Lola Young songs have gotten us through this past year, and we at THP are huge fans. From her first album, Intro, to her newest, i’m only f*cking myself, she has given us a myriad of bangers that can get you into your feels all the way to music that can hype you up for your night out. Today, we are here to give you the rundown of five of our favorite Lola Young songs that are must-adds to your playlist.
Content warning: This article discusses themes of addiction and emotional distress. The Honey POP! always encourages mindful reading and champions you to prioritize your wellbeing when consuming media.
‘Grey And Lilac – Intro’
Let’s take a jump back a few years to 2019 when Lola Young got her big break, signing to Island Records after years of vigorous songwriting, recording, and performing. Under Island Records, she released her first EP, Intro, which performed decently, receiving positive reviews for her husky vocals and sagacious lyricism.
This EP is also home to one of our favorite Lola Young songs here at THP: ‘Grey and Lilac – Intro.’ Memorable for its turbulent emotion, the song takes us on a journey through Lola’s young heartbreak as she deals with the fallout of a heavy relationship that crumbled in front of their friends. Her hurt and anger towards her ex resonate with most listeners who’ve gone through a painful breakup and all the emotions that come with it. The song also brings up themes of sibling comparison and daddy issues, topics often portrayed negatively in other music. She breaks the stigma around them, admitting that this relationship of hers brought up those feelings towards her family.
‘Good Books’
2024 was a year for Lola Young. She released her second album, This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyways, which featured her breakout single ‘Messy’. Upon the release of this album, positive feedback slowly came in before November 28, 2024, when a TikTok video featuring Sophie Richie and Jake Shane went viral, catapulting the song to popularity and subsequently to the top of the charts.
But we at THP are here to remind you that the album is packed with gems beyond ‘Messy.’ Starting strong with ‘Good Books,’ the first track on the album, sets the tone of honesty and rawness, taking us into Young’s mind as we unpack and understand her thoughts and words. The pop-y instrumental introduction gets our feet tapping before Young begins her passionate singing, criticizing her partner for distancing themselves and getting easily angry. Her anger builds throughout the first verse, and she dives into a fiery yell-sing for the chorus, “you make it hard to see beneath the rubble…” This Lola Young song, which deals with relationship themes of being misunderstood and not prioritized, is a catchy sing-along as well as a truthful ode to relationship struggles.
‘You Noticed’
‘You Noticed,’ also on This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyways, is a breakup ballad detailing a wholesome past relationship that, while it was loving, didn’t last. This classic tale, the struggle of letting go of a strong love, is one that many listeners can strongly relate to. The simple guitar strumming and melodic strings in the back create a beautiful symphony of sounds that tickle the ear. Young’s therapeutic yells partway through the song show her releasing the pain of remembering her ex. The simple production of the song allows her poetic lyricism and strong vocals to shine through, giving the song a rawness that matches the heartbreak she’s singing about. This makes it one of our favorite Lola Young songs!
‘Post Sex Clarity’
Luckily for us at THP, Lola Young released her third studio album this September, i’m only f*cking myself. The album explores Young’s road to recovery from a cocaine addiction she battled amidst her catapult to fame. It highlights her raw but sometimes harsh look at recovery and addiction and explores other aspects of her life affected by her addiction. ‘Post Sex Clarity’ is one of the less heavy Lola Young songs on the album, instead focusing on the confusing emotions that arise from sexual intimacy.
Simple guitar strums open the song before the drums jump in, creating a rock-influenced groove that blends seamlessly with Young’s low, raspy vocals. The opening lines, “Smart, funny, you’re like honey, I want you to trickle right down my throat,” highlight her thoughtful yet playful songwriting. Her strong vocals carry the pre-chorus into a gritty, full-bodied chorus that hooks you from the first note. The heavy-metal-esque ending, with drums and guitars clashing, shows off her rock influences loud and proud.
‘Why Do I Feel Better When I Hurt You?’
To close, we have another song from i’m only f*cking myself: ‘why do i feel better when i hurt you?’ This song encapsulates the taboo feeling of control that can arise from hurting your partner. Lola doesn’t try to endorse this acting out, but instead grapples with why she feels in control or better about the relationship when she’s inflicting pain. This song offers a look into Young’s relationship patterns, allowing listeners with similar struggles to feel less alone.
Beyond its raw and truthful lyricism, the song’s atmospheric production stands out as an alternative take on R&B and pop music. The slow, moody guitar chord progressions, along with a steady drum beat, make for a euphonious track. Young’s deep, husky voice shines through, creating a deeper realness to the song. It’s a standout track for both vulnerability and vibe.
What do you think of our top Lola Young songs? We want to hear from you! Let us know your favorites by tweeting us at @TheHoneyPOP or reaching out on Facebook and Instagram. You can even join the conversation on Discord!
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