Lauv, Drugs & The Internet | Track Review 🎵

Rising pop musician Lauv shares his experiences with anxiety, depression, and the plight of fame on his superb new single, “Drugs & The Internet.”

“I sold my soul / And all I got / Likes from strangers, love on the internet.”  Those lyrics, excerpted from the outro of “Drugs & The Internet,” speak to the plight of fame. Rising pop singer, songwriter, and producer Lauv has certainly experienced that plight, something he superbly conveys on his must-hear new single.

“Drugs & The Internet” opens abruptly with smooth falsetto by Lauv, accompanied by piano. He sounds particularly expressive here. On the first verse, he depicts depression he’s experienced:

“Another life, another story

She walked out; said I was boring…

Shit, I said I’m never trying

‘Til the bitter end, but now every now and then

I wonder what it feels like to be more than I am.”

Following a slower, more relaxed opening verse, a sick groove and more aggressive sound kicks in on the chorus. Interestingly, this change of pace wasn’t necessarily expected, but it ends up being a pleasant surprise and keeps “Drugs & The Internet” interesting.  On the memorable chorus, Lauv sings:

“I traded all my friends for drugs and the internet

Ah shit, am I a winner yet?

Look quick, is he a winner yet?

Mom’s back home with a drink and a cigarette.”

The vocal production on the chorus is superb, not to mention the overall production work by Jon Bellion, Johnny Simpson, and of course, Lauv himself. The second verse retains the newfound tempo of the chorus, while still speaking to Lauv’s anxiety and depression: “So now I’m laying in my bed / And I can’t get out my head / It’s all because, all because.”

Final Thoughts 

“Drugs & The Internet” gives Lauv one of the best singles of career.  The musician seems to be getting better and better, further building his case as pop’s next superstar.  “Drugs & The Internet” checks off all boxes: relatable songwriting, strong vocals, and well-rounded production.

Lauv • Drugs & The Internet [Single] • Lauv • Release: 4.26.19

Photo Credit: Lauv