THE FIRST TIME

Tuck

Ryan1Nunez

The First Time shows The Kid LAROI leveling up. It’s a solid, emotionally charged project that blends his signature vulnerability with slick pop and hip-hop production—and the deluxe tracks make it feel even more expansive. LAROI has always had a knack for tapping into heartbreak, self-doubt, and the pressure of fame, and this album really leans into that in a way that feels authentic and personal. Tracks like “BLEED” and “WHAT JUST HAPPENED” are pure earworms, filled with the kind of angst and catchiness that made fans fall in love with his earlier work. He plays around more with genre here too—there’s gritty trap energy, polished pop hooks, even a few softer moments that hit surprisingly deep. The deluxe additions round it out nicely, giving a bit more edge and emotional weight. That said, the album isn’t perfect. Some moments feel slightly repetitive, and while LAROI’s emotional honesty is refreshing, a few tracks don’t quite stand out as strongly as others. But when he does hit, he hits hard. Overall, The First Time is a strong, confident step forward for The Kid LAROI. It proves he’s more than just a viral hitmaker—he’s a real artist with something to say. With continued growth and a little more sonic risk-taking, his next move could be massive. But for now? This is a solid win.

allmusic

nme