Lauv, Changes | Track Review

Pop artist Lauv is quite persuasive as he promotes making changes on “Changes,” the eighth record to appear on ~how I’m feeling~. 

“I’m getting rid of all my clothes I don’t wear / I think I’m gonna cut my hair…” On “Changes,” Lauv (Ari Leff) decides to make various changes in his life.  “Changes” marks Leff’s eighth record appearing on his ‘evolving’ 2020 album, ~how I’m feeling~.  The arrival of the single feels totally right, given the turn of a new year and new decade.  The results are pretty sweet as well.

Ridding of clothes and cutting his hair are just a couple of changes Lauv makes on this enjoyable, honest pop single.  He continues his changes by taking “a break from alcohol,” but admits, “Probably won’t last long.”  On the second verse, the big change is altering mental health (“Take some pills to fix my brain”).  Basically, these changes are straightforward but totally relatable.  Expectedly, the chorus is the centerpiece:

“Changes (Changes), they might drive you half-insane 
But it’s killing you to stay the same
But it’s all gonna work out, it’s all gonna work out someday
Moments (Moments), livin’ with your eyes half-open
You’ve been thinking ‘bout these changes
It’s all gonna work out, it’s all gonna work out someday.”

Just like the simplistic nature of the verses, the lyrics on the chorus need little to no further explanation.  People are frightened by change but can’t improve if they don’t strive to change.  Yep, that’s the gist of it.

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Changes” gives Lauv another winning single.  Not only does this record have a great, relatable message, it’s well-produced.  Maybe the best aspect of the production occurs during the chorus, where a dash of urban sensibility comes into play (it’s the drum programming).  Also, vocally, Leff delivers, never over singing, but compelling with his emotional, vulnerable approach, as well as some sweet falsetto.  Brief, “Changes” is potent nonetheless.

Lauv • ~how I’m feeling~ • AWAL • Release: 3.6.20

Photo Credit: AWAL