Labrinth Drops New Music with Album ‘Ends & Begins’ [Play or Pass]

Music artist Labrinth, born Timothy Lee Mackenzie, has solidified himself in the music industry as an artist carving out his own lane with a unique sound that can only be equated to him. Born in London, Labrinth was the first act in six years to be signed to Simon Cowell’s entertainment company without having to compete in a talent competition.

In 2012 Labrinth released his first studio album with Electronic Earth and in between 2010 and 2014, Lab dropped at least 6 Eps. A big year was in store for Labrinth in 2019 when he released his second studio album Imagination & the Misfit Kid and the Euphoria (Original Score from the HBO Series) album dropped; he’s a composer for the show. Euphoria may have made Labrinth a household name, but his haunting vocals, dynamic musical instrument talent, and eclectic sound will push his career beyond the award-winning series.

Ends & Begins is the latest work from the Emmy-winning composer, which dropped Friday, April 28. The 10-track studio album has a running time of only 29 minutes so I’m a little disappointed about that because I enjoy Lab’s music, but I still think the album could have great moments, especially with Zendaya and Billie Eilish featured. Here’s my breakdown of each track from my FIRST listen letting you know if you should PLAY or PASS.

1. The Feels
Labrinth opens Ends & Begins with a collaboration with Zendaya. The pair sing about being in their emotions and how those feelings are all-consuming. The vocals embody a yearning and the strings and synth tones make the song sound extraterrestrial, but it’s not my favorite of the duo’s collaborations. Yet since Z is on the track it gets a thumbs up from me. PLAY

2. Kill For Your Love
An upbeat second track on the album has Labrinth channeling his rapping/singing persona flipping back and forth for the verse and chorus. The title of the song simply matches the theme of the track. The artist will do just about anything for love including un-aliving someone. The thing about Labrinth’s music is that it’s all so mellow at the base that it’s all good background music even if you only like parts of the songs. PLAY

3. Everything
“Everything” is a builder that doesn’t quite reach its peak, but the lyrics are really what gets me on this track especially since Zendaya has been credited as a co-writer. Love seems to be a major theme on this album so far and track 3 talks about opening up yourself to love. I think this song could have used a bridge to tie everything together, but I still like the song.  PLAY

4. Covering
A lot of Lab’s songs sound the same and that’s not a bad thing because they have their own unique sound to them. I can hear hints of inspiration from his “Still Don’t Know My Name” track and I love the music component of the song but it’s not a track that’s not memorable. PASS

5. A Turn of Events
Labrinth’s producing and musical arrangement talent is on display in “A Turn of Events” which is a great title for this track because it takes a turn in what you make expect on the album. Completely lyric-less outside of a few adlibs, track 5 is all about the music. I can hear this showing up in Euphoria season 3. If you can appreciate a good piece of music then this is a track for you. PASS

6. 100 Miles An Hour
Classic R&B is the feels I get from “100 Miles An Hour” based on the beat and the 808 drum kick. It’s a rainy day vibe track or a song you play on the road for a date with bae. It’s a bit monotone and I would have liked some variation in Lab playing with his voice, but I enjoy this track. PLAY

7. Never Felt So Alone
I first heard pieces of “Never Felt So Alone” while watching Euphoria and I desperately have been wanting to hear the full version of the song ever since. Hands down my favorite of the album at this point. Adding Billie Eilish’s dreamy yet eerie vocals to this song only elevates the track so much. PLAY

8. Only Way Is Up
“When you hit rock bottom the only way is up,” says Labrinth on track 8. The motivational track can be used as a source of inspiration if you’re not in the best mindset. Lab has some good runs on the track and sounds wonderful. It’s not an immediate fav of mine, but I feel it could get there. PLAY

9. Power Couple
A “us vs. them” track for couples who feel the world is against them. One of the more upbeat tracks on the album with a marching band feel, but unfortunately for me, it’s not a bop. PASS

10. Ends & Begins
Ending the album with the title track and this is the first time I actually felt myself nodding along when the beat dropped. The song sounds familiar almost like it could be perfectly mashed up with Rihanna’s “What’s My Name.” Starting off the album soft and finishing hard makes me want more. PLAY

Ends & Begins overall is nothing new from Labrinth in regards to a new sound, but don’t misinterpret that as a bad thing. He knows his sound and knows what works for him as an artist. Having a packed Coachella 2023 slot with thousands singing along to his music proves the artist is on a continuous path to greatness as he plays with sound and composition to make music perfectly Labrinth.

Ends & Begins is available now for digital download and where you stream your favorite artists. Have you listened to Labrinth’s new album Ends & Begins yet? What are your favorite tracks? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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