Lauv, Sad Forever | Track Review

Lauv brilliantly tackles mental health issues on his second solo single of 2019, “Sad Forever,” set to appear on his forthcoming album.

In 2019, it is safe to say that Lauv (Ari Staprans Leff) is ‘coming on strong.’ First, listeners were treated to his collaboration with Troye Sivan, “I’m so tired…” which also received the remix and stripped treatment.  Then, he wowed with “Drugs & The Internet”, serving as the promo single for his forthcoming album.  That particular single gave us a snapshot of some of the issues that Leff was facing with depression as well as fame.  Now, he’s back with the second piece of the puzzle, “Sad Forever,” which continues the theme, but has a different sound.

“Sad Forever” is produced by Lauv and Halatrax.  Interestingly, it’s a mix of a singer/songwriter vibe with some modern pop cues.  Clearly, Leff wants to invite the listener into the anxiety and depression issues he was facing, maybe even more so than preceding single “Drugs & The Internet.” On the first verse, he sets up the turbulence he’s experienced, asserting, “Whispers in the nighttime / Voices always keeping me up / Telling me that I should give up.” One of the most beautiful moments occurs on the pre-chorus, as Leff sings, “‘Cause lately I’ve been in the backseat to my own life / Trying to take control, but I don’t know how to.”  On the chorus, he is resolute – determined, essentially, not to let sadness weigh him down and destroy him. On the second verse, he looks ahead, more positively: “I’m coming through to the other side / I’ll make it through to tomorrow / ‘Cause that’s all I can do today, do today.”

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Lauv does an excellent job of picking up where he left off on “Drugs & The Internet” with “Sad Forever.”  What stands out about this record is the resolve shown by the artist.  Also, not previously mentioned, his falsetto is pretty sweet on the chorus.

Lauv • Sad Forever [Single] • Lauv • Release: 5.31.19

Photo Credit: Lauv