Synthwave Single Review: "Stunning" by LAU
Stunning by LAU is a vocal synthwave track that’s basically a lot of fun to hear. It gives off classic synthwave vibes and that’s fine with me because it does that well in my view. There are drifting layers of synth and a driving, propulsive synthwave beat which is joined by a strong melody that dances brightly through the track as the singer’s energetic voice comes in. Lau Fares' voice has a real ability to drive the tune and all of the synths glow and shimmer under and around it. I also liked how Lau Fares could match the energy levels of her music with the strength of her voice.
Lau Fares and Brian Skeel have written lyrics which really hit the breakup song vibes and do so well. It’s a positive take on the idea of moving on and getting away from a relationship that’s no longer healthy. There’s a sense of urgency in the line, “No plan to get you out of my life, I’m losing control, I gotta shake you off.”
The other party in the relationship is clearly not dealing well with the breakup. As the lyrics say, “Now you cry because I’m moving on, ‘cause you know you’ve lost and I let you go. I'm fed up, the moment has come.”
Despite the regret that, “I know, yeah, you were stunning I gave you somethin'” the narrator ultimately realizes that it’s time to take control and now, “I won’t come running. You gave me nothing. I won’t fall again.”
Overall I liked the vibe that Stunning gave out from the energy and exuberance of the classic synthwave sounds that ooze from the track to the strong voice of the singer and the lyrics that tell a relatable tale of a relationship gone bad. I’d enjoy hearing more from Lau Fares in the future.
