Despite the album’s name, Lola Young wants everyone to listen to her newest project. Read on to know what I’m Only F**king Myself is all about!
Lola Young has spent the year stirring up a storm, and her winds aren’t slowing down. From winning the Ivor Novello Rising Star Award and being a BRIT-nominated artist, more and more people are recognizing her star talent. On top of that, she opened two shows for Billie Eilish, and invigorated stages from Coachella to Glastonbury and Roskilde.
For a little more background for those who don’t know Lola Young, her global smash “Messy” hit #1 across Billboard Pop Airplay, Alternative Rock, and held the UK Singles Chart’s top spot for four straight weeks. That makes Lola the first female artist since Lorde to send a debut single to #1 at both Pop and Alternative. Young started writing her own songs at 12 and hasn’t stopped her momentum ever since.
With the release of I’m Only F**king Myself, she brings her skills up to task once more and hits it out of the park. The album is a deep dive into the chaos of early adulthood, sex, addiction, toxic love, self-destruction, and the hope of redemption. She engages with this stage of her life upfront on this album as she begins to emerge from it, now at age 24. The project strips Lola down to her most unguarded self.
Here is what she has to say about the album,
I don’t want to preach about anything, but addiction is really real, serious. I need to be open. What’s front-facing on social media isn’t really what’s going on, for anybody. I wrote the whole album when I was in this space of just hoping and longing to be happier.
~ Lola Young
“F**K EVERYONE” is the second track in the album, but it’s the real start after the beginning interlude. It’s a bold start and is frank about Young’s desire with an unapologetic attitude. The title is figurative and literal, as the lyrics discuss her having sex with guys that don’t like her, but she doesn’t care. The music has a pop but grungy feel to it, giving the song a well suited edge. The song is liberating and confrontational, and a banging way to start!
Following it is “One Thing”, which follows the tone of sexual liberation as Lola sings, “I only want one thing, I don’t even want your number.” “One Thing” is explicit and faces forward with the meaning of the song through raunchy lyrics matched with an addictive tune. It’s seductive and pop-driven, one that already has us continually humming.
“Walk All Over You” starts off with a plucky guitar and a few other backing instruments that make for a calming and pleasant sound. The song follows the boldness of the others as Young stands up for herself to men who’ve treated her as less than. It fits especially well into the thematic arc of the album, confronting toxic love and self worth. It empowers Young’s autonomy and individuality. In turn, it can do the same for listeners that undoubtedly relate.
“SAD SOB STORY! 🙂” is the 9th track and it’s what the name implies. There’s a sarcastic cheeky tone, almost self mocking in how the title is written and the mood of the lyrics. Instead of it being a full on pop-bomb like some of the other tracks, the production feels more loose and lighter with not too much in the way of instrumentals. The song is a great track and one worthy of your playlist!
Going down the track list there’s “Not Like That Anymore.” Like the other tracks it dipped in emotional honesty and vulnerability. The track begins with the confession of, “I’m a dumb little addict, so I’ve been trying to quit the snowflake.” It is a raw truth of her run in with drugs, all wrapped up in a catchy beat. The blend of rock and pop as the backdrop to the lyrics does well to make it a song you want to bump your head to as well as relate to. Many will have this on repeat and for good reason.
We don’t want to spoil the whole album, so we saved the rest for fans to listen to for themselves. Every track is worth the time and not something you want to pass up. Once you’re through with that, come back to figure out what to listen to next!
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