Artist: Layla
Title: Feel No Fear
Genre(s): Pop, Indie Pop, Latin, Electropop, Synthpop
Length: 32:40
Writers: L.Sanchez, Various
Producers: Layla, Bloom, Joshua Grimmie, Orion Washington, Preeti
Format(s): CD, Vinyl, Cassette, Digital Download, Streaming
Label: Five Pesky Kids
Singles Released: No Trouble in Paradise (#1), Forbidden Honey (#1), Some Kind of Magic (#1), Miami Smooth (#1)

Feel No Fear is the debut studio album by American singer and songwriter Layla Sanchez, known mononymously as Layla. It is set to be released in March 2021, through Five Pesky Kids Records. Work on a solo project initially started as far back as 2014. Sanchez released two singles in 2015 during her tenure in SYNCO, "Love Me Right Now" and "Bleeding Out", with the former peaking at #1. Due to personal turmoil, all work on her album was indefinitely halted in 2016. Sanchez would then go on to quit SYNCO and enter a period of reclusiveness. Work eventually resumed on her album in late 2019. "No Trouble in Paradise" was released as the album's new lead single in October 2020, debuting at #1 on the Chart Heat Top 20 and achieving critical success. "Forbidden Honey", a collaboration with ex-boyfriend Joshua Grimmie, was released as the second single in February 2021. The track received universal praise but stirred controversy due to the pairing's past as well as the sexual nature of the visuals surrounding the song. Primarily a pop record, it also incorporates elements of R&B, Latin, Alternative and Electronica. "Feel No Fear" features production from Layla herself, Joshua Grimmie, Bloom, Preeti and Orion Washington. Sanchez serves as the executive producer.

---

BACKGROUND

Layla rose to prominence as a member of girl group SYNCO, formed by the popular and highly successful boy band Weekend in 2012. Wanting to launch a "female counterpart" band under their newly launched label Five Pesky Kids, the members of Weekend held auditions across the UK and the USA. Layla was one of five hopefuls to secure a spot in the group that would go on to become SYNCO. The band experienced global success, topping the Chart Heat Top 20, garnering acclaim and collecting several awards. SYNCO released three albums, all with Sanchez in the line-up. During production of the group's "Our World" album, Layla simultaneously worked on solo recordings. In early 2015, "Love Me Right Now" was released. It was Layla's first official recording and release outside of the group and went on to top the Chart Heat Top 20. She would go on to feature on Natasha Iver's single "Okay" and release another solo track titled "Bleeding Out" later in the year. SYNCO released "Our World" in the summer of 2015 before embarking on a world tour in 2016. Many fans and media outlets speculated that there was a rift within the band and that a split or the departure of Sanchez was imminent. This was due to Layla's hectic private and professional life, with many also suggesting that her fellow bandmates were growing jealous of her solo success and high-profile relationship with Austin Nimmo.

In December 2016, SYNCO released an official statement on their Twitter page which claimed that Layla was taking an "extended break" from work commitments, citing personal turmoil and the interest of her safety as the reason for her downtime. Layla had numerous threats and attempts on her life over the course of 2015-16 at the hands of a serial stalker. In early 2017, however, it was confirmed that Sanchez had officially departed from SYNCO, leaving the band as a quartet. The group vowed to continue without Layla but nothing materialised and SYNCO quietly disbanded with no major press release. In an interview with Culture Uncut, which would be her last for almost four years, Layla clarified her decision to leave the band, commenting;

"My head and heart just weren't in it anymore. It was nothing personal. I love those girls and I know people want to drive a wedge between us and make the situation something it's not. We were teens and fresh to it all when we got together. It was all bubbly and fun. We were told what to do, what to sing for a while. Then we started to grow into women. We started developing as artists. Our tastes expanded. Our visions changed. We were no longer five peas in a pod. We were trying to blossom into our own beautiful flowers but couldn't move to find the light. Being 15/16 is totally different to being a 20 year old. I had to find myself. I think we all do. Add in everything that has happened to me these last two years, I'm pretty burnt out in all honesty. I just need to lay low, recharge my batteries and really take time to sit with myself, discover who I am and what I want. You can't do that as part of a huge girl group in the big pop machine."

---

RECORDING & DEVELOPMENT

Layla initially began recording for her debut solo project in late 2014 whilst simultaneously working on SYNCO's "Our World" album. The record, although worked on in her spare time, was set to be a major project for Five Pesky Kids, with them arranging several sessions for Layla with many well known writers and producers. Sanchez was often viewed as SYNCO's "leader" in the public's eyes due to her featuring heavily on most of their biggest hits, famous friendships within the industry and relationship with multi-platinum recording artist Austin Nimmo. Many fans of the group objected to Pesky's focus on Sanchez, claiming favouritism and alleged she was "groomed" for a solo career from the start. This rhetoric was spun further when her debut single, the Brandon Grey produced "Love Me Right Now", was released to instant success, topping the Chart Heat Top 20 for two consecutive weeks.

During early recording sessions, Layla also cut vocals for Natasha Iver, going on to feature on Iver's "Okay". It became another top 10 success. Fellow band member Alexis Brooke penned the song "Bleeding Out" for Sanchez. The track was not initially intended as Layla's second solo release as another track was already lined-up. However, due to her personal connection and love for the song, "Bleeding Out" was released in late 2015. Despite being another top 10 hit, no further material would be released for five years. Layla would continue to record with high profile writers and producers in 2016, with a rumoured full body of work ready and waiting to go. The project, however, was indefinitely shelved, with Layla withdrawing from the public eye and all records remaining unreleased. It is rumoured that collaborations with Dustyn Blue and Ellie-Grace Summers remain in the vault to this day.

Recording for what would now become "Feel No Fear" officially went underway in November 2019. One of the earliest songs recorded was the future title track. Even in its rough demo form, Sanchez knew the song was important, feeling empowered by her own words and the sentiment of the track. Prior to the recording of the song, Layla claimed she felt "ready but rusty", eager to finally record music again but finding inspiration and confidence thin on the ground. She then admitted that the concept of the song and later, the entire album, was born out of "faux-confidence" and that the words she was writing didn't necessarily reflect how she was feeling at the time, however, repeating the "bold" and "confident" lyrics over again helped her to finally reach that place and believe in herself.

Layla initially worked exclusively with singers, writers and producers signed to the same label, Five Pesky Kids. This was due to her not only wanting to give the album a contained and tightknit feel, but for security reasons. Sanchez admitted she felt "safe" working with "familiar faces" and that she felt "extremely uncomfortable" with the idea of letting outsiders in to such a personal project. Producers such as Orion Washington, Bloom and Preeti, worked with Layla over the course of a year, already knowing her for quite some time prior to recording. Layla dubbed the group as her "little safety bubble" and stated that those involved in the creation of the album were a "rock" to her, allowing the singer to take as much time needed to adjust back into a busy working environment whilst also lending sympathetic and understand ears to her story, struggles and vision.

Mariko, Younghood and Christopher Hudson are the only acts not signed to Five Pesky Kids that are involved in "Feel No Fear". Sanchez cites Mariko and Younghood as two of her favourite artists and that she always envisioned them on her songs but "dragged [her] heels" in asking them, debating whether or not they would be interested and still rather uncertain about reaching out beyond her close circle. Christopher Hudson is a close friend whom she worked with as far back as 2014. The other featured artists, Serenity Scott and Joshua Grimmie, are both under the same label as Layla. Grimmie in particular has a very close connection to Sanchez, being long-term friends and briefly dating during the early conception of the album. Joshua and Layla worked together on "Forbidden Honey" in the summer of 2020, with Grimmie producing the track. Although a controversial decision, Sanchez stood firm in her choice, saying that she has "never felt more proud of a song" before praising Grimmie, calling him "such a talent" and "one of the finest writers". On the multiple collaborations on the album, Layla commented;

"Everyone who is on "Feel No Fear" is there for a reason. This album is my story and that means I also get to involve those I have a personal connection with. Whether it is due to years of friendship or me just being a huge fan girl, inspired by them and their work, they're all important to me and play a part in the telling of these stories. I personally reached out to them all, wanting to share a moment with these artists because I really admire them and it all just makes sense. They aren't just thrown together collaborations for a radio hit. I wanted all those talents on the album because I knew they would do their songs justice and it'd be an honor for me to share the same space as them."

---

MUSIC & LYRICS

"Feel No Fear" is a personal record with a "concept", documenting and addressing some of Layla's time out of the spotlight over the last five years. It tackles losing and finding self-confidence, media interference, sexism, patriarchy, her relationship with former SYNCO band members, breakup with Austin Nimmo, fling with Joshua Grimmie as well as hinting that she is in a new relationship and looking towards the future. It is primarily a pop record, with many elements such as; R&B, Latin, Indie Pop, Electronica, Dance and Trap being woven throughout. "Feel No Fear" contains an overall "subdued" vibe with many mid-tempo tracks and a much "calmer" vocal delivery throughout the majority of the tracks opposed to the belts, rifts and runs she was initially known for during her time in SYNCO.

Layla describes it as a "coming of age" record. On "Feel No Fear", she tackles subjects that were once deemed "too heavy" as part of a girl group as well as controversial personal stories, finally addressing them head-on for the first time in years. The lyrics throughout are "brutally honest", "fierce", "heart breaking" and "eye-opening".

---

SINGLES

No Trouble in Paradise was released as the album's new lead single on October 7, 2021. The song was her first musical output in five years and was released a mere two hours after she announced it in a surprise manner that day. It was co-penned by Layla alongside Christopher Hudson and Orion Washington. "No Trouble in Paradise" was met with instant acclaim and success, debuting atop the Chart Heat Top 20, giving her a second #1 record which is so far the most for a former SYNCO member.

Forbidden Honey was released as the second single on February 26, 2021. It is a collaboration with Joshua Grimmie, Layla's ex-boyfriend. The indie pop single was met with extremely positive reviews and went viral due to the raunchy nature of the promotional images surrounding the song's release and its future video. "Forbidden Honey" also received minor backlash from fans of Austin Nimmo, viewing the collaboration as a dig towards her ex. Like its predecessor, "Forbidden Honey" debuted at #1 on the Chart Heat Top 20. The single went on to top the charts for five consecutive weeks, tying Weekend's record for longest-running #1.

Some Kind of Magic was released as the third single on August 29, 2021. It is a collaboration with rapper Younghood. The song was originally pencilled for a May release but was pushed back due to an unexpected six month hiatus from Layla, halting all promotional activities following the hospitalisation of close friend, Joshua Grimmie. "Some Kind of Magic" was met with acclaim and debuted atop of the Chart Heat Top 20, earning "Feel No Fear" a third consecutive #1 single.

---

LAYLA'S COMMENTS

---

TRACKLIST

Feel No Fear
In My Mouth
This Is Woman (feat. Serenity Scott & Mariko)
Forbidden Honey (feat. Joshua Grimmie)
Snow White
Some Kind of Magic (feat. Younghood)
Loved Me The Most
Round Again
Miami Smooth
No Trouble in Paradise

Artist(s): Layla
Title: In My Mouth
Genre(s): Electropop
Length: 3:40
Writer: L.Sanchez, C.Hudson
Producer: Preeti
Label: Five Pesky Kids
From The Album: Feel No Fear

In My Mouth is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Layla. It is the second track on her debut solo album, "Feel No Fear". The track was written by Layla alongside long-time friend, Christopher Hudson, who also helped co-pen her comeback single, "No Trouble in Paradise". Production behind handled by Preeti, a producer also signed to Five Pesky Kids. "In My Mouth" was written and recorded in July 2020. Due to the quick and positive final outcome of the sessions, Sanchez and Hudson continued working together and created "No Trouble in Paradise" the following week. "In My Mouth" is an electropop song based on simple synth chords that build throughout with heavier bass each chorus and the inclusion of strings, giving the track a "cinematic" feel. The "defiant" sounds on the "punchy" pop record compliment the "fiery" lyricism, which is a tongue and cheek jibe at the media and trolls online. Throughout the verses, Layla plays up to rumours that have been circulating about her for years such as; her relationship with former SYNCO members, the flack she received for dating a famous pop singer as well as her ordeal with her stalker. The chorus sees Layla warning people to stop putting words in her mouth and twisting stories to suit their own narratives.

Throughout her time in the spotlight, Layla has found herself at the centre of controversy and high profile stories repeatedly. Layla once stated that she "doesn't look for it" and that "certain people and publications" have an agenda, putting a target on her back because of a personal dislike. During her time with SYNCO, it was often speculated that Layla was being groomed for a solo career by Five Pesky Kids. This was due to her close connections with many high profile celebrities and featuring heavily on SYNCO's biggest hits. Many fans believed Layla was receiving special treatment whilst publications began pitting the girls against each other, claiming turmoil within the group due to jealousy over Sanchez. Fans of Austin Nimmo also scrutinised the singer, believing the relationship to be "fake" and that Sanchez was using Nimmo solely for his name in order to advance her status. Many trolls also mocked her traumatic experiences with a stalker, claiming that she "enjoyed the attention" and that Layla has a "victim complex". "In My Mouth" sees Layla finally swipe back at all of the slander she has endured and the bogus claims over the years.

---

In My Mouth

Yeah, I guess I hate the population of women
I'm so quirky, I'm not like the other girls
Guilty as charged for all the pushing and pulling
I kicked them down from the top of the world
Ain't it mad what you read on the front page?
Another day, another link to some clickbait

You're right, I used the boy for his name
Faked it for the camera all those years
Cold-hearted, he was just a pawn in my game
Got a kick out of reducing him to tears
Ain't it funny how opinion becomes fact?
Another day, another claim to redact

Boast that you're serving something juicy
Well I've already lost my appetite
I think it must be a real slow news week
Piecing together crumbs for a little bite

Now who went and said all of that?
'Cause not a syllable escaped these lips
Don't you put words in my mouth, my mouth
Bending the truth just to make it fit
But, hush, let me whisper
Boy, I got a little something to tell ya
Don't you dare put your words in my...

In my-my-mouth-mouth
In my-my-mouth-mouth
In my-my-mouth-mouth
In my-my-mouth-mouth

I confess, I made up every little detail
I struck the match and opened the wound
Guess I just wanted to look frail
A cloak for my hat and flying broom
Ain't it scary what some people broadcast?
Another day, another doubt cast

Throwing accusations too loosely
Starting to think it's all out of spite
It's all sounding like a blockbuster movie
Man, I hope they get the casting right

Now who went and said all of that?
'Cause not a syllable escaped these lips
Don't you put words in my mouth, my mouth
Bending the truth just to make it fit
But, hush, let me whisper
Boy, I got a little something to tell ya
Don't you dare put your words in my...

I got a soundbite, come and lend me your ear
"Don't believe what you read"
"Don't believe what you hear"
I got a soundbite, come and lend me your ear
"Don't believe what you read"
"Don't believe what you hear"

Now who went and said all of that?
'Cause not a syllable escaped these lips
Don't you put words in my mouth, my mouth
Bending the truth just to make it fit
But, hush, let me whisper
Boy, I got a little something to tell ya
Don't you dare put your words in my...

In my-my-mouth-mouth
In my-my-mouth-mouth
In my-my-mouth-mouth
In my-my-mouth-mouth


Can Be Compared To:

Artist(s): Layla Sanchez, Joshua Grimmie
Title: Forbidden Honey
Genre(s): Indie Pop, Pop
Length: 3:37
Writer: L.Sanchez, J.Grimmie
Producer: Joshua Grimmie
Label: Five Pesky Kids
From The Album: Feel No Fear

Forbidden Honey is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Layla Sanchez, featuring a guest appearance from fellow recording artist, Joshua Grimmie. The song was released on February 26, 2021, after being announced by Layla on her Twitter feed 8 days prior on the 18th of the month. The track's existence was initially teased in November with Sanchez posting images of flowing strands of honey on her Instagram page. Since the official announcement of the track, its release and future music video have been heavily promoted by both Sanchez and Grimmie, using the honey pot emoji in their social media posts as well as GIFs of the forthcoming video, set to drop in March. "Forbidden Honey" was written by both Layla and Joshua, with production being handled by Joshua himself. The lyrics tell the story of an on-again, off-again couple who have too many complications and reservations to become exclusive, but always find themselves in each other's arms, worsening the situation and making it harder to let go each and every time. Many speculate that the song itself is about Sanchez and Grimmie's brief affair as both are the sole writers of "Forbidden Honey".

The song was recorded in 2020, alongside the bulk of what will appear on Layla's forthcoming debut album, "Feel No Fear". Many fans speculated a collaboration was in the works between the pairing due to both musicians having a close relationship for many years, with rumours being fuelled further when Layla and Joshua began dating. It is believed that "Forbidden Honey" was set for a December release, following initial teasers for a "honey" themed track on Layla's Instagram in late December. The release was supposedly pushed back due to Grimmie's hectic schedule following the release of his hugely critically and commercially successful album "GOLDENHEART" on December 4th. Even prior to the song's official release, it stirred some controversy due to the relationship of Grimmie and Sanchez as well as the seemingly raunchy nature of the forthcoming video. Many fans of Austin Nimmo, Layla's ex-boyfriend, responded negatively to the news.

"Forbidden Honey" is an indie pop track, featuring a prominent use of guitar, subtle use of vocoder within the chorus and layered backing harmonies to create a "light", "spacey" and "heavenly" sound in contrast to the heavier, more intense lyrical content. The soundscape marries the styling of both Layla and Joshua, making use of Grimmie's love of live instrumentation and the catchy pop style of vocal melodies akin to Layla's past musical output. The creation of the track was dubbed a "joint effort" by Layla, with both of them creating every aspect of the song together from scratch.

---

"Forbidden Honey"

Layla
Joshua
Both

This big city's too rough without you
And the cold air is far from forgiving
Tripped before I even planned my move
Dice got lost but I still think I'm winning
We really shouldn't be here
Only gonna get hurt in the end

Wrapped around you on the back of your bike
Hope we catch red lights on the way home
Something real beautiful about the dark nights
Intensified when I have you to hold
Oh, we really shouldn't be here
But let's keep on playing pretend

Said we wouldn't get in too deep
The strings we said we'd never attach?
Well they keep me tethered to your reach
And I'm sure that I'm gonna regret that
But I wouldn't turn the time back

I crave the taste of this forbidden honey
Feels like I've got a damn dependency
I was never one to go and dance with danger
Now I'm strung out waiting on my favorite flavor
And I know that too much is no good for me
But honey's still honey and honey's oh so sweet

Contorted inside a web of complications
Didn't want to drag you down to the depth
But I've never won a battle against temptation
Saccharine waters, way in over my head
Tried my best to stay clear
But, damn, here we go again

I knew that it was playing with fire
We'll only walk away broken and burnt out
Do I suppress what the heart desires?
Or smother the little voices of doubt?
God, we really shouldn't be here
We both know how this one ends

Said we wouldn't get in too deep
The strings we said we'd never attach?
Well they keep me tethered to your reach
And I'm sure that I'm gonna regret that
But I wouldn't turn the time back

I crave the taste of this forbidden honey
Feels like I've got a damn dependency
I was never one to go and dance with danger
Now I'm strung out waiting on my favorite flavor
And I know that too much is no good for me
But honey's still honey and honey's oh so sweet

We don't say that word, 'cause we know it'll hurt
We don't say that word, 'cause we know it'll hurt
We don't say that word, 'cause we know it'll hurt
We don't say that word, 'cause we know it'll hurt

I crave the taste of this forbidden honey
Feels like I've got a damn dependency
I was never one to go and dance with danger
Now I'm strung out waiting on my favorite flavor
And I know that too much is no good for me
But honey's still honey and honey's oh so sweet

I crave the taste of this forbidden honey
Feels like I've got a damn dependency
I was never one to go and dance with danger
Now I'm strung out waiting on my favorite flavor
And I know that too much is no good for me
But honey's still honey and honey's oh so sweet


Can Be Compared To:

Artist: Layla, Younghood
Title: Some Kind of Magic
Genre(s): Pop, Hip-Hop, Electronic
Length: 3:34
Writers: L.Sanchez, Younghood
Producer: Orion Washington
Label: Five Pesky Kids
From The Album: Feel No Fear

Some Kind of Magic is a song by American singer-songwriter Layla Sanchez, now known simply as Layla. The song was released worldwide on August 29th, 2021 and serves as the third single from Sanchez's long-awaited debut studio album, "Feel No Fear". "Some Kind of Magic" follows the globally-successful collaboration with Joshua Grimmie, "Forbidden Honey". The overwhelming success of the single alongside the tragic overdose of her singing partner caused Layla to halt any further releases, resulting in a small 6 month hiatus. "Some Kind of Magic" was originally written as a solo track in late 2020. Younghood wouldn't be brought to the project until early 2021, with Sanchez believing that the song needed "another voice", personally reaching out to Younhood, finding the rapper to be the "perfect fit". Production of the track was handled by Orion Washington, who also produced and co-wrote Sanchez's #1 comeback single, "No Trouble in Paradise".

"Some Kind of Magic" is a pop song with elements of hip hop and electronic music incorporated throughout. Unlike previous collaboration, "Forbidden Honey" which boasted a more duo-style delivery of the vocals, "Some Kind of Magic" sees Layla belt and power her way through most of the experimental electronic-cum-hip-hop bassline as a lone-ranger until Younghood makes his appearance towards the latter half of the track. Lyrically, the song reflects on people who seemingly bring nothing but negative energy and have an unhealthy obsession with trying to tear others day. Layla's parts appear to be based on an ex-lover whilst Younghood focuses on industry peers and fake friends. Since it's premier, fans and critics were quick to assume that the lyrics were a direct reference to ex-boyfriend and fellow singer, Austin Nimmo. Sanchez, however, disproved such claims in the official press release of the single, claiming that the official idea of the song was inspired by online trolls and that the subject matter was switched in order to make the song more "universal".

---

---

"Some Kind of Magic"

Layla
Younghood


From the stories you tell,
Seems you're under a spell,
Must be a living hell

So go ahead and call me evil, a psycho
How I'm out there shaking your tightrope
Quick to say you hate me
But I'm always on your mind though
So go ahead and call me crazy, a real bitch
Thorn in your side, a stubborn itch
How every waking moment is so tragic
Yet you're craving my attention
Baby, this must be some kind of magic

Still lurking in your favorite hiding spot
By now I thought that you'd have given up
Pulling moves when the music clearly stopped
Dissecting my words as soon as they drop
I'm not the one with the bad intentions
Just trynna get on with my reinvention

Didn't some take that spot next to you?
Why are you so hung up on my every move?
Pouring salt all over your own wounds
About time you stop pressing on that bruise

So go ahead and call me evil, a psycho
How I'm out there shaking your tightrope
Quick to say you hate me
But I'm always on your mind though
So go ahead and call me crazy, a real bitch
Thorn in your side, a stubborn itch
How every waking moment is so tragic
Yet you're craving my attention
Baby, this must be some kind of magic

In my story, you were never the villain
But I guess things can always be rewritten
Another day, another fond memory you're killing
Sure this isn't what we ever envisioned
I never wanted us to end up as enemies
But you're making it harder to fake these niceties

Now between us lies a great divide
Don't think it'll ever see a sunrise
Sure it's lonely over on the other side
Maybe you should learn to pay no mind?

So go ahead and call me evil, a psycho
How I'm out there shaking your tightrope
Quick to say you hate me
But I'm always on your mind though
So go ahead and call me crazy, a real bitch
Thorn in your side, a stubborn itch
How every waking moment is so tragic
Yet you're craving my attention
Baby, this must be some kind of magic

Alright Layla, let me break it down right quick.
Make sure they get the picture

Imagine you come from a city that’s an urban jungle
Steel and metal, with everyone ready to watch you crumble
Some friends just around when it’s right,
Trying to get groupies smashed in out of town city nights
Don’t be around when shit hits, they got to be fresh and clean
But things going well, bandwagon, pom poms leading the team
They’ll smile in your face and bring you roses full of thorns
While when your back is turn, they bad mouth you, fueled with scorn
Like it’s their spot you’ve taken, they hot for you make’n
It's not cool, you the fool for not bending the knee,
And kiss the ring - They helped this thing
And shame on you for not following through
They deserve the credit when it due,
But, you only popping if a hater got something say
So I laugh, at the comments and continue on with my day
Trolls lived under bridges, clutching their keyboards
Stay down there while my name is the marquee breaking records

So go ahead and call me evil, a psycho
How I'm out there shaking your tightrope
Quick to say you hate me
But I'm always on your mind though
So go ahead and call me crazy, a real bitch
Thorn in your side, a stubborn itch
How every waking moment is so tragic
Yet you're craving my attention
Baby, this must be some kind of magic

From the stories you tell,
Seems you're under a spell,
Must be a living hell

From the stories you tell,
Seems you're under a spell,
Must be a living hell


Can Be Compared To:

Artist(s): Layla
Title: Round Again
Genre(s): Pop
Length: 3:24
Writer: L.Sanchez, C.Flores
Producer: BLOOM
Label: Five Pesky Kids
From The Album: Feel No Fear

Round Again is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Layla. It is the eighth track on her debut solo album, "Feel No Fear". The track was written in the summer of 2020 by Layla and Cristian Flores, aka BLOOM, who also handled the production of the song. "Round Again" is a mid-tempo pop song with an overall 'joyous' and 'uplifting' sound, fuelled with an 'anthemic' chorus featuring a backing choir, juxtaposed with 'apprehensive' verses which feature 'grumbling' synths. Layla's vocal delivery is softer throughout the verses, delicately singing about her reservations over the low, heavy beat. The optimistic chorus has Layla brightly belt out aided by a prominent group of backing vocalists. The lyrics of "Round Again" ironically details how Sanchez is ready to enter the world of dating again and prepared to 'endure' what it has to throw her way. Sanchez sings about reservations she's had in the past however, her fondness for this new potential lover far outweighs the negatives and thus, she proclaims that she will take a leap of faith and pursue things further.

The song was written in August 2020, alongside BLOOM, who also went on to officially produce the track. "Round Again" is seen as the "turning point" of "Feel No Fear", with Layla proclaiming to move forward and take a more positive approach to life after addressing numerous "darker" issues of her past on the previous tracks. Layla described the song's lyrics as "tongue-in-cheek" but despite that, also dubbed the track as "that glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel". Many are unsure if the track was inspired by her breakup with Austin Nimmo, thus making the lyrics about Joshua Grimmie, or if it relates to her present day life. This would suggest Sanchez is currently in an undisclosed relationship. The singer has remained vague regarding the inspiration. "Round Again" is stated to be a "precursor" to following song "Miami Smooth", another BLOOM co-production. Due to the lyrical content of both songs worked on solely by the pair, it has further fuelled the dating rumours surrounding Sanchez and Flores.

---

"Round Again"

I wouldn't say that I'm a masochist
Though I don't know why I keep enduring this
A lot of high hopes met with low blows
Sweaty palms, wondering where the night will go
Can't say I don't have any reservations
But I'm hung up on every word of his conversation

Don't want to get too ahead of myself
Fall head over heels only to go back on the shelf
I'm so tired of having to think twice
No thoughts, just falling into his eyes

I guess I'm ready to go round again
I guess I'm ready to go round the bend
We all want love and I'm just too impatient
Done with bitter, I want sweet temptations
I guess I'm ready to go round again
Hello, Boy Problems, my dear old friend

Used to be a prisoner of past defeats
Wasn't much fun keeping company with misery
Never allowed myself to give a second glance
Might not be the one but I want to take a chance
Red blooded woman, can't suppress my desires
Waiting for his touch, feeling like a live wire

I could so easily keep living in the past
Nobody would blame me but there's no fun in that
Has anyone ever figured this game out?
Now that's something that I highly doubt

I guess I'm ready to go round again
I guess I'm ready to go round the bend
We all want love and I'm just too impatient
Done with bitter, I want sweet temptations
I guess I'm ready to go round again
Hello, Boy Problems, my dear old friend

I guess I'm ready to go round again
I guess I'm ready to go round the bend
Heart is screaming out, begging for emancipation
Can't keep her locked up, tangled in frustration
I guess I'm ready to go round again
Hello, Boy Problems, my dear old friend

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
Uh-whoa-oh, uh-whoa, oh, oh
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
Uh-whoa-oh, uh-whoa, oh, oh

I'm done with trying to gauge it
It's way too cold and calculated
My anxiety is far too opinionated
That little voice leaves me jaded
There's a chance and I'm gonna take it
We all want love and I'm just too impatient
Done with bitter, I want sweet temptations

I guess I'm ready to go round again
I guess I'm ready to go round the bend
We all want love and I'm just too impatient
Done with bitter, I want sweet temptations
I guess I'm ready to go round again
Hello, Boy Problems, my dear old friend

I guess I'm ready to go round again
I guess I'm ready to go round the bend
Heart is screaming out, begging for emancipation
Can't keep her locked up, tangled in frustration
I guess I'm ready to go round again
Hello, Boy Problems, my dear old friend

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
Uh-whoa-oh, uh-whoa, oh, oh
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
Uh-whoa-oh, uh-whoa, oh, oh

Can Be Compared To:

Artist(s): Layla
Title: No Trouble in Paradise
Genre(s): Pop
Length: 3:33
Writer: C.Hudson, L.Sanchez, O.Washington
Producer: Orion Washington
Label: Five Pesky Kids
From The Album: Feel No Fear

No Trouble in Paradise is a song by American singer-songwriter Layla Sanchez, now known simply as Layla. The song was released worldwide on October 7th 2020 and serves as the lead single and closing track from Sanchez's long-awaited debut studio album, "Feel No Fear". "No Trouble in Paradise" was Sanchez's first musical output since 2015, following two solo singles as well as a guest appearance on Natasha Iver's "Okay". Since her departure from SYNCO and lukewarm reception to her initial releases, Layla entered a period of personal turmoil which resulted in an extended hiatus from the spotlight - shunning the studio, personal appearances and even social media for the most part. "No Trouble in Paradise" sees Layla return to the pop roots of her former girl group. As opposed to her debut solo release "Love Me Right Now", this track wasn't entirely self-penned as acclaimed writers Christopher Hudson and Orion Washington also had a hand in crafting the song with the former also handling the production. Lyrically, "No Trouble in Paradise" is a love song and ode to the perfect lover after being unsuccessful and hurt in love several times before. Sanchez uses many words associated with beachscapes, claiming that her lover can make anywhere in the word feel like paradise.

Layla unexpectedly announced the song a mere two hours before its official release, taking to her Instagram account for the first time in years to post the official cover art with the caption of "7 P.M. EST". In her social media silence Layla has endured; a serious stalking incident, threats on her life, the breakdown of her long term relationship with fellow singer Austin Nimmo and a controversial fling with close friend Joshua Grimmie. Despite being the first offering from the project and comeback release, "No Trouble in Paradise" actually serves as the closing chapter to the stories told throughout "Feel No Fear". On the track, Layla addresses and references previous relationship doubts showcased on the album as well as nodding to some other songs. A direct continuation from "Miami Smooth", Layla makes a point of maintaining that "beachscape" vision she previously painted. Just like on "Round Again", Sanchez continues to refer to the beautiful colour of her partner's eyes. The line "Wake up to find a sun kissed prince by my side" is a nod to fellow album cut "Snow White", a song which ultimately swears off men and has the opening line of; "Don't want a so-called Prince Charming by my side". "No Trouble in Paradise" is the ultimate conclusion, having conquered all the issues and fears that plagued her throughout the entirety of the process of making this album, drawing a line under her past and allowing the singer to move and look forward in her life as well as her next project.

---

"No Trouble in Paradise"

Sunglasses at night, trying to make me a believer
Been bitten too many times by those American dreamers
But in a place that turns honest men to thieves
You blossom and rise up from among the weeds
Finally, the waters are running crystal clear
Heaven can be anywhere as long as you're here

Falling into the pool of hazel in your eyes
Guilty of daydreaming, too hard to disguise
And on evidence, they'll surely take me alive
Under the influence of something so sublime

Oh, come caress me like a tropical breeze
For once there ain't no trouble in paradise
Riding waves of these diamond seas
Kiss me once and I'll sure kiss you twice
Don't ever let me go
On these golden sands, take me down sweet and slow
Yeah, as the sun sits low

There was once an ocean between our fingertips
Now I run them through your salty hair, yours on my hips
Wake up to find a sun kissed prince by my side
When so many others just sailed off into the night
And when it gets too hot, you come with that precipitation
Always mixing it up, you know I love the anticipation

Falling into the pool of hazel in your eyes
Guilty of daydreaming, too hard to disguise
And on evidence, they'll surely take me alive
Under the influence of something so sublime

Oh, come caress me like a tropical breeze
For once there ain't no trouble in paradise
Riding waves of these diamond seas
Kiss me once and I'll sure kiss you twice
Don't ever let me go
On these golden sands, take me down sweet and slow
Yeah, as the sun sits low

Oh, come caress me like a tropical breeze
For once there ain't no trouble in paradise
Riding waves of these diamond seas
Kiss me once and I'll sure kiss you twice
No, don't you ever let me go
In these foreign lands, there's so much to explore
Just too good to ignore

The sky's ablaze with orange delight
The hills tuck the sun in and wish a goodnight
They fall steep but with you, it's an easy climb
Take me anywhere and it'll be alright
Hand in hand, strolling by the riverside
Or off into the distance for that sunset ride

Oh, come caress me like a tropical breeze
For once there ain't no trouble in paradise
Riding waves of these diamond seas
Kiss me once and I'll sure kiss you twice
Don't ever let me go
On these golden sands, take me down sweet and slow
Yeah, as the sun sits low

Oh, come caress me like a tropical breeze
For once there ain't no trouble in paradise
Riding waves of these diamond seas
Kiss me once and I'll sure kiss you twice
No, don't you ever let me go
In these foreign lands, there's so much to explore
Just too good to ignore

And there is no better view, baby, my paradise is right with you
And there is no better view, baby, my paradise is right with you
And there is no better view, baby, my paradise is right with you
And there is no better view, baby, my paradise is right with you

Can Be Compared To:

Ryan: It's tough to muster up words to say because I already constantly praise you and your work. Congratulations on creating a truly remarkable debut LP. I put out my debut around the same age that you are now and I had zero expectations behind me, so the fact that you created such a beautiful album with immense pressure behind you given your time with Synco, is mind-blowing. You're one of the kindest and most talented artists I know. You've earned all the acclaim that you've already received and will continue to now thanks to Feel No Fear. You already have the biggest song of the year included in here and this may just be the best pop album of the year. The deep cuts on here are just as special as the bigger than life singles. The most exciting thing to me about you and this album is that you have decades and decades of music ahead of you. I can't wait to hear it and continue to support you.

OOC: Another album thread that you knock out of the park! You never fail to impress me with the attention to detail and clear hard work that you put into these. It does not go unnoticed. Fantastic work!