Full Review

beabadoobee, Laufey, A Night to Remember Review

The collaborative single “A Night to Remember” by beabadoobee and Laufey is a unique blend of musical backgrounds and styles. beabadoobee, known for her indie rock and bedroom pop sound, brings a distinctively youthful and raw energy to her music. Her ascent in the indie scene, marked by two acclaimed albums and five EPs, showcases her versatility and appeal, particularly among Gen-Z listeners. Her work is characterized by a blend of nostalgic 90s grunge and contemporary indie pop, with a personal and introspective lyrical style.

On the other hand, Laufey, with her roots in jazz and classical music, offers a contrasting but complementary musical perspective. Her background in cello and piano, combined with her love for jazz standards, infuses her work with a sophisticated and timeless quality. Her debut album, Everything I Know About Love, reached #1 on Billboard’s Alternative New Artist Album chart, and her record-breaking album Bewitched demonstrates her ability to blend classical and jazz elements with modern sensibilities, resonating with a broad audience.

“A Night to Remember” begins with a light Latin-inspired nylon-strung guitar, setting a mood that is both intimate and exotic. This introduction immediately signals a departure from both artists’ typical styles, leaning into a more sultry, rhythmically nuanced territory. Laufey’s vocals are the first to greet the listener for the first verse, characterized by a big, warm tone that perfectly suits the song’s sensual mood. Her delivery, slightly behind the beat, adds to the allure and sophistication of the track, showcasing her jazz influences.

beabadoobee’s singing style in this track is characterized by a slightly behind-the-beat delivery, much like Laufey’s, but with her own unique flair. This approach draws listeners into her realm, creating a sense of anticipation and engagement with the song’s narrative. Her vocal tone is brighter and possesses a bit more edge, reflective of her indie-rock background. This edginess adds a layer of complexity to the track, bringing a sense of modern indie sensibility to the bossa nova-inspired backdrop.

Moreover, beabadoobee’s choice to sing in a higher register for this song is notable. It allows her voice to soar above the mix, providing a delightful contrast to the warm, lower tones of the Laufey and the guitar and strings. This higher register also highlights her versatility as a vocalist, as she navigates this sensual pop-bossa setting easily and confidently. It displays her wide vocal range and ability to adapt her inherently indie-style voice to a genre entirely different from her usual musical territory.

Hearing beabadoobee and Laufey in this context is indeed intriguing. It showcases their ability to embrace a different musical style, while still maintaining their unique vocal identities. Her performance in “A Night to Remember” clearly indicates her artistic growth and her willingness to experiment with new sounds and collaborations. This adaptability and range are what make her a standout artist in the contemporary music scene, capable of bridging genres and generations with her music.

When the two sing together in the pre-chorus and chorus, they blend seamlessly. This blending is a testament to the skill of the vocalist and the careful arrangement and production of the song. beabadoobee’s voice, known for its indie-rock edge, adapts beautifully to this more sultry, bossa nova-influenced style, proving her versatility as a vocalist.

The production, handled by Jacob Bugden and Spencer Stewart, deserves special mention. The use of subtle samples and production effects adds character to the song without overwhelming the organic quality of the guitar and strings. The bossa nova beat, combined with the warm acoustic guitar and silky strings, creates a backdrop that allows both singers to showcase their smooth, sensual vocals. This arrangement pays homage to a memorable evening “underneath the sheets,” aligning with the artists’ intention to create something “a bit more sexy” than their usual output.

Lyrically, the song navigates themes of fleeting romance and the power of a single, memorable night. The lyrics “Underneath the sheets / You enchanted me / And whispered sweet nothings in my ear” evoke a vivid picture of intimacy and connection, while also hinting at the ephemeral nature of the encounter. This theme is further explored in the lines “Then I walked away / You asked me to stay,” suggesting a reversal of traditional romantic roles and a reclaiming of narrative power, especially from a female perspective.

In conclusion, “A Night to Remember” is a successful and intriguing collaboration between beabadoobee and Laufey, blending their distinctive musical styles into a cohesive and captivating whole. The track stands out for its sultry rhythms, warm vocal harmonies, and thoughtful production, marking a notable departure from their respective musical norms. This single showcases the artists’ versatility and ability to create a piece that reflects their individual styles and is synergistic in its execution.