Icelandic singer Laufey (pronounced lay-vay) released her sophomore album Bewitched on Friday, September 8, 2023. Already established as a prominent, jazz-influenced pop artist, Laufey brings her best qualities to her new album and more. Her second album is filled with emotion and life, with Laufey wearing her heart on her sleeve while singing. She blends deeply personal and heartfelt lyrics with a full, orchestral sound to create an album that tells stories of love and heartbreak. For the most part, the album is filled with more low-key songs that have a very obvious jazz influence. However, there are stand out tracks with a more modern, poppier sound, such as While You Were Sleeping, Promise, and From The Start, which gained some popularity on TikTok this July.

Laufey’s soothing voice perfectly complements her profound lyrics, making the album feel complete. The feel of the whole album is very comforting. The personal songwriting makes the album feel very intimate, as if the lyrics are being sung specifically for the listener. My own highlights off the album are Haunted, While You Were Sleeping, and From The Start, though I would have to say my favorite track is California and Me. Fans of similar artists such as Mitski and Weyes Blood, as well as fans of jazz artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, may be fond of Laufey’s new album.