Lola Young Is Trying to Understand Through Music

Lola Young Is Trying to Understand Through Music

Lola Young expanded her creativity with a new era in My Mind Wanders And Sometimes Leaves Completely. The artist stepped into a different expression, something angrier but also vulnerable. Combining her powerful vocals with even stronger emotions, the album certainly left an impression.

It’s my journey [toward] being a woman and figuring out who I am. It’s almost me talking to myself, addressing the difficulties you go through growing up, your insecurities.

– Lola Young

Several songs on the tracklist are explicit, going to show how straightforward the singer-songwriter is when it comes to expressing herself. After all, she knows it’s the only way to try and make sense of what she’s experiencing.

The album begins with “Stream of Consciousness”— a good way to start any dialogue. The song gives quite a cinematic opening, with a piano that sounds closer to organs. Young’s voice comes on, almost narrating, speaking or maybe even rapping. Emulating a poetry reading, the lyrics are a stream of thoughts that flow but aren’t always connected.

“Revolve Around You” has an old-school hip-hop beat. Young transitions effortlessly into something mellow and laid-back, giving her take on the genre. The verses are closer to conversational while the chorus is more melodic, admitting to how she’s revolving herself around this person. Her writing suggests she’s not proud of it but she is also unafraid to point it out.

The mood turns slower and sadder for “Annabel’s House.” Lola Young has a low register with vocals that are simultaneously soft and soulful— in other words, she’s perfect for heartbreak songs. Her lyrics tell a story, one where she is always a second choice to this “Annabel”. Though it hurts her to stay in this situation, she chooses to stay and remain silent.

I don’t say your name
When your girlfriend’s around
You say she can tell
She can tell
She can tell
So, never gonna let it out

– “Annabel’s House”

“Semantic Satiation” comes on with a return to a strong beat. The tempo remains slow, leaving spaces and lines for Young to play with the melody. The interpretations are quite endless, starting with the title. One could be the desire to find meaning or truth in the many signs within her relationship. As she reads into these signals, the singer attempts to better understand love.

“Pretty In Pink” has a softer sound. With the addition of echo and harmony, the song creates a melodramatic effect. There is a sense of restraint that finally explodes in the final minute of the song and finishes strong as a mix of guitar, bass and drums.

“Money” is all about that flex, flushed lifestyle. With a heavy beat, the acoustic instrumental makes a contrast and the result is refreshing. It sometimes seems like money is great because it “don’t cheat, don’t leave, don’t lie”. But there are references to drugs and mental health that reveal a darker side.

“What Is It About Me” has an unassuming introduction with some bass plucking. Verse by verse, it becomes apparent that Young is letting it out and letting it loose by speaking her truth and her feelings. When it comes to the big question, she belts, almost wails in a heart-wrenching way. Listeners might imagine a spotlight that shines as the chorus comes on, a moment that deserves attention.

With “Black Cab,” the singer takes on yet another genre, infusing her character into the bluesy and jazzy sound. There is a kind of echo, reverberating throughout the lyrics. Black cabs are common in London, a place from which Young draws inspiration. The idea is relatable though, associating lovers with items that cannot be broken even after everything’s over.

What did I do?

Did I say something to make you fall out of love?

Without you feels so strange

I can’t wrap my head ’round you

Call me up again when you’re out with your stupid friends

– “Black Cab”

“Don’t Hate Me” is the most popular track on the album, with nearly 13 million streams. The sound is grungy and somewhat rebellious, possessing that “so what” kind of attitude. When taking a closer look at her lyrics, fans will realize this song is a clapback.

The final number “Chill Out,” takes it down a notch. With a delayed tempo and laid-back drums, Lola Young gets ready to bring her album to a close. The song is addressed to herself, telling herself to take it easy, and maybe not worry as much. She masterfully mixes a sense of nonchalance and reassurance that becomes comforting to listeners.

Lola Young was recently spotted, performing on tour with d4vd as he makes his way on tour through North America. Besides that, no news has been shared on dates or concerts. Fans can pass the time though checking out her underrated discography on Spotify and keeping up with the singer on Instagram.