Ticking toward timelessness: ‘A Matter of Time’

Laufey’s new “A Matter of Time” album perfectly encapsulates the themes of introspection, emotional reckoning with toxic relationships and most importantly, time. One may argue that the difference in the raw self-exposure this time around, compared to her traditional jazz-styled music makes this album absolutely stellar.

The setlist feels like a diary, where each track is a timestamp of heartbreak, self-reflections and growth. From charming openers like “Clockwork” and “Lover Girl,” to emotionally striking songs such as “Snow White”—which aims to convey society’s impossible beauty standards in women—all pull the album together into what it is: A beautiful masterpiece with messy emotions.

At times, the music can feel like a fairytale soundtrack because of its wonderful string sections, brilliant vocal control and her haunting album cover of her poised against a looming clockface. 

Some critics may argue that it is too “theatrical,” while Laufey claims that it is her “most confident,” “most ambitious,” and “most me” project yet.

She’s still mixing jazz and pop in the dreamy way she’s known for, but this time the songs hit harder because of their underlying messages. Musically, this album’s orchestral pieces are more cinematic and deep than any of Laufey’s past work. 

The name “A Matter of Time” is coined from the whole entire album’s angle: time. That is what makes it so much deeper in meaning, Laufey is not just singing about love, she uses the idea of time to show that the clock does not just measure heartbreak but how we grow from it by admitting to her own role in heartbreak in her closing song “Sabotage.”

In the end, “A Matter of Time” is not your standard jazz revival album. However, even though it may not be the purist jazz record, the artist embraces imperfection to wed it into something messy and bold. Laufey lays herself bare; being honest and vulnerable, making it by far the most layered and fearless project she has released. Her songs capture triumph and tribulations in real time, and that is a clock that is worth listening to.