Feb. 13, 2026
By Hala Kenawy
Staff Writer
At just 22, Australian rapper, singer and songwriter The Kid LAROI effortlessly fuses emo rap, hip-hop, pop and R&B in his second studio album, “Before I Forget.”
His most personal release yet, LAROI pours his vulnerability into this 15-song collection. Delving into relatable themes of heartbreak, self-reflection, acceptance and the messy in-between moments that follow loss, LAROI creates a mood that is both engaging and genuine.
The way the album flows between energetic and subdued moments mirrors how unfiltered emotions tend to come and go unpredictably.
In the first track, “Me + You,” LAROI adopts a reflective tone, questioning what went wrong in his last relationship and expressing regret that it ended before their problems could be resolved. Repeating “Me and you, me and you, me and you, girl” in the chorus, LAROI emphasizes how deeply the relationship still weighs on him, setting the stage for an emotional journey rooted in regret and unresolved feelings.
Another standout track is “Private,” whose lyrics address the challenges of navigating relationships under scrutiny from fans, the media and the public.
In the chorus, LAROI confesses, “Next time, I’m keepin’ it private.” Conveying the fragility of the relationship, which has already been compromised by fame, he explains that the outside voices and pressure have crept into what once felt personal. It’s a dreamy, smooth song that enhances the album’s focus on connection, self-reflection and sincerity.
LAROI leans into hushed intimacy in “5:21AM,” showing that he doesn’t always need big production to make a moment impactful, as the quietest ones hit the hardest. The way the album flows between energetic and subdued moments mirrors how unfiltered emotions tend to come and go unpredictably.
Meanwhile, in “A Cold Play,” LAROI sings about the emotional toll of success and the pressure to appear confident despite struggling internally.
Rather than openly stating his pain, the song hints at the disconnect between his public image and private emotions, revealing vulnerability beneath its upbeat, infectious sound. This contrast lightens the album’s heavier moments while maintaining emotional continuity, showing how fame complicates rather than resolves his inner struggles.
For listeners who have experienced confusion, nostalgia or the messy process of moving forward after a breakup, “Before I Forget” feels familiar without being repetitive. Authentic and emotional, listeners can hear the care and attention to detail LAROI puts into his songwriting and arrangements, making “Before I Forget” worth listening to from start to finish.
