23-year old Lauv makes a name for himself on his chill, enjoyable single, “Easy Love.” He embraces the challenge of hard-fought love vs. easy love.

Look out, look out – there’s a new pop/R&B/indie artist on the horizon! That would-be Ari Staprans Leff, better known as Lauv.  The 23-year old Cali artist shouldn’t be slept on – he has plenty of potential.  The proof is in the pudding, rather enjoyable single, “Easy Love.” Furthermore, he knows his music, as an NYU music tech grad.

“Easy Love” opens with chill, smooth production work.  After a pleasant instrumental sets up the vibe, Lauv enters with easy-going vocals matching the vibe of the production.  He never has to push – he sounds natural, yet invested.  He successfully balances chest and head voice, otherwise known as falsetto. Melodically, “Easy Love” shines – music nerds will catch the unexpected use of lowered seventh during the verse.  Maybe more important than the use of the subtonic is the chorus, the crowning achievement of any pop song.  On “Easy Love,” it’s memorable.

“I could be somewhere / Chillin’ on the beach / I could be with someone / Makin’ me happy / But that would be too easy, love / And I don’t want no easy love / I could put my phone down / Just pick up my keys / I could let you go and we could let it be / But that would be too easy, love / And I don’t want no easy love.”

Lauv has plenty working for him on “Easy Love.” Thematically, the title spills beans, with the key word being love.  Lyrically, it’s clear throughout – love is hard, but worth fighting for.  As he verifies on the lyric, “And maybe that’s why I stay”: ‘Easy Love is about surrendering to insanity in a relationship.’

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “Easy Love” is a hit.  Great vocals, great production work, and a relatable theme. There are no notable missteps, and Lauv manages to use the subtonic melodically.  What else could you ask for?

Lauv • Easy Love – Single • Lauv • Release: 10.6.17

Photo Credit: Lauv