She does not merely replicate jazz; she translates it. Historically, the "jazz standard" relied on a specific lexicon of metaphors—often polished, sometimes distant. Laufey dismantles this polish. In hits like "From The Start," she utilizes the rhythmic swing of bossa nova, but the lyrical vocabulary is distinctly contemporary, eschewing flowery poetics for the raw, unfiltered vernacular of modern heartbreak. She creates a creole of time periods, merging the sonic aesthetic of the 1950s with the confessional, diary-like lyricism of the 2020s. This allows her to communicate with a generation that craves the "vintage" aesthetic but demands modern emotional resonance.
Laufey is fluent in three languages, which she describes as her "first" or core languages: laufey languages
Her songwriting often explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery with a candor and vulnerability that resonates with listeners. The storytelling in her lyrics can be both universally relatable and deeply personal. She does not merely replicate jazz; she translates it
Most of Laufey’s catalog—including hits like "From The Start" and "Valentine" —is written and performed in English. She possesses a transatlantic, crisp American accent when speaking and singing, a result of her time living in the U.S. and attending college at Berklee College of Music in Boston. In hits like "From The Start," she utilizes
Laufey's voice is a significant aspect of her appeal. She possesses a smooth, soulful tone that can navigate the complexities of jazz standards as well as contemporary pop and R&B.