Album Review: Laila! – Gap Year!
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Genre: R&B/Soul
Label: IIIXL
Released: September 6, 2024
Format: LP
"Gap Year! is packed with introspective moments, which at times flirt with monotony, but Laila!'s irresistible charm consistently elevates the album above those potential pitfalls."
Laila! has been receiving immense praise, leading her to finally drop her debut album Gap Year!—a release that has sparked a frenzy of speculation across social media. Thanks to her viral hit song "Like That!," which took TikTok by storm with users incorporating the sound in various trends and content, the timing of this debut feels perfect. As an 18-year-old singer, rapper, and self-taught producer, Laila! seizes the moment, overcoming setbacks to forge her own path to success. Gap Year! feels like a long-awaited arrival from an artist who’s been eager to be seen and heard. The album is a blend of R&B and soul, offering a variety of options for listeners—much like a carefully curated playlist, with songs for every mood. Despite having the feel of a playlist, the album has a cohesive duality that prevents it from feeling shallow or fragmented. It’s an unconventional listening experience that holds the attention of even the most impatient audience, making it stand out in a crowded landscape.
Opening the album with "Talent Show" was a strategic and deliberate choice. It feels like Laila! is introducing herself as an artist eager to showcase her vast potential to the world. I see the intro as a prelude, inviting listeners into her creative mind and intimate world. From there, she transitions into "SINK 2 RISE," a fully realized track that serves as a powerful follow-up to the introductory performance. Gap Year! is packed with introspective moments, which at times flirt with monotony, but Laila!'s irresistible charm consistently elevates the album above those potential pitfalls. The production is outstanding and deserving of Grammy-level recognition, especially considering that she single-handedly produced all 17 tracks. This achievement places her in the company of artists like Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean. It's hard to believe that an 18-year-old created all of this from her room. Some of these tracks rank among the best music I’ve had the privilege to hear this year. Her passion for songwriting, producing, and performing sets her apart, positioning her in a class of her own.
The first half of Gap Year! wraps listeners in a cozy atmosphere, with songs full of warm, laid-back vibes that are ideal for both introspection and spending time with someone special. Laila! sounds more confident and at ease on tracks like "Want 2," where her vocals are engaging and filled with emotion. The lyrics connect deeply, while the understated instrumentals allow her voice to shine and reveal her many layers as an artist. Her vocal performance is a key reason why Gap Year! captures attention so quickly. However, while many of these tracks excel at providing comfort during heartbreak or emotional lows, they could have benefited from more variety to appeal to a wider audience. A few well-chosen guest features might have brought in new elements that expanded the album's reach. Collaborations with artists like SZA or Summer Walker, whose styles blend naturally with Laila!'s, could have added a different dimension and helped introduce her to their fanbases. It’s an opportunity that could have broadened the album’s appeal without compromising its intimate feel.
The interludes and brief audio segments throughout Gap Year! are key in making the album feel like a well-rounded, cohesive project. "Sani (Homework Freestyle)" showcases a more carefree, youthful energy through Laila!'s sister, highlighting a glimpse of her playful personality. Many of the songs on the album reflect her willingness to take creative risks, which is refreshing for an artist her age. Though she leans into R&B, Laila!’s diverse personality can make her come across as an artist still searching for her true direction. At times, she seems to be experimenting with multiple styles at once, which, while exciting, can prevent her from fully honing in on one aspect of her craft. Focusing on a particular sound or style might help her achieve deeper growth in that area before branching out further. One of the standout moments of the album is "Not My Problem," which showcases Laila! at her most confident. She exudes control and independence, sending a clear message to anyone who doubts her abilities. The production on this track is particularly noteworthy—it's one of the best instrumentals on the album and easily among the top beats I’ve heard this year, underscoring her impressive skills as both a singer and a producer.
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| Image courtesy of Laila!'s Instagram |
While I appreciated the overall listening experience, including the introspective moments, interludes, and the album's cohesive flow, I couldn’t shake a sense of emptiness by the end. Laila! has certainly proven herself to be a multidisciplinary talent, drawing inspiration from the early '90s R&B scene, which strongly influences her sound. It’s clear she put a lot of effort into Gap Year!, but at times, she seems to overextend herself in trying to deliver standout tracks. Her overconfidence occasionally overshadows her ability to craft consistently strong records. The album feels like it’s striving to make a bold statement, but it struggles to maintain the initial momentum and cohesion as it progresses. Ironically, the album artwork stood out as one of the most memorable aspects of this otherwise overwhelming project. Despite her clear potential, Gap Year! falls short of fully realizing the greatness it seems to aim for.
Laila!'s debut album aims to stand out and be embraced, but despite its genuine efforts, it often feels like a rehash of familiar sounds. While it falls short in terms of innovation, it still offers a handful of solid tracks that provide just enough to keep listeners intrigued and give the album a pass.
Standout Tracks: "Not My Problem," "Want 2," "Like That!," "IDONTNEEDUANYMORE"
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