From achingly beautiful tunes of unrequited love to groovy melodies accompanying novel feelings, “Bewitched” is a standout record in the pop charts, recording the biggest first day for a jazz album on Spotify. However, this album is more than just a pop record; it is an exploration of what modern music can be and a redefinition of artistry. Icelandic-Chinese singer Laufey Lín Jónsdóttir, known mononymously as Laufey, has made waves in the world of modern music with her unique musical abilities and influences.
Blending styles of modern pop, jazz and bossa nova, Laufey experiments with style and technique while staying true to her musical signature in her phenomenal sophomore album, “Bewitched.” Laufey’s sound is characterized by her smooth low tones, relatable lyrics and jazz influence. Especially known for her songs “Valentine” and “Let You Break My Heart Again,” Laufey beautifully narrates stories about even the most mundane interactions, drawing listeners in with her unique musical style and rich voice.
Laufey transcends the confines of genre and narrates even the most melancholy of topics with an oh-so sweet charm. The album opens with “Dreamer,” an upbeat piece in which she describes her resignation from love to focus on her own dreams. She croons, “I’m moving up into a cloud, into my fantasy/ And no boy’s gonna be so smart as to/ Try and pierce my porcelain heart/ And no boy’s gonna kill the dreamer in me,” ornamenting her newfound individuality with mesmerizing harmonies and energetic instrumentation.
Laufey then transitions into the lilting “Second Best,” layered with guitar and strings, longing to be more than a second choice. The freeness in her runs, riffs and trills perfectly captures the daydreams, the yearning and the desperation of this song.
Laufey continues her storytelling through a variety of styles, from a modern feel in “Lovesick” and “Letter To My 13 Year Old Self” to a nearly classical style in “California and Me” (recorded with the Philharmonia Orchestra) and “Serendipity.” She seamlessly riffs and runs through these genres, establishing a style that is uniquely hers.
“Nocturne (Interlude),” is a piano composition in the style of Romantic-era impressionism in which Laufey pays homage to her classical music background. She incorporates themes from the other tracks in the record in this piece and shows both her technical skill and artistic vision in this short piece.
The lead single, “From The Start,” serves as a rhythmic contrast from the previous tracks, taking inspiration from the bossa nova style. Laufey portrays the nerves of a new crush with the lyrics, “When I talk to you/ Oh, Cupid walks right through/ And shoots an arrow through my heart,” pairing this anticipatory poetry with instrumentals seen primarily in jazz bands as well as a scatting solo. “From The Start” adds a modern, innocent feel to the bossa nova tradition and demonstrates Laufey’s enthusiasm for experimentation.
Laufey then transitions to “Misty,” a jazz standard composed by Erroll Garner. The song, first sung by Sarah Vaughan, has also been popularized by Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Mathis, Lesley Gore, Aretha Franklin and countless other artists. As a singer myself, this is one of my favorite songs, as I feel like the tone and melody perfectly suit the medley of emotions that Johnny Burke’s lyrics convey. After hearing her sing, “On my own/ Would I wander through this wonderland alone/ Never knowing my right foot from my left/ My hat from my glove/ I’m too misty, and too much in love,” Laufey’s rendition of the song quickly became a new favorite. Her voice glides through the chromatic melodies and perfectly blends the classic with her new tracks.
“Bewitched” is a beautiful showcase of her musicality, style and incredible voice. She has made a name for herself by bringing classical and jazz influences to mainstream audiences and has mastered an understanding of how she can make these styles her own. Laufey is a one-in-a-generation talent, and this album is a stunning journey through musical eras.