Behind Laufey’s New Single: “Silver Lining”

In an industry where pop music frequently values production over feeling, Laufey is taking a refreshingly unique route. With a talent that combines elements of jazz, classical music, and indie-folk, the Icelandic-born singer is creating her own musical niche. Laufey’s music is timeless, emotional, and seems to resonate with fans all over the world.s

Her latest single “Silver Lining”, is no exception. Released on April 3rd, 2025, the song is believed to be the first track from her highly anticipated new album. It has already captured hearts with its soft instrumentals, relatable lyrics, and poetic music video that already has over a million views on YouTube. As Laufey herself describes it, “Silver Lining is a song about just letting yourself be completely silly and how when you're in love, you just become almost like this child-like version of yourself and you kind of lose control of this facade that you put up for another person and you become this imperfect version of yourself, but the silver lining is that you'll have that person with you at the end of the day.” (Spotify)

This new single is more than a slow song about romance—it’s a story about who we become when we love someone so deeply.

Let’s dive into the meaning behind Silver Lining, the brilliance of its music video, and why this moment in Laufey’s career feels like a turning point.

Laufey: Who Is She?

Before we peel back the layers of her new song, it’s important to understand who Laufey is and why her career is on the rise.

Pronounced “Lau-vay,” Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir comes from an Icelandic and Chinese background. Since 2020, she’s been crafting heartfelt, vintage-sounding songs that reflect the rollercoaster of love and youth.

What sets Laufey apart is her ability to create a world where vulnerability isn’t just allowed—it’s celebrated. Her music doesn’t scream for attention like most pop artists you might hear on the radio, it comforts you like a cup of tea on a rainy day. Think Ella Fitzgerald meets Norah Jones. Yet, Laufey is original and has found herself in the place between jazz and modern music.

With her Grammy-winning album Bewitched, Laufey proved she was more than just 'a potential rising star'. She became the face of a new kind of music. Now, with her newly released single Silver Lining, she’s taking that even further.

Silver Lining: A Song About Loving Without A "Mask"

At first listen, Silver Lining feels like a perfect slow dance anthem. But beneath the delicate guitar and background strings, lies a core of emotional storytelling.

The song opens with a scene of subtle self-destruction: “I’ve been falling in bad habits / Staring into the abyss / Drowning in red wine and sniffing cinnamon.”

It’s vulnerable and honest—a different perspective compared to the polished lyrics of many other love songs. Laufey doesn't glamorize romance. Love, for her, is about letting go while also finding a connection.

In a video interview via Spotify, Laufey shared the lyric that she was most proud of within this track: “The lyric on Silver Lining that I'm most proud of is probably ‘when you go to hell I'll go there with you too’ just cause it's like a funny phrase that I always say with my friends, like ‘oh ill see you in hell’, so probably that.”

This line in the chorus represents a deep bond and tremendous loyalty, indicating that their journey is shared, regardless of the difficulties they may face individually or together.

Laufey makes the case that real love doesn’t have to be perfect. It happens when we’re willing to be real, flawed, and honest with who we are.

The Music Video: A Lonely Dance, Masks, And A Sundae For Two

The Silver Lining music video is shot entirely on 35mm film by Jason Lester who previously directed Laufey's “From the Start” and “Santa Baby". It opens at a masquerade ball where everyone seems to be paired up with someone. Laufey, in a shiny strapless gown, walks through the crowd, visibly disoriented and disconnected from the rest.

The masquerade quickly becomes a metaphor for emotional pretense. Essentially everyone is hiding under a mask-literally and figuratively-while playing a part. Moving through life with a filtered identity. Laufey, however, seems to be craving something real. The choreography within the video grows in intensity as Laufey eventually slips through the crowd.

She then escapes the madness of the masquerade and finds herself in a quiet ice cream shop. Across from her, sits a man with no mask and no pretense. In the closing scene, the two share an ice cream sundae paired with quiet laughter. It’s a simple but powerful ending that symbolizes the relief of finding someone that you can be completely yourself with.

The Reaction: People Want More

Since its release, Silver Lining has sparked a wave of admiration from fans and critics alike. Critics have echoed this sentiment. Early reviews applaud Laufey’s storytelling and note the growth in both her musical and visual creativity. Her decision to work again with Jason Lester and to continue pushing the visual elements of her music is paying off.

Laufey was recently featured as one of Time’s 2025 Women of the Year, reinforcing her role not only for her talent but also for her influence on the music industry as well as her ability to reshape what being an artist can mean today.

Themes: Vulnerability, Authenticity And Acceptance

Laufey shares that sometimes love can bring out both the best and worst in us. In the lyrics, she explores how love forces us to reveal our insecurities, our childishness, and our fears. The music video reflects a desire for authenticity in a world that plays pretend, through the imagery of masks, chaos, and that final quiet moment in the ice cream shop.

'A silver lining' within a relationship could mean that you are still seeing the good side of a relationship even when things aren't perfect. That message feels especially powerful in a time of forged personalities and hyper-perfectionism.

Conclusion: The Silver Lining Is Just the Beginning

At its heart, Silver Lining feels like a reminder that love doesn’t have to be flawless to be genuine. Laufey has once again created something that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. The song, the music video, the small details—they all speak to the kind of connection that happens when we let our guard down and allow someone to see us as we are.

It’s clear that Laufey isn’t just making music—she’s creating individuality for herself. With Silver Lining, she’s showing us a new side of herself while staying true to everything that fans love about her music. If this is just the first look at what’s coming next, then we’re in for something really special.

While Silver Lining is already an outstanding single, it feels like the potential beginning of something bigger. Laufey’s next album could currently be in the works.

In this single, you can see a bit of growth—not just in her voice, but in the way she tells a story. Silver Lining is a modern love story paired with vintage charm.

If Silver Lining is any hint of what’s next in Laufey's career, then we’re not just getting a new album—we’re watching an artist finally get the recognition she deserves. And honestly? That may be the most exciting part.