Grammy-winning pop-jazz artist Laufey has officially announced her third full-length album, A Matter of Time, set for release on August 22. The announcement follows the recent drop of a new single, “Tough Luck,” a fierce breakup anthem that reveals a sharper, angrier side of the usually genteel performer.
‘Tough Luck’: A Fiery New Direction
The new track pulls no punches. With a light and melodic sound contrasting with emotionally searing lyrics, Laufey showcases a no-nonsense lyrical edge that harkens back to her previous deluxe track, “Goddess.” In both songs, she breaks from her traditionally vintage jazz-pop aesthetic with pointed, modern bite — including explicit language rarely heard in her catalog.
“‘Tough Luck’ is a fiery song about love gone wrong,” Laufey shared in a statement. “I wanted to reveal an angrier side of myself — a side that this unfortunate relationship brought out in me.”
Key lyrics from the chorus include:
“I’ve had enough / Of waiting ’til you lie and cheat / Just like you did to the actress before me / Oops, she doesn’t even know / You won’t be missed, I’m glad to see you go.”
Later, she drives the message home with: “The proof says you’re tragic as fuck.”
A New Era With Bold Collaborators
A Matter of Time finds Laufey teaming up once again with longtime producer Spencer Stuart and, for the first time, working with Aaron Dessner — known for his production work with Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, and The National.
“I’m constantly thinking about classical and jazz, how to properly preserve them and pay homage,” Laufey said, “but for this album, I just wanted to let my heart wander… People expect a pretty façade of girly clothes, fantastical stories and romantic music. This time, I was interested in seeing how I could draw out the most flawed parts of myself and look at them directly in the mirror.”
A Matter of Time: Album Details
This third album arrives nearly two years after Laufey’s critically acclaimed Bewitched, which earned the Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Album. In between, Laufey has remained prolific with:
- A deluxe edition of Bewitched
- Seasonal releases, including multiple holiday singles
- The concert film A Night at the Symphony: Live at the Hollywood Bowl (2024)
- A limited edition double-LP soundtrack for Record Store Day (April 2025)
Recent Performances and What’s Next
Laufey has yet to unveil a major tour in support of the album, but she is scheduled for select summer appearances with symphony orchestras. Most recently, she performed at Coachella 2025, joining the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel. There, she performed her viral hit “From the Start” and the album’s first single, “Silver Lining.”
As fans eagerly await A Matter of Time, “Tough Luck” sets the tone for a deeper, more personal chapter in Laufey’s musical evolution.
Related topics:
