Continuing the lighthearted but touching trajectory of the singles thus far, Lauv delivers yet another treasured piece of the puzzle for the bigger story arch with the third single from his upcoming album, “Kids Are Born Stars.”
While his earlier discography–think “I Like Me Better” and “Paris In The Rain–” feels like heart-melting marshmallow, Lauv’s latest releases are more like popping candies that leave a licorice aftertaste. Lauv never fails to bring a sense of lightness through crystal clear melodies and he sets out to do just that with the new single.
“Kids Are Born Stars” combine child-like interludes, a steady and nostalgic tempo, as well as chords that are brighter than your brightest summer afternoon. Alongside the previous two singles, “26” and “All 4 Nothing (I’m So In Love),” it becomes very clear that Lauv wants to weave a story of child-like nostalgia and growing pain with his world-class level songwriting.
The hidden darkness beneath the joyous tunes reveals itself in the teaser of “Kids Are Born Stars.” Lost souls of all ages stand between racks filled with prescription bottles tagged with empty promises, among them is a boy who bears resemblance of Lauv himself.
The scene seems to fade in and out of a meditation session, eventually, a scream breaks: “ARI–” The use of the artist’s real name reveals the deeper past trauma and Lauv’s struggle with addiction, which runs as the central theme of the album, All 4 Nothing (I’m So In Love).
But like the duality within the album title, Lauv provides two sides to the story. A complete detour from the wary, drowsy teaser, the music video of “Kids Are Born Stars” depicts an idealized version of Lauv’s childhood, perhaps even a first love. There’s nothing more touching than seeing Lauv hanging out and offering a helping hand to a young Ari, with a kind of innocence and comfort that can only be traced in Lauv’s discography. With every endearing moment in the music video syncing up to vibrant progressions in the track, it becomes very clear that even in reflection, Lauv wants to focus on the happy endings of it all instead of the solemn past.
