The sensational British pop artist Lola Young has just released her latest single, “One Thing,” marking her first new offering since the launch of her critically acclaimed This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway album in August. This new track showcases her evolving artistry and continues to build on her impressive discography, demonstrating her growth as a musician and her commitment to creating relatable, impactful music that resonates with her audience.
With influences drawn from classic boom-bap production styles, the lyrics of “One Thing” highlight Young’s empowerment and confidence in her romantic encounters. She boldly expresses her desires, singing, “I wanna show you just what I like/ I wanna kiss you slow/ Wanna f–k you rough/ Wanna eat you up,” which encapsulates her thrilling approach to intimacy and desire, allowing listeners to connect with her passionate and unabashed lyrics.
“One Thing” follows a series of engaging social media teasers shared by the 24-year-old artist, filmed during her time in California after her stunning performance at Coachella in April. The official music video for the track has been directed by the talented Dave Meyers, known for his work with prominent artists like Little Simz, SZA, and Sabrina Carpenter, ensuring that the visual experience matches the energy and intensity of the song.
“I aimed to create a song and music video that provokes thought while portraying sex as an experience that can be both fun and lighthearted, rather than always carrying deep meaning. Additionally, I wanted to illustrate how traditional gender roles can be reversed,” Young expressed in a recent press release, shedding light on her creative vision and intent behind the project.
Over the past six months, Young has experienced an extraordinary rise to fame. Her powerful anthem, “Messy,” achieved a slow yet steady ascent to the top of the Official U.K. Singles Chart in January, ultimately reaching the number one position eight months post-release. With over 600 million streams on Spotify, this track has captivated listeners, who are drawn to her candid and relatable reflections on personal struggles and self-acceptance.
By holding the number one position for four consecutive weeks, Young made history as the longest-reigning British female artist at the top of the charts since Adele‘s “Easy on Me” in 2021. “Messy” outperformed notable tracks like Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” (2022) and Kenya Grace’s “Strangers” (2023), both of which held the top position for three weeks, showcasing Young’s remarkable impact on the music scene.
In addition to her chart success, the south London artist has collaborated with renowned musicians such as Tyler, the Creator on the track “Like Him” and Lil Yachty on “Charlie.” Furthermore, she recently received three nominations for the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards, and she was recognized in the best pop act category at the BRIT Awards earlier this year, underscoring her rapid ascent within the industry.
Reflecting on her journey as an artist, Young shared, “I’m realizing that my identity isn’t tied to glitz and glam — I don’t fit the ‘Hollywood’ mold.” In an interview with Billboard U.K. published last November, she expressed how she once aspired to embody a conventional standard of beauty, only to realize that authenticity and truth resonate more deeply with her audience. “I embrace my imperfections, swear frequently, and enjoy life, and that’s what people connect with,” she stated.
Looking forward, Lola Young has an exciting summer ahead, with performances scheduled at various festivals across the U.K. and Europe, including Reading & Leeds in August. Additionally, she will make an appearance at the All Things Go Festival in New York City the following month, sharing the stage with talented acts like Doechii and Noah Kahan, which will further elevate her profile in the global music landscape.
Tune in to experience “One Thing” below:
