Album Review: Gap Year! by Laila!
Coming off the heels of the viral tracks “Like That” and “Not My Problem,” Laila! isn’t letting the momentum stop her as she drops her charismatic debut album.
Laila! has been making waves in the music industry, particularly among artists under 20. Based in Brooklyn, the singer and producer has a mix of blending catchy hooks and bedroom R&B joints. Her debut single, “Like That,” showcased her ability to seamlessly blend rapping and singing, while her follow-up track (which we’ll get into later) featured an infectious hook and quotable lines. The latter song caught the attention of Cash Cobain, who remixed it and transformed it into an old-school mixtape hit, with artists like Big Sean, 6LACK, and KARRAHBOOO contributing verses. The “Problem” remix served as a precursor to Laila!’s debut album, Gap Year!
However, Laila!’s rise to fame wasn’t solely due to her music. Her backstory, particularly her connection to legendary rapper Yasiin Bey, sparked interest among fans and critics alike. Despite being only 18, Laila! is determined to forge her path and create music that is uniquely hers. The album cover for Gap Year resembles Yasiin Bey’s Black On Both Sides artwork, and Laila!’s self-produced music is influenced by R&B of the past. Her ability to rap or sing, depending on the situation, is reminiscent of her father’s versatility. Not to say she has top-tier songwriting lyricism, but her debut project shows promise.
It’s clear that you probably heard “Not My Problem.” Laila!’s skill in crafting personal and relatable music somehow shoots on to virality. The song’s dismissive hook makes it perfect for any situation where one must assert independence. Whether dealing with a demanding boss or an ex-partner, Laila!’s music provides a soundtrack for those moments. “Want 2” is a playful and flirtatious exploration of desire and attraction, “Coupé DeVille” is dreamlike yet urgent, painting a complex portrait of yearning and dissatisfaction, and “Could Be” presents a heartfelt exploration of romantic longing and the desire to be someone’s perfect partner.
With straightforward writing and emotional honesty, “We’re So Over!” captures the frustration, disillusionment, and ultimate acceptance that often accompanies a romantic partnership’s end, but she can balance emotion with a glimmer of optimism, with its themes of personal growth and the search for connection amidst isolation on “Sink 2 Me.” “Flyer Than U” can make its case for the album’s best track as Laila! details the complexities of her feelings, acknowledging vulnerability (“maybe I’m broken from all that you’ve done”) and strength (“maybe I’m perfect in more ways than one”) that highlights her ‘90s influence.
In Gap Year, Laila! is poised to be the next big star in the music industry. Her use of old-school influences and modern sensibilities has resulted in a nostalgic and forward-thinking album. Across seventeen songs, she comes out the gate with a self-produced effort that not a lot of artists can accomplish in today’s day and age. Granted, not all the songs hit the mark nor get the ball rolling to new heights, but the project does its job by creating passable jams. As she continues to navigate the music industry, it’s clear that Laila! is a talent to watch.
Solid (★★★½☆)
Favorite Track(s): “If U Don’t Know By Now,” “Want 2,” “Flyer Than U”