Lola Young – ‘I’m Only Fucking Myself’ Review: Fresh Spins on Pop That Surprise and Delight

Lola Young’s album ‘I’m Only Fucking Myself’ delivers intriguing and surprising takes on pop, blending modern influences with raw personal storytelling.

If you’ve caught the infectious charm of Lola Young’s 2023 hit “Messy,” you probably think you know what she’s about. But diving into her third album, I’m Only Fucking Myself, reveals a vibrant artist evolving beyond what put her on the map. Since bursting out of the BRIT School in 2018, Lola has steadily crafted a distinct path, despite early comparisons to Amy Winehouse due to shared management history and candid lyrics about personal struggles. Spoiler: sonically, she’s miles apart from Amy’s smoky jazz-infused soul.

Modern Vibes with a Nostalgic Twist

This album feels like a playlist curated for a late-night drive through south London streets. Tracks like “Not Like That Anymore” channel the jittery guitar vibes reminiscent of Vampire Weekend’s early days or The Maccabees’ indie rock heart. Meanwhile, “Spiders” serves as Lola’s polished, pop-tinged homage to the ’90s alt-rock grit of Veruca Salt. The real kicker? The unmistakable influence of alt-pop sensation Remi Wolf. Songs like “D£aler” and “One Thing” mirror Wolf’s breezy, infectious energy so closely that you could almost mistake one artist for the other. Both artists share the magic touch of Grammy-winning producer Solomonphonic, whose signature sound colors the album heavily.

Hooky Beats, But Room to Grow

“D£aler” stands out with lyrics that nail the jittery moment before self-change kicks in: it’s catchy but meaningful. Yet, some tracks, particularly “One Thing,” stumble lyrically with awkward lines like “turn the light off, I’mma wet the sheets” and a delivery that feels tailor-made for TikTok rather than timeless listening. Solomonphonic’s production, while polished and radio-ready, sometimes overshadows Lola’s unique voice, making the album feel a bit like a collaboration between her artistry and the producer’s pop blueprint.

Where Lola Truly Shines: The Heavier, Deeper Cuts

Step beyond the glossy singles, and I’m Only Fucking Myself reveals its heart. Tracks like “Can We Ignore It :(“, “Fuck Everyone,” and “Post Sex Clarity” dig into grittier, emotionally raw territory where Lola’s personality bursts through. The acoustic “Who F**king Cares” strips everything back, spotlighting her vocal vulnerability and existential musings. There’s a haunting line that sticks: “All I know is that I’d like to be, and someday I might get there,” before she wryly adds, “In the meantime, I’ll cry to Radiohead, hoping my ex still cares.” It’s these moments where you realize Lola’s not just spinning pop tunes; she’s telling stories soaked in personal truth and youthful nihilism.

A Sometimes Scattered, But Promising Collection

Admittedly, this album can feel like a bit of a rollercoaster, tumbling through styles and moods with occasional lapses in cohesion. But honestly? That’s part of its charm. Packing so many unexpected twists and turns into one record is ambitious, and Lola mostly pulls it off. You get the sense of a young artist still finding her groove, but also of an exciting talent pushing boundaries and refusing to be boxed in. There’s plenty to look forward to as Lola Young continues her rise.

Album Details

• Record label: Island/Day One
• Release date: September 19, 2025

“All I know is that I’d like to be, and someday I might get there.”
— Lola Young

FAQ

• How does Lola Young's style differ from Amy Winehouse’s?
  Despite early comparisons, Lola’s sound leans more into indie and alt-pop influences with modern production, steering clear of the jazz and soul vibes Amy was known for.
• Which producers worked on ‘I’m Only Fucking Myself’?
  The album features Grammy-winning producer Solomonphonic, who also collaborates with Remi Wolf.
• What themes are explored in the album?
  Lola dives into personal struggles, self-reflection, sexual liberation, and the messy journey toward self-acceptance.
• Are there standout tracks that showcase Lola’s unique voice?
  Yes, deeper cuts like “Can We Ignore It :(“ and “Who F**king Cares” highlight Lola’s raw vocal ability and emotional depth.
• Is this album a good introduction to Lola Young?
  Absolutely. It captures her range and sets the stage for her evolving artistry beyond the hit “Messy.”

Feel the pull of Lola Young’s honest, eclectic pop storytelling? Bring that energy home by shopping your favorite album cover poster at our store here. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the soundtrack to your next big mood shift.