Hi everyone. This is Anthony Stirford from Anthony XO.Music, and today I’m back with a review of The Kid LAROI’s second full-length studio album, Before I Forget.
A few days ago, Australian rapper and singer The Kid LAROI released Before I Forget, his first full-length project since 2023’s The First Time. Much of this album was recorded in the aftermath of his breakup with singer Tate McRae in mid-2025, and that emotional fallout heavily shapes the record’s direction.
LAROI’s earlier projects, FCK LOVE 3+: OVER YOU* and The First Time, experimented with pop, rap, emo rap, and R&B. This time, Before I Forget leans more heavily into R&B, with noticeable acoustic pop elements woven throughout. On The First Time, LAROI showed clear growth beyond his underground rap roots, successfully stepping into a mainstream pop space with massive hits like “Stay” and “Without You.” He has also collaborated with major artists such as Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, and Marshmello.
Following the death of his mentor Juice WRLD in 2019, LAROI began refining a more melodic pop and R&B sound while maintaining his signature emo aesthetic. That evolution paid off quickly, especially with FCK LOVE 3+: OVER YOU*, which highlighted his ability to blend vulnerability with catchy pop structures. Now, Before I Forget presents LAROI fully immersed in smoother, more polished R&B territory.
ME + YOU
The album opens with “ME + YOU,” which establishes the emotional core of the record almost immediately. The track features contemporary R&B production by Dopamine, with shimmering synths that create a strong old-school R&B atmosphere. The production is reminiscent of The Weeknd’s Beauty Behind the Madness era, particularly tracks like “Tell Your Friends.”
Lyrically, the song explores heartbreak and resilience. The verses are effective, with LAROI narrating emotional situations clearly and confidently. However, the chorus is underwhelming and repetitive, relying too heavily on the line “me and you, baby.” Despite that flaw, it remains a solid opener due to its production and mood.
Rating: 4/5
JULY
“JULY” directly references LAROI’s breakup with Tate McRae in July 2025. Here, he expresses sorrow through straightforward and emotionally honest lyrics. The production stands out again, featuring forward-moving beats and polished mid-tempo vocals.
The track leans into trip-hop influences while maintaining a clean R&B framework. There are noticeable similarities to Post Malone’s work, particularly “Goodbyes” and “Saint-Tropez.” While the vocals could have carried more raw emotion—especially compared to “Without You”—this track remains one of the album’s stronger moments.
Rating: 4/5
PRIVATE
“PRIVATE” continues the album’s momentum beautifully. While rooted in heartbreak, the song’s production introduces danceable energy with strong 80s-inspired synths. It recalls The Weeknd’s “Secrets” from 2016, starting as a soft ballad before transforming into a sleek dance-pop track after the pre-chorus.
Lyrically, the song is clear and emotionally grounded. Lines like “They put a strain on our love that we didn’t deserve / Next time, I’m keepin’ it private” stand out for their directness and maturity. This track balances vulnerability and polish very well.
Rating: 4.5/5
COME DOWN
“COME DOWN” is another mid-tempo track driven by retro-inspired synths. The song effectively captures the feeling of missing someone, though LAROI’s vocal delivery occasionally resembles Maroon 5’s style.
While pleasant, the track lacks innovation and does not push the album forward creatively. It works within the album’s flow but doesn’t stand out.
Rating: 3.5/5
RATHER BE
“RATHER BE” introduces stronger emotional depth compared to earlier tracks. Here, LAROI returns to his emo-rap roots while staying within an R&B lane. Lithe’s feature is subdued and sleepy, but it complements LAROI’s performance rather than detracting from it.
The song is effective, though some repetition prevents it from fully reaching its emotional potential.
Rating: 4/5
A PERFECT WORLD
“A PERFECT WORLD” is a silky, nostalgic pop track with punchy drums, warm synths, and melodic piano lines. Sonically, it evokes Justin Bieber’s “Daisies” and Silk Sonic’s “Leave The Door Open.”
While the production is strong, the songwriting suffers from excessive repetition, which limits its emotional impact.
Rating: 3.5/5
5:21AM
“5:21AM” functions as a short interlude. Unfortunately, it feels unfinished and empty, offering little beyond a brief moment of vocal vulnerability. There is not much substance here.
Rating: 2/5
A COLD PLAY
Released in response to LAROI’s breakup, “A COLD PLAY” is a smooth alternative pop track with subtle emo influences. The laid-back production and mellow pads work well, but the chorus feels unfocused and underdeveloped.
It’s enjoyable, though far from a standout.
Rating: 3.5/5
THE MOMENT
Featuring British singer Clara La San, “THE MOMENT” acts as a gentle transition into the album’s second half. LAROI’s smooth vocals pair nicely with Clara’s understated delivery.
While musically pleasing, the lyrics are relatively weak compared to earlier tracks.
Rating: 3.5/5
NEVER CAME BACK
“NEVER CAME BACK” is an acoustic-driven track that showcases LAROI’s creative confidence. Confessional lyrics help carry the song, even though repetition holds it back slightly.
It flows naturally within the album’s closing stretch.
Rating: 3.5/5
THANK GOD
“THANK GOD” is a fast-paced pop-rock track with indie-R&B undertones. There are hints of Dijon’s influence in its melancholic tone. The production is lively and well-executed, though the song does not leave a lasting impression.
Rating: 3.5/5
I’M SO IN LOVE WITH YOU
This track feels awkward and tonally misplaced. LAROI’s shift in pace doesn’t serve the album well, and the lyrics lack the melancholic weight present elsewhere.
While there is a romantic warmth to the song, it ultimately feels like filler.
Rating: 2.5/5
MAYBE I’M WRONG
“MAYBE I’M WRONG” is the emotional centerpiece of the album and delivers exactly what this project promises. LAROI confronts his mistakes with raw honesty, supported by melancholic piano chords and heavy synths reminiscent of early Bruno Mars.
Everything aligns here—production, lyrics, and emotional delivery.
Rating: 4.5/5
HER INTERLUDE
“HER INTERLUDE” is brief and somber but underdeveloped. It exists more as a mood piece than a full idea.
Rating: 3/5
BACK WHEN YOU WERE MINE
The closing track serves as LAROI’s final statement to his ex. While gentle and reflective, it lacks the emotional intensity found in “MAYBE I’M WRONG.” Still, the shimmering synths and acoustic elements provide a fitting conclusion.
Rating: 3.5/5
Final Verdict
Before I Forget is a polished breakup album with consistently strong production, but it falls short emotionally. While the songwriting remains solid throughout, LAROI’s vocal delivery often feels restrained when the album calls for deeper vulnerability.
“MAYBE I’M WRONG” stands out as the track that fully captures the emotional honesty this project aims for. Overall, the album is uneven rather than unsuccessful—an aesthetically pleasing record that lacks the emotional weight to make it truly memorable.
Tier List – Before I Forget
Perfect:
ME + YOU, JULY, PRIVATE, RATHER BE, MAYBE I’M WRONG
Good:
COME DOWN, A COLD PLAY, THE MOMENT, NEVER CAME BACK, THANK GOD, BACK WHEN YOU WERE MINE
Average:
A PERFECT WORLD, HER INTERLUDE, I’M SO IN LOVE WITH YOU
Worst:
5:21AM