Laila!: Gap Year
We all heard about Laila! when everyone started screaming Not my Problem and Like That - another product of TikTok viral moments. Later on down the line we found out that her dad was none other than Yasin Bey aka Mos Def, Hip Hop Legend.
Now with her debut album Gap Year finally released, I gave it a listen as I truly didn’t know what to expect from the 18 year old New Yorker.
The album opens with Talent Show, which follows some of what the other rnb girlies (Summer and SZA) are doing - it’s an acoustic song, which shows her vocals as well as writing ability. It’s raw emotion, the lyricism is impressive and has a young love feel about it. I wasn’t mad at this at all and thought it a nice introduction to her and what this album was going to delve into.
Throughout the album, the theme does kind of stay the same - we go round and round in circles about love situations, but there isn’t much development of growth in the lyrics. I don’t want to harp on about age as there are plenty of reviews that have done so, but I will say the songs are short, everything sounds repetitive and the music doesn’t sound like it was mixed well - it gives inexperienced and demo, but not in a polished way.
The album does have a mixture of old school influences with a modern twist, which is a really nice touch and shows her appreciation for the sounds that came before her. But to me there isn’t any real stand out songs and I can understand why the two singles went viral when used in the context of TikTok comedy and vibes.
Laila! did produce and write the entire album herself, which I think is the album’s saving grace. This shows promise. As she becomes a bit more skilled production wise and gains a more in-depth understanding of her pen, I hope to hear an evolved sound from her. I also hope some vocal lessons will allow her to use her voice better as sometimes she can sound a little off, which threw me - I couldn’t get into it properly.
Gap Year showcases a lot of personality and charisma - it just needs to be steered in the right direction until she finds her sweet spot, which I’m sure will come and be worth the wait.
Rating 2/5
Top Songs
If You’re listening (Interlude)
Coupé Deville