“A Matter of Time” is the third studio album released by Icelandic singer-songwriter Laufey. It was released 22 Aug. 2025, following albums “Everything I Know About Love” and “Bewitched”. Having never listened to a Laufey album before, I went into this review completely blind. Though I had heard a few songs here and there on social media, I had mostly viewed Laufey as an internet personality. Though this was my first experience with the singer’s music, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It even inspired me to give her other works a listen.
Clockwork – 9/10
“Clockwork” was a strong start to the album, setting the tone for the following songs. The clock sounds at the start of the song added a lot of personality and was one of my favorite things in the song. The song itself was super cute (it feels very Christmassy), telling a story of Laufey falling in love with a friend.
Lover Girl – 7/10
I already knew this one from TikTok. It’s fun, light and catchy. Her voice is so calming to listen to, and I love how the bridge conveys a feeling of anxiousness, presumably how she feels as she falls in love (while we’re falling behind).
Snow White – 6/10
“Snow White” was a very sharp contrast to the two tracks before it, being very sad and sobering. Laufey sings about her insecurities and how she compares herself to others, similar to songs like “lacy” or “cindy lou who” by Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter, respectively. The track showcases Laufey’s vocal capabilities more than the other songs, which I enjoyed.
Castle in Hollywood – 7/10
“Castle in Hollywood” is upbeat, and though I was not quite sure what it was about the first time around, it was a fun listen overall. The background beat makes the song feel cinematic and like it’s building up to something.
Carousel – 5/10
“Carousel” is another song that sounds Christmassy, though this one I enjoyed significantly less than the other. While the song was calming and nice to listen to, it just felt very forgettable and didn’t make a lasting impression on me.
Silver Lining – 7/10
“Silver Lining” is a cute love song, and I love her delivery of the lyrics. It’s more vocal-focused than some of the others, and I really enjoy that aspect.
Too Little, Too Late – 5/10
In “Too Little, Too Late”, she uses a deeper voice again, similarly to Snow White. The song has a sad tone, but I appreciate the storytelling she builds up throughout the track.
Cuckoo Ballet (Interlude)
A nice break with cinematic instrumentals. It sets a mood but doesn’t stick in the mind.
Forget-Me-Not – 6/10
I like how this song flows from the previous one. The use of Laufey’s native language is so pretty, even though I don’t know what she’s saying. “Forget-Me-Not” is hauntingly beautiful with lovely background instrumentals.
Tough Luck – 8/10
“Tough Luck” is vengeful yet still maintains Laufey’s signature style. I really enjoy the guitar in this track, and the bridge is amazing, providing a refreshing break from the other songs.
A Cautionary Tale – 6/10
“A Cautionary Tale” stands out a bit as we get to see more of her personality. The lyrics are nice, offering insights into the singer’s thoughts.
Mr. Eclectic – 9/10
“Mr. Eclectic” is so funky and silly, I love it, definitely one of my favorites off the album. The track pokes fun at performative men, similarly to “Dumb & Poetic” by Sabrina Carpenter (another one of my favorites), and is a nice change from the many slower, more melancholy songs.
Clean Air – 8/10
“Clean Air” is another song that feels very different from the majority of the album, which is slower and softer. The beat feels fun and fresh, like spring after a long, bleak winter, perfectly conveying Laufey’s feelings of renewal.
Sabotage – 6/10
I thought “Sabotage” would be a sad ending to the album, as it starts off with a soft tone similar to many others on the album. However, I was not prepared for when the song started glitching halfway through. This changes the tone entirely, making it feel more like a horror movie. The track also ended very abruptly, leaving listeners wondering and wanting more. Overall, a very different but very memorable end to the album.
Overall, “A Matter of Time” is a beautiful and cohesive album that effortlessly blends fun and happy love songs with more reflective, somber tracks. While many songs flow seamlessly into one another, the few that break the monotony are highlights, though I wish they were more spread out throughout the album.. The aesthetics of the album are beautiful, although the short song lengths can make some of the tracks blend together. This said, listening through the album all at once may have contributed to this experience. I enjoyed this album a lot, and will definitely be tuning in for future ones.
