Laila! Gap Year

Laila! is back with another project after her EP released back in February “In Ctrl!” with Gap Year! The “Not my problem” singer came out with a 17 song, 44-minute album. The 18-year-old has been making moves since her two TikTok hits, “Not my problem,” and “Like That.” She clearly understood how to make a comprehensive album. Having songs that are slower paced and more up-tempo paced. Also having multiple interludes, and even two recordings of family members leaving her a message. 

The two “interludes” were “If you’re listening”, which features a piece of what the next song is going to be “We’re so over,” the last 20 seconds. The second was a short freestyle called “Sani (homework freestyle),” that was :38 seconds long. Where Sani was talking about Laila! being late for school. Sani raps “She bouta go to bed, she got school in the morning, but when the alarm come she gone be snoring.” 

At the end of the first song “Talent show” someone leaves her a voicemail that starts at the end of the song. “Hey Laila bug, I really hope that you are up and out of the house and on your way to school.” Doubling down on what Sani was saying five songs later. Also in the recording named “Mami Nelly.” “Hi Laila everything was beautiful… I love you with all my heart.” 

She kept a true identity in this album staying with a R’n’B sound. A lot of her songs really showed off where her voice can go. The two songs that showed off her vocal talent most were “R U Down?” and “If you’re listening.” Laila! had a moment in 

“R U Down” where she has an incredible run at 1:43-1:57. “If you’re listening” had great back vocals on it, to really enhance her already great voice. 

The first song “Talent Show” which was originally called “Nothing to say”. It was a live song that she performed with guitarist Juan. 

With her beat selection, she stayed very comfortable with her sound. Having a lot of beats that will keep your interest peaked throughout the song. “IDONTNEEDUANYMORE” is the most interesting instrumental on the album. Starting with the fact that she didn’t say a word until :30 seconds. With the sound of a piano to start the song and going into a xylophone sound. 

In listening I noticed some similarities to Brent Faiyaz’s instrumental selection and melodic sound. With a heavy dosage of sing and pause. This is something that Faiyaz is known for. Similar to the song “FYTB” by Faiyaz, where he will sing and stop his vocals to go back into singing. Most of her songs flow very well with her voice.  

Overall, this is a definite listen with it being under an hour.  She gives so much versatility throughout every song. My personal favorite song was, “R U DOWN.” The way she was able to show off her vocal talent was extravagant.