Icelandic-Chinese star Laufey has released her second album 'Bewitched', a spellbinding blend of modern jazz, pop, and classical composition. The record showcases her confident musical ambition, merging traditional jazz and classical sounds with a contemporary twist.
The album features richly detailed orchestral arrangements and Laufey's masterful musicality. A classically trained cellist and Berklee College of Music graduate, she infuses her Gen Z lyrics with wit and emotion. Tracks like 'From The Start' include playful ripostes such as “She’s so perfect’ / Blah, blah, blah”.
Following her 2022 debut 'Everything I Know About Love', Laufey's songwriting has matured. On 'Promise', she explores heartbreak with devastating couplets: “It hurts to be something / It’s worse to be nothing with you”. The album flits between vivid details and overwhelming feelings of love and loss.
The title track 'Bewitched' is resplendent with soaring strings and orchestral twinkles, reminiscent of an Alan Menken score. 'California And Me' features expansive orchestration from the Philharmonia Orchestra. Recent TikTok hit 'From The Start' is a lively bossa nova-infused jazz-pop tune with scatting.
Laufey's technical ability shines throughout, from the wordless 'Nocturne (Interlude)' to the hushed 'Letter To My 13 Year Old Self', where she sings in a lower register: “Keep on going with your silly dream / Life is prettier than it may seem”. The album claims space for her unique blend of classical legends and modern pop.
