Since his hit single “I Like Me Better” accumulated 225 million views on YouTube, Ari Leff, professionally known as Lauv, has continued to expand his catalog of songs and has grown in popularity. With the 25-year-old artist’s upcoming album “~how i’m feeling~” set for release March 6 and 10 of the 21 tracks already out, listeners can expect more of Lauv’s voice that dips into falsetto backed with catchy pop beats that range in tempo. Fans of the electronic pop sounds of Bazzi or Khalid will enjoy the fresh, edgy twist that Lauv gives the genre. 

Lauv’s latest single added to the released track list “Modern Loneliness” opens with simple, muted piano chords and a quiet synthesizer, in stark contrast to his previous songs that are usually established around repeating percussion sounds or strong synthesizers. On this track, Lauv’s vocals sound more raw and less auto-tuned than his faster, upbeat songs. He vocalizes his personal experience with feeling alone as he details his relationship with his father and the struggle to find motivation. His wide-ranging voice weaves a message about the technology-ridden generation and the rise of depression among youth. Through this, the song resonates with a younger audience that is “never alone, but always depressed.” He brings up the concept that loneliness is not just physical, but mental — an idea that applies today more than ever before. Though Lauv often dances around the theme of loneliness in songs like “Drugs and the Internet,” this track stands out because it specifically discusses the idea of modern solitude and isolation. 

“Modern Loneliness” is also musically different than his previous songs. Lauv seems to match the tone and musicality to the lyrics to emphasize their importance and make listeners consider them more, rather than using a fast tempo that could contrast with the sad lyrics. He touches on how technology and communication have changed the ways in which we interact with friends, or don’t, when he writes, “Love my friends to death/ But I never call and I never text ’em.”

According to a MOXIE press release, Lauv said that this was his favorite song on his upcoming album, “and the most important song [he] feel[s] [he’s] ever made.”

“There is a lot of loneliness out there. We all feel it,” Lauv said. “But there is also a lot of love waiting for us and I hope this song can be a catalyst for that.” 

“Modern Loneliness” shows continuity in Lauv’s style, but also growth and a new side to his music including similar-themed lyrics but with a more uplifting beat. A power ballad, “Modern Loneliness” stands out for the well-executed vocalization and the songwriting. While you can still sing along to the song, you feel Lauv being vulnerable. While upbeat, catchy singles like “I Like Me Better” may get more initial attention than deeper, emotional ballads like “Modern Loneliness,” it’s safe to say that Lauv will have “~how i’m feeling~” listeners questioning how they’re really feeling.