Feel It All: Lauren Juzang’s EITHER WAY ??!? Breakdown
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Lauren Juzang’s third EP, EITHER WAY ??!?, continues the artistic growth she’s displayed since her earlier projects HAHAHHAHA (2021) and PEEK-A-BOO! (2023). This latest collection dives deep into complex emotions with a blend of sharp lyricism and dynamic production. Across seven tracks, Juzang navigates themes of vulnerability, self-reflection, heartbreak, and resilience, crafting a compelling and honest narrative that feels both personal and relatable. EITHER WAY ??!? marks a confident step forward in her musical journey, balancing raw emotion with catchy, powerful soundscapes.
Opening EITHER WAY ??!? with “All that !”, Lauren Juzang sets the tone for the EP with emotional urgency wrapped in infectious energy. The track bursts forward with bright production and a fast-paced rhythm, but it’s Juzang’s voice, wounded, fiery, and searching, that pulls you in. She confronts the emotional toll of conflict, insecurity, and self-doubt, repeating “I don’t wanna be all that anymore” like both a confession and a cry for release. As the first song on the project, it’s a powerful entry point- blending sonic confidence with lyrical vulnerability, and inviting listeners into a journey of self-reckoning and resilience.
The second track on the EP, “Why’d you ask?”, is a fast-paced, catchy song that contrasts its upbeat, lively sound with emotionally raw and sharp lyrics. Lauren Juzang calls out someone who only shows up when it’s convenient, reaching out late at night for comfort and connection without wanting real commitment. The song details the frustration of mixed signals, with lines about shallow questions and emotional manipulation, like “You come alive when you lead me on / On your fingers you like to twist me up.” Despite the energetic tempo and fun vibe, the lyrics dig into feelings of betrayal and boundary-setting, making the track both infectious and emotionally honest. This tension between sound and subject deepens the EP’s exploration of complicated relationships and self-respect.
Slowing the pace, “Thursday in June” offers a more reflective, intimate vibe. Juzang paints a bittersweet picture of a fragile relationship, moments of closeness and shared memories shadowed by distance and uncertainty. Vulnerability and confusion emerge in lines like “I’m not sure if I should reach out anymore” and “I’ll step back but just say if you want me gone,” capturing the struggle to hold on while sensing the relationship’s fragility. The tender storytelling and melancholic tone add emotional depth, exploring the delicate balance between connection and separation.
The fourth track, “Aren’t you now ?”, starts slow and builds into a powerful crescendo. Juzang questions, “Am I what you wanted? ... Confessing that things were better then / When I wasn’t around.” She reflects on broken promises “It seems what you promised / Was always a means to get your end” and reclaims her strength, singing, “I’m not just what you make of me / I’ve made it much farther without all your sympathies.” The song captures the journey from hurt to empowerment, deepening the EP’s emotional core.
The fifth track on the EP, “FINE !”, is a raw and candid reflection on struggling during high school. Lauren Juzang delivers an honest confrontation with mental health, addiction, and fractured relationships. With repeated refrains like “I would’ve been fine,” the song balances regret and stubbornness with a strong sense of resilience. The straightforward, confessional lyrics and determined tone make “FINE !” a powerful, authentic moment on the EP, highlighting personal growth amid hardship.
The title track, “Either way”, blends bittersweet lyrics with moments of upbeat instrumentation, creating a nuanced emotional landscape. Lauren Juzang reflects on a past relationship with a mix of nostalgia and acceptance, acknowledging the cracks and choices made while still holding on to love and memory. The song captures the tension between regret and moving forward, with heartfelt lines like “Doesn’t mean I love you any less” balancing sorrow and resilience. Its shifting tones perfectly mirror the complexities of looking back while facing the future, making it a poignant centerpiece for the EP.
The final track on the EP, “All these questions,” is a deeply emotional and haunting close to the project. It starts slowly with delicate piano and layered vocals that capture vulnerability and heartache, as Lauren Juzang sings, “I almost called you for no reason almost everyday this week / My curiosity’s been killing me in these days where we don’t speak.” As the song progresses, the instrumentation and pace build dramatically, culminating in a stunning, spine-chilling instrumental finale. Throughout, Juzang’s voice carries raw pain and longing, perfectly conveying complex feelings of love, loss, and reflection. Lines like “So are you happy now without me to keep your sanity in check?” and “All these questions seem to me like maybe I’m missing something / And that I’d waited my whole life to find you” reveal the deep emotional turmoil beneath the surface. This song’s intimate storytelling and powerful buildup make it a standout, leaving a lasting emotional impact that resonates well beyond the final note.
With EITHER WAY ??!?, Lauren Juzang delivers a fearless exploration of the messy, beautiful complexities of life and relationships. The EP moves seamlessly between energetic anthems and introspective ballads, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and vocalist. From the urgent energy of “All that !” to the haunting depth of “All these questions,” Juzang invites listeners to experience a wide range of emotional highs and lows. This project stands as a powerful, honest, and deeply resonant statement that lingers long after the music ends.
