Album Review: ‘haha, no worries’ by Lubalin

Montréal-based artist Lubalin recently came out with his debut studio album, haha, no worries. The pop musician garnered attention during the COVID-19 pandemic by making a series of songs about “internet drama.” After his fifteen minutes of internet fame, Lubalin continued to create music, eventually crafting his first full album. haha, no worries explores themes of introspection and connection against a backdrop of early 2000s drums and soft synth.

A track titled “dog” opens the album, setting the tone as it grapples with the difficulty of finding a sense of stillness within oneself. “I feel it calling me, I don’t know how to find peace,” Lubalin laments, echoing the themes of uncertainty and self-discomfort that permeate the album. The lyrics are accompanied by a relentless, pattering drum that drives the song forward and evokes feelings of anxiety through its fast, unrelenting nature.

At times, the album can feel repetitive, as many of the songs contain similar soundscapes and rhythms. This consistency is admirable from a musical unity perspective, but can sometimes make for a more mundane listen. Despite these repetitions, a few tracks stand out. “aerodynamics” begins with the same soft tone as the other tracks, but with a more acoustic sound. As the song continues, the music builds to a dramatic chorus, juxtaposing the verses. The unexpectedly emotional chorus adds to the musical intrigue. It also emphasizes the gravity of the crisis being experienced by the singer. He sings “maybe I’m not real.”

“pale blue dot” reflects on the questions we ask ourselves and the worlds we create in our heads. Similar to the aforementioned “aerodynamics,” the track strays from the standard muted tone of the album and explodes into an electric guitar-filled wail between wispy verses. The added weight of more electric instruments and heavier drums add to the strong emotions of the lyrics. Lubalin weaves between childlike musings and more adult epiphanies as he longs for a universe he can’t reach. The volatile, passionate nature of the production and depth of the lyrics makes “pale blue dot” the best track on the album.

Despite these standout tracks, haha, no worries can, at times, fall short. The repetitive nature of the production makes it hard to differentiate between some tracks. It can make for a bit of a dry listen. The lyricism can be quite interesting, but it also struggles with being too general, which can detract from its depth.

Even though the album can feel generic, Lubalin’s vision shines through. The heavy drum and synth emphasis reflect the themes of the album. Despite vague lyricism, many tracks communicate complex ideas and leave the listener with nuggets of discussion to consider. For a debut album, Lubalin has produced a very admirable piece of art that hints at the potential for something even better in his next work.