In "THE FIRST TIME," released on November 10th, The Kid Laroi explores the tumultuous waves of romance with 'WHERE DO YOU SLEEP?' and considers the complexities of reigniting a past relationship in 'TOO MUCH'. Despite their effort, the tracks fall short, not quite achieving the profound exploration they set out for.
mbarking on The Kid Laroi's "THE FIRST TIME" is akin to flipping through a diary dense with the ink of self-reflection and the growing pains synonymous with a life lived in the harsh glare of the public eye. The album's overture 'SORRY' is an unabashed cry from the trenches of fame, Laroi's voice heavy with the admission of his struggles, a prime example being the lyrics, "I'm tryin' not to go insane but I got all this weight on me and I just wanna run away," resonating with anyone who's felt the crush of expectation.
Tracks like 'BLEED' and 'I THOUGHT THAT I NEEDED YOU' are Laroi's emotional exorcisms set to music, rife with the agony of a soul scorched by love's fickleness. Verses like "now it's weeks since we spoke, had your mom drop my clothes, and she tried to console me that love comes and goes," dig deep into the aftermath of a fragmented connection, making 'BLEED' a track that listeners will cling to during heartache's lonely hours.
The Kid Laroi showcases his understanding of contrasting musical themes through songs such as 'WHERE DO YOU SLEEP?' and 'TOO MUCH'. The first, a recounting of love's often chaotic journey, and the second, a reflective consideration on the emotional toll of reigniting a past love affair. Yet, while these tracks show potential, they sometimes lack the accompanying depth in production to elevate them fully.
Furthermore, we find a certain rawness in tracks such as 'TEAR ME APART', where the stripped-back production should foreground Laroi's emotive vocals. Instead, the guitar accompaniment, while tender, doesn't quite succeed in evoking the emotional potency the lyrics strive for. This notion is mirrored in 'NIGHTS LIKE THIS', where the transition, intended to be spiritual, somewhat falls flat, feeling more jarring than enlightening.
Collaborations like 'CALL ME INSTEAD' featuring Robert Glasper and 'WHAT’S THE MOVE?' with Future and BabyDrill offer glimpses of Laroi's capability for blending genres and styles. These partnerships, particularly with Glasper, are remarkable, but they can't carry the album alone and feel like a glittery facade over a construction needing more stability.
Where the album strikes an undeniable chord is with the earnest 'DESERVE YOU' and the contemplative 'THE LINE' (feat. d4vd)—it’s here where Laroi's writing shines brightest. They offer confession booth-style lyrical intimacy, yet Laroi's vocal delivery on these tracks seems to search for a musical anchor, occasionally drifting in the wide sea of production.
Narratives like 'WHAT WENT WRONG???' and the candidly heartfelt 'WHERE DOES YOUR SPIRIT GO?'—a touching tribute to Juice WRLD—do provide a redemptive nod to Laroi's knack for storytelling through rap. However, these promising moments are at times overshadowed by a feeling of thematic repetition rather than evolution.
As the album concludes with 'KIDS ARE GROWING UP', Laroi wraps his memoirs with an empathetic acknowledgment of his origins and the transformations borne from life’s relentless tide. It's an admirable finale that, while aiming to tie the bow on this collection of life chapters, could benefit from more cohesive storytelling earlier in the album.
Alluding to a vocal diary, "THE FIRST TIME" offers a transparent glimpse into The Kid Laroi’s emotional and artistic journey. It's evident that Laroi navigates the intersections of hurt and healing with the intent of authenticity. Yet despite these intentions, the album frequently teeters on the edge of true depth, often feeling like it scratches the surface of something profound without fully diving in. A combination of soaring intentions and grounded realities bring this ambitious project to a score of 5.5 out of 10—an attempt at greatness that skirts the edges but doesn’t always land the jump.
The Kid LAROI "THE FIRST TIME" Track List:
PopFiltr is your personalized hub for in-depth music, media, and entertainment content, offering exclusive artist newsletters, insightful reviews, curated playlists, and comprehensive news and interviews.
