RILEY LAUREN’S FIRE-CRACKLING NEW SONG
Things are heating up for Riley Lauren after the release of her newest single “warm for a while.” Released on April 4, the track explores thinking back on a healthy relationship that didn’t work out while still remaining grateful for the experience. This song marks Lauren’s first single of 2025, and third total since her debut in 2023.
The Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter has been pursuing music for years, but started out making YouTube videos that focussed on clothing style and thrifting. Apart from her vlogs, Lauren also plays covers at shows and posts some online, including renditions of Chappell Roan’s “Red Wine Supernova” and Hozier’s “Cherry Wine.” Lauren says her main musical influences include Fleetwood Mac, Sara Bareilles and Billy Joel.
Starting with a calming acoustic guitar, “warm for a while” is soon followed by the swirling sensation of Lauren’s honey-esque vocals. The song slowly builds as it progresses, staying primarily acoustic with pieces of drums and harmonies intertwining throughout. Lauren’s strong vocals will captivate any listener — particularly her ability to put her emotions on display perfectly through song. Lauren’s belt after the bridge over top of quiet instruments pushes her passionate vocals on the forefront.
“You showed me / A love that I’m worthy of knowing / And you didn't want to leave me lonely / Backs turned to the fire / At least we stayed warm for a while,” Lauren sings in the chorus, thinking back on a bittersweet relationship. These lines were the first ones written, Lauren said, and she formed the rest of the song around them.
As a whole, the track explores Lauren looking into a past relationship, one that was happy and healthy, but ultimately had to end. The visuals for “warm for a while” revolve around fire, as shown in the breathtaking single art and through the sound of a crackling fireplace in the last few seconds of the song. All of this is purposefully crafted by Lauren, who wanted to tap into the two different sides of what fire can represent.
“I liked the concept that fire can be a destructive and bad thing, but also a source of warmth and survival,” Lauren wrote in an Instagram post. “We wanted to cling to the relationship because of how warm it always was, but it just wasn’t meant to be.”
Photo: Riley Lauren “warm for a while” single cover | Graphic by Paige Wallner (Crave Music Magazine)
A standout moment of the song happens when it transitions from the second chorus into the bridge. After a nearly 10-second guitar break, Lauren comes in with stunning ad libs until the bridge is ushered in, giving listeners a new sound compared to the rest of the track.
“Maybe I’m forgetting to forget you / Cause I can’t even tell you that I’m trying to,” Lauren sings in the bridge, showing the complexity of break-ups and how hard it can be to move on from them.
Lauren’s musical ability only grows with each release, with her songwriting, artistry and image flourishing in this genre.
Keep up with Riley Lauren here:
Instagram / TikTok / Spotify / YouTube
