Live Laugh Love is rapper/songwriter Earl Sweatshirt’s fifth commercial album, containing 11 tracks. With a discography filled with vulnerability, hardcore fans, like myself, have seen Earl grow before our eyes and ears. Although Earl projects the same vulnerability seen in past projects, a new level of maturity rings throughout Live Laugh Love.
The album opens with a bass heavy instrumental with an audible smile in Earls delivery in the track “gsw vs sac”. With lyrics like “I just paint pictures, you just a chip on the frame” and “ Always the slow roller, don’t race the tortoise”, this reflects Earl’s new maturity in both life and his craft, with psychedelic twangs riffing throughout.
In the next few tracks, Earl sends a similar message with differing production styles, switching from gloomy guitar riffs on the second track “Forge” to a soulful sample with hypnotizing piano on the third track “INFATUATION.”
In contrast to the first three tracks, the fourth track “Gamma (need the <3)” reflects on his journey with mental health in the lyrics “Humble yourself, you cumbersome comin’ into your old age” telling the listener that without humility, aging can turn you into dead weight.” Before ending the track, Earl declares his destiny, with the lyrics “I couldn’t wait, couldn’t shake the notion my fate was up for me to decide, it’s no time for pumpin brakes.”
Song nine, “TOURMALINE” is by far the most emotionally charged track on this project, while being Earl’s most positive track so far in his career. In the lyrics “She found me on the streets, she vowin’ to keep my feet grounded, for my sweet child”, Earl shares his gratitude for his wife and child. Later in the track, Earl states “Ghost in the shell, you one hell of a host.” Here Earl is thanking his soul for giving himself his loving family and success.
The final track, “exhaust” is a message to his listeners to shy away from materialistic greed, and to work for your goals through every obstacle. Through the lyrics “More power to you but it’s no flowers in your vase” , Sweatshirt reiterates his anti materialistic values, symbolizing the flowers as a soul. The lyrics “no amount of sugar gon’ help with the taste, at the end of the day, it’s just you and whatever you think, I’m airmailing you strength” close the album perfectly, using his experiences as an example.
Overall I would rate this album an 8/10, due to the intricate lyricism that represents a beautiful message. Earl’s use of his past life experiences and projects to give the listeners an outlook on life is a remarkable concept used in this project. The album’s large range of production styles and samples make the album feel fresh with every listen. I would put this album as Earls 3rd best album, behind “Doris” and “I.D.L.S.I.D.G.O.”
