Time is one of humanity’s greatest adversaries—indiscriminate and relentless. It can make our happiest moments feel fleeting and our most painful experiences stretch endlessly. Sampha knows this all too well. On his debut album, Process, he grappled with the loss of his mother, ultimately arriving at a reluctant acceptance of her absence. Five years later, the U.K. singer-songwriter returns with Lahai, an album that radiates hope and self-acceptance. In contrast to the raw mourning of his debut, Lahai reflects a man healing, embracing life, and seeking peace for himself and his family. Where Process captured Sampha amid his grief, Lahai is a testament to recovery. Family remains central to his narrative, but now the 34-year-old channels his emotional energy into growth, healing, and being a source of light for his young daughter. This shift in focus creates a warmer, more uplifting body of work that feels like a new chapter in his journey.
The lead single, “Spirit 2.0,” sets the tone for the album. It’s a spiritual lifeline, reassuring listeners that they’ll find support—even in moments of despair. “Waves will catch you / Light will catch you / Love will catch you / Spirit gon’ catch you,” Sampha sings with conviction. The lush, open-air instrumentals amplify this sense of release, as he reflects on his own path to healing. The song even nods to Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a fable about self-discovery and acceptance—a theme that resonates throughout the album. That metaphor is most directly explored on the track “Jonathan Livingston.” The song confronts the challenge of leaving one’s comfort zone to rediscover purpose. In his travels, Sampha encounters others with shared trauma, though their responses and healing processes differ: “Even though we’ve been through the same / Doesn’t always mean we feel the same.” The song is a poignant reminder of the universality and individuality of pain. Sampha’s reflections on relationships and memories add emotional texture to Lahai. On “Dancing Circles,” he cherishes serene moments shared with a loved one, while “Suspended” captures the dissociation and detachment he’s experienced. His unflinching honesty about his struggles makes these tracks deeply resonant, offering a glimpse into his ongoing journey to piece himself back together after profound loss.
Time itself becomes a recurring antagonist as the album unfolds. In the brief interlude “Time Piece,” a woman speaks in French, stating, “Time doesn’t exist / A time machine.” This leads seamlessly into “Can’t Go Back,” where Sampha acknowledges the futility of longing for the past. As a father, he realizes the importance of living in the present and preparing for the future, not just for himself but for his daughter. This acceptance marks a maturity that underscores his growth since Process. Yet, even as Sampha approaches a sense of self-acceptance, traces of apprehension linger. On “What If You Hypnotize Me?” he questions his newfound happiness, wondering if it’s selfish or fragile. Memories of his past continue to pull at him, but he remains open to the possibility of finding peace, even if it means surrendering to the love and comfort he yearns for. In Lahai, Sampha presents an intimate struggle with time—a fight that is both endless and thankless. Yet, through it all, he holds onto hope, finding purpose and meaning in the present. With its glitchy, ethereal soundscapes, Lahai feels like a serene reflection on the future, where Sampha aims to create a positive environment for himself and his family. After losing so much time to grief, he uses this album as a reminder to cherish what remains. It’s a testament to resilience, growth, and the enduring power of hope.