of Time is about vulnerability, what happens when you let people in, what you lose (or gain) in letting in and how time reveals everything. Laufey has said she wanted to show her “flawed parts,” to look in the mirror.
There’s also a tension between dreams (or expectations) and reality, the dreamy fairytale image collides with hurt, disappointment and self‑doubt. And she’s not afraid to get a little harsh, emotionally. Not just heartbreak, but anger, disillusionment and reflection as well.
One song in particular on the album, “Lover Girl” leans into playful romance but with self‑awareness. There’s sweetness, but also recognition of its cost (the “curse” of being the romantic one). The vintage jazz‑pop feel is comforting, even when the lyrics are sharper.
“Tough Luck” gives the more fiery, assertive side of her. It’s not just wistful longing; it’s calling out wrongs, saying “I’m done,” the anger and disillusionment that sometimes follow love. It contrasts well with the softer moments.
Laufey’s vocal delivery continues to be enchanting. She balances elegance with rawness when needed, which makes the more emotional parts land. Not to mention, the production is richer and more varied than some earlier work. The themes are mature, not just love, but love’s friction, identity, self‑worth and anger. That makes the album feel more human, more layered.
However, some of the softer tracks blend into each other; mood and tempo often lean toward lush ballads, which can make pacing flatten in the middle. This new album is very different from her past studio album, so some fans may not enjoy it as others do.
A Matter of Time is a satisfying chapter in Laufey’s journey. If you’ve already loved her earlier albums, this one gives you more depth, more honesty and a broader emotional palette. It may not shatter expectations, but it gently stretches them. If you’re in the mood for songs about love in all its messy glory, this is a great album to pull up.
