Tough Luck (song)
| "Tough Luck" | ||||
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| Single by Laufey | ||||
| from the album A Matter of Time | ||||
| Released | 15 May 2025 | |||
| Length | 3:12 | |||
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| Laufey singles chronology | ||||
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| Lyric video | ||||
| "Tough Luck" on YouTube | ||||
"Tough Luck" is a song by Icelandic singer Laufey. It was released on 15 May 2025 as the second single from her third studio album, A Matter of Time (2025). Alongside the album announcement, the Laufey released the jazz-influenced single "Tough Luck". The song contrasts light melodies with candid lyrics about a difficult relationship, including explicit language, indicating a departure from her usual style.
Background
[edit]The song serves as Laufey's second release of 2025, following "Silver Lining," which was released on April 3. Both singles come after her 2024 live album A Night at the Symphony: Live at the Hollywood Bowl and the holiday EP A Very Laufey Holiday. Laufey also performed three sold-out concerts in the Philippines in 2024 — two with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra on May 28–29 at the PICC Plenary Hall, and her first-ever arena show at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on September 2.[1] On 21 May 2025, Laufey performed "Tough Luck" on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in her first televised performance of the song.[2]
Composition
[edit]"Tough Luck" is a fiery, fast-paced song that explores the end of a toxic relationship.[3][4] Over ascending melodies and sharp instrumentation, Laufey sings, "Tough luck, my boy, your time is up / I’ll break it first, I've had enough / Of waiting 'til you lie and cheat…" In a press statement, she explained that the track was meant to showcase "an angrier side" of herself — one brought out by the difficult experience that inspired the song.[5] Variety described the track as continuing in the tradition of Laufey's earlier song "Goddess", noting its contrast between a light, jazz-influenced sound and emotionally pointed lyrics. The outlet also highlighted the inclusion of explicit language, interpreting it as a sign of Laufey's willingness to depart from the genteel tone of her usual style to express a more confrontational perspective.[6] Elle described the song as a track where Laufey "disses a loser ex-boyfriend with angelic vocals and a climactic bridge," highlighting the contrast between the song's lyrical bite and its graceful delivery.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ Go, Mayks (14 May 2025). "Laufey Bids Farewell to a Toxic Relationship in Upcoming New Single "Tough Luck"". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ Tolentino, Daysia (15 May 2025). "Laufey Announces New Album A Matter of Time, Releases "Tough Luck": Stream". Consequence. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
- ^ Olson, Samantha (17 May 2025). "Laufey's Version of a Crash-Out Comes in the Form of Her "Tough Luck" Lyrics". Cosmopolitan. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ^ Murray, Robin (15 May 2025). "Laufey Announces New Album 'A Matter of Time'". Clash. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ Singh, Surej (15 May 2025). "Laufey announces new album 'A Matter of Time' with fiery single 'Tough Luck'". NME. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ Willman, Chris (15 May 2025). "Laufey Announces Third Album, 'A Matter of Time,' While Laying into Her Ex with Tough-Talking 'Tough Luck' Single". Variety. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
- ^ Gonzales, Erica (16 May 2025). "Laufey Isn't Afraid to Get a Little Messy on Her New Album". Elle. Retrieved 16 May 2025.