On January 6, the Kid LAROI released his second studio album, “Before I Forget”. It combines pop and hip-hop elements, which really pop out with the addition of Kid Laroi’s great vocals. Known for his melodic delivery and emotional honesty, Laroi leans heavily into his strengths on this album, using his vocals to carry his message out as the centerpiece of each song. The result is a beautiful and cohesive album that highlights his growth as an artist and also as just a human being.
You can tell Laroi poured his heart into this album. Laroi announced his album on his Instagram story, saying, “I hope that it [the album] resonates with you in some way because it means a hell of a lot to me.” One of its albums’ strongest qualities is the emotional depth. Laroi explored themes of heartbreak, regret, grief, and self-reflection, often drawing from his own personal experiences. His lyrics feel sincere and vulnerable, allowing listeners to connect with the emotions behind the music. While these themes are familiar within his discography, they are delivered with a more mature and thoughtful approach, suggesting artistic progression rather than repetition.
The production on “Before I Forget” is modern, blending soft pop melodies with hard-hitting hip-hop beats. The instrumentals are carefully layered, creating a sound that is both radio friendly but yet still emotionally driven. Producers leave plenty of space for Larois’ vocals to shine, which is essential given how important Larois’ voice and soul are to the identity of the album. His vocal performance is expressive and confident, but also very vulnerable. Often shifting between smooth singing and emotionally charged delivery.
Several tracks stand out for their catchiness and emotional impact, such as “A COLD PLAY”, “me+you”, and “Never Came Back”. These songs showcase Larois’s ability to create catchy hooks but still maintain lyrical substance. Even when the new album follows a consistent sonic style, it avoids becoming dull thanks to strong melodies and varied pacing.
ERHS junior Rosalia Chavez has this to say about the album, “I liked the album. It was very heartfelt, it was a good breakup album, and it had a lot of emotion.”
Overall, “Before I Forget” is a solid release that reinforces Larois pleace in today’s music landscape. While it may not drastically reinvent the sound, the album succeeds in refining it. With strong vocals, relatable themes, and polished production, “Before I Forget” delivers an engaging and emotionally resonant listening experience.
