Earl Sweatshirt’s fifth studio album, “Live Laugh Love,” marks a pivotal evolution in his musical career. This 11-track, 24-minute masterpiece offers an optimistic approach compared to his earlier albums which is because of Sweatshirt’s newfound fatherhood and marriage. Some songs that explicitly showcase this optimistic view are songs like “CRISCO” or “TOURMALINE.” Sweatshirt uses his lyrics to display the joy of partnership, fatherhood and finding a new purpose in his life, replacing the isolation of his past work with a mature, settled existence that’s earned. The album’s lo-fi, sample-heavy production showcases his fragmented “Earl-isms,” his upbeat album speaks volumes on his personal developments.
The album is grounded by the personal growth that’s explored on tracks like the album closer, “exhaust” acts as a reflection on his journey, providing a place of closure as Sweatshirt acknowledges his life. He ties in his happiness to the complicated relationship he had with his late father and his act of breaking the emotional chain, including his promising new outlook on faith, which transforms this album into a lyrical documentation of his emotional healing. Additionally the song “Live” features a direct look into his present, where he contrasts his old life on the road to the security of his new family.
While the project is strong overall, my least favorite song which is a potentially controversial pick is the opener, “gsw vs. sacs.” I love the funky beat, but it just felt a little too repetitive and was hard to fall in love with. However, the album reaches its emotional apex on my personal favorite, “TOURMALINE.” On this track Earl’s reflection on his life, making it feel vivid and heartfelt, making it a definitive highlight of the project. These songs confirm that the progression on “Live Laugh Love” is not just about his momentary happiness, but about an intentional, adult commitment to building a healthier life.
Ultimately, “Live Laugh Love” is a presentation of his well deserved peace that redefines Earl Sweatshirt’s musical standing. By using his lyrical complexity inspired by artist MF DOOM, and his challenging production style into major themes of happiness, stability and healing. He proves that creativity isn’t to be dulled, but to be redefined. The album’s tight runtime makes it easily re-listenable, and its enduring significance, stands as a bright counterpart to the earlier work of his that included grief and isolation of his earlier wellbeing. This album isn’t meant to be a farewell to himself of the past, but as an affirmation that the artist has found the purpose he once sought.
Some ways to listen to the album are on Spotify, Apple Music, Vinyl or CD. Live Laugh Love is an album that is needed to listen to.
