The Kid LAROI released his second album titled BEFORE I FORGET on Friday (Jan. 9). This long-awaited project comes after two years since a full album. LAROI originally submitted an album in mid 2025 but scrapped it and remade a new LP more centered on his breakup with celebrity singer-songwriter Tate McRae.
The length of this album is more concise than his past work, totaling 15 tracks and 45 minutes of playtime. Its shorter length however, did not disappoint fans. Many fans view the album as a “no skip” playthrough with only a few songs that were not loved. Some favorites include JULY, PRIVATE, NEVER CAME BACK and HER INTERLUDE. These songs by themselves are great, and as singular parts of the album, they also contribute to something bigger. They tell a story about the complications of his relationship with Tate, and how he’s trying to move on despite wanting to be back with her.
An interesting fact about the album is there is still one song that survived the scrapped original album. Track 12, I’M SO IN LOVE WITH YOU, was the sole song that was kept from The Kid LAROI’s original project that was not released. The original album was going to be a happier album with more love songs and a brighter emotion to it. This song definitely makes sense in the context of a happy love album, but in this new project, it gives it a new feeling. The context of a heartbroken album gives this song a haunting feel. It is a remnant of a time that once was, and now those feelings are simply ghosts haunting his past.
BEFORE I FORGET is yet another example of LAROI’s ever-changing genre and style. His shift towards more pop-R&B is definitely new for fans, but is well received. He has highlighted on social media that this album is different than his past projects because he is a different person now. His music reflects his personal growth and maturity as a person as well as an artist and seeing that progression is a very cool experience as a listener. The stark differences from even his last project, THE FIRST TIME, are evident, and they contrast even more so than from his first EP’s. The fan experience truly is a journey.
Despite the evident changes, the album still has remnants of the older hip-hop style, such as in track 5, RATHER BE (feat. Lithe). However, most of the songs contain the newer vibe and feel of current LAROI, and although it is different it definitely works. The songs feel more personal and emotional, and it is easy to see that he put his heart and soul into this project. Details of his breakup and healing process are vocalized, and the story of his messy growth through a new part of his life is brought to life throughout the album experience.
