It’s Only “A Matter of Time” Before Laufey’s New Songs Become Hits
BY ANNIE TIAN ’29
It was only a matter of time for Laufey to make it big. On August 22, 2025, 26 year-old Icelandic-Chinese jazz pop singer Laufey released her third album, “A Matter of Time.” With the help of a new producer, this album serves as a transition into a more vulnerable side of Laufey.
The album and its meaning was first teased on May 14, 2025, when Laufey posted on Instagram, “My next album – A Matter of Time. I’ve taken my diary and turned it into an album of songs, delving into the whole range of emotions – from the beautiful to the ugly – that one experiences as life and love unfold in time.”
While this new album still features love songs, it also deals with her personal problems such as overthinking in relationships, feeling lost despite being perceived as fine, and experiencing insecurity about appearance. Laufey teased her new songs at several concerts before the album was officially released. For example, during her concert on August 9, she performed her single “Snow White,” and talked about her inspirations for the song. She spoke about how she believes she’s not pretty enough, and that as a woman, it often feels like society values her looks more than her intelligence. The song lyrics pack power with lines like, “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 people want beauty, / Skinny always wins. / And I don’t have enough of it, / I’ll never have enough of it.”
Unlike her last two albums, Laufey didn’t just work with producer Spencer Stewart. This time, she also reached out to Aaron Dessner, a producer famous for working with pop stars such as Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. She also worked with American singer Clairo, who provided background vocals in “Mr. Eclectic.” In an interview with TIME, Laufey was asked about working with Clairo. She said, “I respect her so much as a musician, and she honestly brought so much life to the recording, not only with her beautiful voice but also with her thoughts.”
Laufey’s music and the diversity in it has reached countless people, including celebrities who have offered their opinions on her. American pop rock singer Olivia Rodrigo said to The New York Times, “I love how singular she is. There is nobody else like her in the music industry and she doesn’t try to be someone she isn’t.” Barbra Streisand also spoke to The New York Times about Laufey. She said, “[Laufey] share[s] her musical passions with younger listeners today. And that’s good!” Finally, Laufey’s new producer Aaron Dessner said, “I kind of felt in awe, seeing the whole range of [Laufey].” His remarks sums up Laufey’s intentions for this album, which reveals a new, deeper, side of herself that isn’t romanticized and often simplified by the public into merely a jazz girl who sings for the heartbroken.
Some voice the concern that Laufey doesn’t push herself enough to grow and become better, and her music’s repetitiveness as a result. While sticking with what you like and are comfortable with isn’t a fault of its own, Laufey has still clearly proven the haters wrong with this album. Through her dynamic range, she has explored not just herself, but significant societal problems that women face due to unrealistic beauty standards and gender norms.
Laufey’s songs have touched innumerable audience members whose troubles feel heard with this album, especially her fanbase at Jericho. One such fan, Grace Z. ’29, said, “I quite enjoy Laufey’s new album because it explores different music styles and makes me feel a deep connection to the feelings she expresses through her musicality.”
This album has, as Laufey hopes, not only made people realize that they’re not alone in their struggles and insecurities, but has allowed an opportunity for listeners to feel seen. This album provides an opportunity to see that even celebrities are not free of flaws and internal battles. In discussing her new album with ELLE, Laufey said, “All I see is just a community of people that I wish I’d had when I was a little younger. It’s a loud sign that everyone needs representation. We love to see ourselves reflected in the artists we look up to.” Laufey’s music, created as a means of exploring and expressing herself and her complex emotions, has inspired not only herself, but thousands of fans.