When a dance craze sweeps through the industry, such trends usually come in quite straightforward, repetitious grooves bouncing off TikTok trends. But that notion is absolved with a fully melodious tide of softhearted and soulful pop, being utterly non-dance. Originally released in June 2024, “Messy” is the sixth single off Lola Young’s sophomore album This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway, making it quite an unlikely sensation on TikTok.
The song leaps into the TikTok clip featuring Jake Shane and Sofia Richie. While their 14-second dance to the song could be more accurately termed “vibing” rather than dancing, the impact is undeniable. It has catalyzed millions of streams, catapulting “Messy” into the higher echelons of the charts. Young described “Messy” as an “ADHD anthem,” a feeling articulated in the lyrics. The deeply personal element of the song was further elaborated on in interviews with Metal Magazine and Atwood Magazine,where Young discussed how putting the song together was a true reflection of her struggles with self-perception and the complexities of dating.
The record features sparse arrangements of gently plucked guitar chords and a cocktail of understated drum patterns. These laid-back sensations work together to achieve the most stripped-back setup, leaving Lola Young’s voice running with silk and mellifluousness. Edges piercing through the support are jagged and struck with transparency, exposing moments when there are insecurities just at the edge of her volition.
Such heartfelt honesty translates fully into the song’s lyrics, where Young vents her frustrations about a partner who simply cannot seem to accept her as she is. Acoustic guitar and light drums alone allow Young’s rhythm-drenched voice to let fly torrents of insecurities and contradictions. “I’m too messy and then I’m too fucking clean / You told me to get a job, then you ask where the hell I’ve been / And I’m too perfect ’til I open my big mouth / I want to be me, is that not allowed?” she sings in the easily memorable chorus.
It swings from an exhausted to a fighting tone, binding the emotional tale being told. The instrumentation gradually incorporates soft bass lines and hat-wearing synth atmospherics, all of which help underline the internal mood without overwhelming it.
Lola Young thrives in “Messy,” a departure from the heavily produced, dance-floor-ready tracks that usually dominate TikTok. Double-mindedly, Lola Young embraces TikTok’s power, affirming her art while remaining aware of its hold on success and creativity. While online popularity has exponentially increased its reach, chart numbers and the 116 million streams on Spotify reflect the success of quality music from an artist who has already gone too far to turn back.
Influenced by TikTok’s algorithm, songs that promote the lowest-common-denominator music for the virality factor have become ubiquitous. In the case of “Messy,” however, the genuine quality of the song and its emotional depth struck a chord with people, which begs the question: why is it rising so well-deserved and organically? Unlike many TikTok hits that feel deliberately made for optimum reach, it is “Messy” that digs deep into listeners’ souls. The melody soared to viral heights on TikTok despite not including any sort of “dance,” giving recognition to everyone’s love for Lola Young’s art. It’s an excellent piece with spectacular elements, so no wonder it is getting that amount of love.
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