Tough Luck (song)
| "Tough Luck" | ||||
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| Single by Laufey | ||||
| from the album A Matter of Time | ||||
| Released | 15 May 2025 | |||
| Length | 3:12 | |||
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| Songwriter(s) |
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| Laufey singles chronology | ||||
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| Lyric video | ||||
| "Tough Luck" on YouTube | ||||
"Tough Luck" is a song by Icelandic singer Laufey. It was released on 15 May 2025 as the second single from her upcoming third studio album, A Matter of Time (2025). Alongside the album announcement, Laufey released the jazz-influenced single "Tough Luck". The song contrasts light melodies with candid lyrics about a difficult relationship, including one explicit lyric, indicating a departure from her usual style.
Background
[edit]The song serves as Laufey's second release of 2025, following "Silver Lining", which was released on 3 April. Both singles come after her 2024 live album A Night at the Symphony: Live at the Hollywood Bowl and the holiday EP A Very Laufey Holiday. Laufey also performed three sold-out concerts in the Philippines in 2024 — two with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra on 28–29 May at the PICC Plenary Hall, and her first-ever arena show at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on 2 September.[1]
Promotion
[edit]Prior to its official release, Laufey performed "Tough Luck" at a Grammy conference held on 26 April 2025.[2] She made the first televised performance of the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on 21 May 2025.[3] The track was officially sent to Icelandic radio stations, like the previous single "Silver Lining", on the week of 23 May 2025.[4]
Composition
[edit]"Tough Luck" is a fiery, fast-paced song in D♭ major that explores the end of a toxic relationship.[5][6] Over ascending melodies and sharp instrumentation, Laufey sings, "Tough luck, my boy, your time is up / I’ll break it first, I've had enough / Of waiting 'til you lie and cheat…" In a press statement, she explained that the track was meant to showcase "an angrier side" of herself — one brought out by the difficult experience that inspired the song.[7] Variety described the track as continuing in the tradition of Laufey's earlier song "Goddess", noting its contrast between a light, jazz-influenced sound and emotionally pointed lyrics. The outlet also highlighted the inclusion of explicit language, interpreting it as a sign of Laufey's willingness to depart from the genteel tone of her usual style to express a more confrontational perspective.[8] Elle described the song as a track where Laufey "disses a loser ex-boyfriend with angelic vocals and a climactic bridge", highlighting the contrast between the song's lyrical bite and its graceful delivery.[9]
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2025) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Iceland (Tónlistinn)[10] | 36 |
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[11] | 11 |
References
[edit]- ^ Go, Mayks (14 May 2025). "Laufey Bids Farewell to a Toxic Relationship in Upcoming New Single "Tough Luck"". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ Hory, Izzy (29 April 2025). "Recapping The 2025 GRAMMY U Conference In NYC: Life Lessons, Laufey & More Tips For Young Music Industry Professionals". Recording Academy. Retrieved 6 June 2025.
- ^ Pinder, Jaeden (22 May 2025). "Laufey Performs "Tough Luck" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!: Watch". Consequence. Retrieved 6 June 2025.
- ^ "Lagalisti Rásar 2" (in Icelandic). RÚV. Archived from the original on 27 May 2025. Retrieved 6 June 2025.
- ^ Olson, Samantha (17 May 2025). "Laufey's Version of a Crash-Out Comes in the Form of Her "Tough Luck" Lyrics". Cosmopolitan. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ^ Murray, Robin (15 May 2025). "Laufey Announces New Album 'A Matter of Time'". Clash. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ Singh, Surej (15 May 2025). "Laufey announces new album 'A Matter of Time' with fiery single 'Tough Luck'". NME. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ Willman, Chris (15 May 2025). "Laufey Announces Third Album, 'A Matter of Time,' While Laying into Her Ex with Tough-Talking 'Tough Luck' Single". Variety. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
- ^ Gonzales, Erica (16 May 2025). "Laufey Isn't Afraid to Get a Little Messy on Her New Album". Elle. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
- ^ "Tónlistinn – Lög – Viku 25 – 2025" (in Icelandic). Plötutíðindi. Archived from the original on 21 June 2025. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
- ^ "Aotearoa Hot 40 Singles: Week of May 23rd, 2025". Recorded Music NZ. Archived from the original on 27 May 2025. Retrieved 23 May 2025.