The “guy who sings Facebook drama” likely refers to American singer-songwriter Lauv and his song “Modern Loneliness”. Lauv, whose real name is Ari Leff, released the song in January 2020 as the lead single from his upcoming album. The lyrics of “Modern Loneliness” critically examine social media culture and how it impacts relationships and mental health in the modern world. Specifically, the song explores issues like social media addiction, comparisons to other people’s curated online personas, and disconnection from real emotional bonds. With insightful and timely themes, Lauv’s “Facebook drama” song struck a chord with many listeners upon its release.
Who is Lauv?
Ari Leff, known professionally as Lauv, is a 28-year-old American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born in San Francisco, California in 1994. Lauv first gained recognition with his 2015 debut single “The Other” and he has continued to grow his audience and success over the past several years. Some key facts about Lauv:
- His stage name Lauv is his surname spelled backwards.
- He’s released two studio albums – I Met You When I Was 18 (2018) and How I’m Feeling (2020).
- Lauv has collaborated with various artists including BTS, Anne-Marie, Sofia Reyes, and more.
- His music style combines pop, R&B, and electronic/dance elements.
- Lauv was among Forbes’ 2019 “30 Under 30” list for music.
- He has over 9 million monthly listeners on Spotify as of October 2022.
So in summary, Lauv is a rising pop/R&B artist who has made waves in recent years with his catchy singles and vulnerable lyricism. His fanbase skews younger and heavily engaged on social media.
What is the song “Modern Loneliness” about?
Released in January 2020, “Modern Loneliness” is the lead single from Lauv’s album How I’m Feeling. The track was co-written by Lauv, Michael Pollack, Steph Jones, and Jake Torrey. In the lyrics of “Modern Loneliness,” Lauv sings about how social media and technology have impacted human relationships and mental health. Specific themes include:
- Social media addiction and fixation on phones/devices
- Feeling pressure to compare yourself to curated online personas
- Losing meaningful face-to-face connections and communication
- Superficial interactions and barriers to vulnerability
- Using online interactions to cope with depression and loneliness
In the chorus, Lauv sings:
We’re getting used to loneliness
We’re getting tired of the same old, same old
Fallin’ in and out of love and loss and less and less
Gettin’ tired of social media drama
We’re getting tired of what’s on our feed
Another night drinkin’ ’bout better days and broken dreams
These lyrics capture how constantly seeing curated content and “drama” online can make people detached, drained, and disillusioned with real relationships.
What was the reaction to the song?
“Modern Loneliness” received quite positive reviews from music critics:
- Billboard – Lauv captures “feelings of isolation in a social media-focused era.”
- Clash – His lyrics convey how “social media has twisted our idea of true happiness.”
- Hollywood Life – Lauv paints a picture of “the dark side of internet culture.”
Many listeners also praised the song for voicing relatable frustrations with social media:
“This song couldn’t have come out at a better time, it’s crazy how real it is.”
“The lyrics are so true it hurts. We’re more connected but so much more alone.”
On YouTube, the official music video for “Modern Loneliness” has over 25 million views and counting. Lauv’s frank social commentary clearly resonated widely.
How did the song perform commercially?
“Modern Loneliness” enjoyed solid commercial performance and exposure:
- Reached #1 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart
- Reached #23 on U.S. Pop Radio chart
- 235+ million global streams
- Certified Platinum in the U.S.
- Appeared in playlists like Today’s Top Hits (27 million followers)
While it wasn’t Lauv’s biggest single, “Modern Loneliness” gave him another top 40 pop hit and helped propel anticipation for his How I’m Feeling album. Lauv promoted the track with live performances on shows like The Late Late Show with James Corden.
How did the song impact Lauv’s career?
The release of “Modern Loneliness” set the tone for Lauv’s next era as he prepared his sophomore album How I’m Feeling. The single showcased his growth as a songwriter and willingness to tackle more serious themes. Its popularity also built momentum leading into the full album release.
Additional impacts of “Modern Loneliness” on Lauv’s career:
- Established his reputation as a “Gen Z pop star” with his finger on the pulse of youth culture.
- Expanded his audience beyond just traditional pop fans due to the song’s timely themes.
- Ensured continued industry interest in him as an artist to watch.
- Cemented his versatility as a writer – able to move from flirty pop anthems to thoughtful ballads.
- Kept him earning spots on playlists and radio as a relevant pop artist.
The lyrical vulnerability and social commentary of “Modern Loneliness” represented an evolution of Lauv’s artistry. While not necessarily his biggest hit, it revealed a more mature and insightful side to the young musician.
What are some key lyrics from the song?
Some of the most memorable and hard-hitting lyrics in “Modern Loneliness” include:
“I like me better offline”
An expression of how social media persona projections and comparisons distort self-image.
“I just need some real friends, not just the fake kind”
Captures the shallowness of online relationships versus vulnerability of real life bonds.
“I’ve been scared of intimate settings, it’s real life and it’s no edit”
Conveys fear of being authentic and exposing flaws in-person versus carefully curating an online image.
“I compare myself to everyone else, die for a like, conditional love”
Critiques seeking validation through social platforms at the cost of self-confidence.
“I hate the feeling when I’m losing grip, slowly drifting in the background”
Expresses how social media overtime can make you feel isolated and invisible.
How did the song’s themes resonate?
Lauv’s razor-sharp commentary on social media and modern relationships clearly resonated with many listeners. Several key reasons why include:
- Relatable frustrations – We’ve all experienced the comparisions, isolation, distraction, etc. Lauv captures.
- Timely topic – As social media grows more ubiquitous, more people are grappling with its downsides.
- Honest vulnerability – Lauv avoids pretense and speaks transparently to real issues impacting his generation.
- Catchy sound – Upbeat melodies and Lauv’s smooth vocals make the heavy lyrics digestible.
- Strong writing – The song takes an insightful angle on its subject matter via vivid details.
Many found it refreshing for an artist to address real societal problems plaguing young people. While not preachy, Lauv makes some astute warnings about technology threatening human connections – a message that clearly continues to resonate today.
What has Lauv said about it?
In various interviews, Lauv has opened up about the personal experiences and motivations behind “Modern Loneliness.” A few key quotes:
“I’ve had my own struggles with social media addiction and anxiety. I wanted to bring light to those realities.”
“This song explores the irony that while we’re more ‘connected’ online, we can also become more isolated and depressed.”
“I drew from a darker headspace I was in a couple years ago. My Goal was to turn pain into something healing.”
“I hope the song helps people feel less alone and encourages them to connect more in person.”
Lauv has been open about battling issues like loneliness and online obsession himself. He wrote “Modern Loneliness” to spark discussion around real problems impacting mental health. The message clearly resonated widely, evidenced by its popularity and praise.
How did “Modern Loneliness” impact the album?
As the lead single, “Modern Loneliness” paved the way for Lauv’s album How I’m Feeling which was also focused on mental health and self-reflection. The song’s themes and earnestness set the tone for the rest of the record.
Specific impacts on the How I’m Feeling album:
- Established the album’s more mature and contemplative vibe compared to Lauv’s usual upbeat pop.
- Primed listeners to expect more depth and vulnerability on the LP.
- Continued the narrative of Lauv evolving as an artist and expanding his subject matter.
- Contributed to the album’s cohesive underlying message related to modern life, technology, anxiety, and depression.
- Helped drive interest in the album based on the strong reaction to the single.
- Let fans know Lauv would continue speaking to mental health issues affecting young people.
Critics praised How I’m Feeling as Lauv’s most focused and ambitious work yet. Overall, “Modern Loneliness” laid the groundwork for the album’s intimate themes and proved Lauv could deftly tackle heavier topics.
How has Lauv discussed social media since?
In the years since releasing “Modern Loneliness,” Lauv has continued using his platform to raise awareness about social media’s mental health impacts. He’s been open about his own struggles with online obsession and need for balance.
In interviews and on social media itself, Lauv has:
- Discussed the anxiety that comes from internet addiction and comparison.
- Encouraged fans to take social media breaks for their well-being.
- Revealed he deleted all social apps from his phone at one point.
- Admitted battling FOMO (fear of missing out) at times.
- Talked about how social media distorted his self-image growing up.
- Offered tips for creating healthy boundaries with technology.
While Lauv still maintains online profiles, it’s clear he’s committed to speaking openly about its downsides. He continues using his lyrics and public platform to critique social media and advocate for authenticity.
What are the song’s key takeaways?
Some core messages and takeaways in “Modern Loneliness” include:
- Social media creates an illusion of connectedness that can actually worsen isolation and depression.
- Seeking validation via likes and followers promotes unhealthy comparisons.
- It’s important to foster real bonds, vulnerability, and intimacy offline.
- Technology addiction and loss of genuine human connections are growing problems.
- We need more voices encouraging balance, self-care, and boundary setting with technology.
- Speaking openly about mental health struggles can help people feel understood.
Lauv’s insightful song offered a thoughtful critique of social media culture. It echoed larger societal conversations about tech companies needing more regulation. Ultimately “Modern Loneliness” struck a chord by giving language to frustrations many feel but rarely discuss out loud.
Conclusion
Lauv’s “Modern Loneliness” was an impactful reflection on relationships, mental health, and the double-edged sword of technology. His vulnerable lyrics clearly resonated widely. The song articulated common frustrations with social media in a catchy, heartfelt way. It announced Lauv’s continued artistic growth and cemented him as a compelling new voice speaking to generational anxieties. Over three years since its release, “Modern Loneliness” remains a modern classic and its themes feel just as relevant. Lauv continues to build his catalog of perceptive pop songs that connect deeply with young listeners.