The first track on Mitski’s latest album “Laurel Hell” perfectly encapsulates the record’s theme with the opener “Let’s step carefully into the dark.”  Released on Feb. 3 and featuring 11 tracks, four of which are pre-releases, “Laurel Hell” further establishes Mitski’s artistic signature of an emotive and relatable artist through the vulnerable lyricism throughout the album. However, containing ‘80s inspired tracks such as “Should’ve Been Me,” the album’s upbeat themes additionally serve as a stark difference from the rest of Mitski’s typically melancholically-themed discography. 

After over a year of a social media hiatus because she wanted “to be human again,” Mitski announced on several platforms she would be releasing a new song on Oct. 4, 2021, shocking fans and quickly garnering excitement for the new release. 

The first pre-release, “Working for the Knife,” had a massive impact on social media and peaked at number 27 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart, as the single and its music video incorporates elaborate sets, CGI and choreography, establishing “Laurel Hell” as refreshingly different from the rest of Mitski’s work, which relied mostly on simpler music videos that placed emphasis on the music itself. 

Mitski sheds the traditional pop format and experiments with different arrangements and instruments with “Laurel Hell” to create a refreshingly different studio album. For example, the song “Everyone” does not include the typical features of a pop song, with no distinct chorus, verse or bridge. Instead, the lyrics read like a story.  

From the muted, ambient synth of “I Guess” to the energetic drum set of “The Only Heartbreaker” to the “inviting dance beat” of “Stay Soft,” the album is very diverse with its sounds and aesthetics. There are some elements of cohesion throughout the album as well, however. For example, a majority of the tracks include experimental synth, creating an upbeat, modern feeling. 

The overarching theme of this album is very different from her past work. Mitski’s previous albums centered around ideas of helplessness and despair, and while “Laurel Hell” still explores dark themes, the lyrics display acceptance of the emotions, rather than trying to resist them. As Mitski puts it, “I needed love songs about real relationships that are not power struggles to be won or lost.”

However, several songs on the album are disappointingly forgettable. In particular, the structureless lyrics of “Everyone” allows Mitski the freedom to convey her experience in the music industry, but there is no typical memorable chorus in the track, causing “Everyone” to get lost in the other tracks. 

“Laurel Hell,” however, is Mitski’s opportunity to further explore new themes in her music and discover what resonates the most with her after a year away. Additionally, although unmemorable, “Everyone” significantly diversifies “Laurel Hell” with its powerful lyrics yet solemn production, further aiding Mitski in her journey. 

In “Valentine, Texas,” Mitski sings: “Who will I be tonight? / Who will I become tonight?” Indeed, who will she become? Her music, ever changing, continues to develop and shows no sign of stopping. Although some tracks are unmemorable, each track in “Laurel Hell” perfectly encapsulates Mitski’s artistic and personal evolution, demonstrating how Mitski will never fail to leave an impression on those who listen to her. 

4.5/5