LoveLeo, LOOK AT THIS MESS IVE MADE (EP) | Album Review 💿

On his debut EP, LOOK AT THIS MESS IVE MADE, pop musician LoveLeo showcases incredible artistic potential. 

If you haven’t already, get to know LoveLeo.  The handsome, talented musician’s real name is Leo Reilly and he’s the son of actor John C. Reilly. The pop artist earned a breakout, viral hit at the end of 2019 with “BOYFREN”, which appears here on his debut EP, LOOK AT THIS MESS IVE MADE.

With “BOYFREN,” a number of factors made it infectious: the production (rather simple, yet potent), vocals, and perhaps most of all, the lyrics.  On LOOK AT THIS MESS IVE MADE, some of the same elements that made his breakout hit a success also make this 8-song production worth checking out.

“RECENTLY DELETED” 

“RECENTLY DELETED” kicks off the EP with LoveLeo reflecting on a breakup. While the theme isn’t particularly novel, the record itself is very true to the up-and-coming musician’s distinct, somewhat unorthodox style.  While the form of “RECENTLY DELETED” features traditional sections, the record doesn’t feel traditional, and that seems intentional; by design.  There is no shortage of repetition.  Leo Reilly certainly grabs your attention.

“You know I’m grade A / Ya boyfriend wanna B me / You go outta your way / Too make sure you don’t C me.” Woo! The viral hit, ✓ “BOYFREN” follows, also distinct and left of center.   While it’s quirky, the form is standard, with two verses and a simple, but highly effective and infectious chorus – “You should break up with your boyfriend / And get with me.”  Furthermore, the sound of the record is sweet especially those whistles! Odd it is, but incredibly enticing by all means.

“AHHHHHHH”

If you need your fill of f-bombs, look no further than “AHHHHHHH.” This short record is definitely the exemplification of WTF.  There is at least one ‘fuck’ in every section of the song, with the top-tier iteration occurring on the chorus:

“I’d be a great fucking serial killer
If I chose to do it
But I don’t
I don’t have the fucking balls.”

Wow – speechless! Anyways, moving on, ✓ “HEAD OVER HILLS” is catchier, groovier, and certainly less profane for those of you with more sensitive ears 😉.  Even sans the aggressive f-bombs, LoveLeo has swagger for days.  Honestly, Leo Reilly comes off as one of the coolest guys you’d want to meet.  He successfully paints a picture of trying to impress as well as being afraid to speak up for himself.  One of my favorite lyrics – which seems to reference Mac Miller – occurs during the bridge:

“You better take off your shoes
(Before you walk in my mind)
I’ve got the G.O.O.D. AM blues
Feminine so divine...” 

“ROSIE”

“Ring around the Rosie / Barely even know me / Pockets full and I don’t care / Now you getting nosy / Acting like you know me / Fire burnin’ everywhere.” Reilly’s second single, ✓ “ROSIE”, is another bop. The aforementioned chorus lifts off/references “Ring Around the Rosie” of all things. Beyond “Ring Around the Rosie,” LoveLeo concocts his own original, straightforward lyrics that end up being quite potent.  “It’s a match, then a spark / I can help you see in the dark,” he sings on the second verse, later adding, “But I don’t mind, I don’t care / Picture perfect guys sitting everywhere / Do my best, fuck the rest / I try… for you.” Besides colorful lyrics, there’s unique production with incredible character.  Last but not least, there are the vocals by Reilly where he exhibits great personality. Ultimately, “ROSIE” is short, but utterly sweet.

✓ “LEMONS” is yet another rad song courtesy of Reilly. It kicks off with an incredibly catchy chorus, which plays on a metaphor based on those sour fruits, basically.

“Life just gives me lemons
And I don’t like lemonade
Sticky situation
Look at this mess I’ve made.”

Despite getting lemons, and disliking lemonade, LoveLeo brings plenty of energy on the alt-pop cut. The lyrics are filled with ‘lemonade’ – I mean pessimism – yet, for all the unfortunate situations captured, the music is sick.  The second verse, in particular might be my favorite, including a clever reference or two:

“I don’t make music
I make songs for you
But you never listen
So, I play it cool
If a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
Then a bathtub full of Splenda
Will turn your whole life around.”

Splenda, huh? “LEMONS” is a prime an example of how creative Reilly is.

“BABYFREEZE”

Are you in need of a vibe? Well, look no further than the penultimate cut, “BABYFREEZE,” which doesn’t even reach the minute-and-a-half mark.  Though there are sections, including one verse, “BABYFREEZE” feels very modern and less concerned with being conventional which is pretty cool.  ‘Bonus’ cut “ROCKBOTTOM” concludes this wacky EP hilariously. Just start with the chorus:

“Butt naked
In the club
I’m the only one
In the club
Rock bottom
Rock bottom
Bottom rock
Bottom rock.”

Tongue in cheek to the nth degree! On the verse, LoveLeo actually provides a bit more insight into the “sticky situation.” Like the rest of the EP, it’s definitely unique. Again, the groove needs to be lauded – it’s sick AF!

Final Thoughts 

So, what does one make of LOOK AT THIS MESS IVE MADE? Well, I would say that this 16-minute EP shows the incredible potential that LoveLeo has.  It’s an odd, quirky listen mind you, but that’s part of the charm.  I love the fact that Leo Reilly is true to himself and doesn’t conform. Does he get a bit ‘too weird?’ Perhaps (“AHHHHHHH” is something), but there’s lots to like here.

✓ Gems: “BOYFREN,” “HEAD OVER HILLS,” “ROSIE” & “LEMONS”

LoveLeo • LOOK AT THIS MESS IVE MADE • GODMODE / Republic • Release: 7.17.20

Photo Credits: GODMODE / Republic