World-famous jazz-inspired musician Laufey recently dropped her third album, A Matter of Time, on August 22, 2025. Most of the songs on the album are original pieces, written by her, combining classical orchestral elements, jazz, and a touch of modern pop. 

The album maintains the classical feel Laufey embodies, though it is apparent that the singer has had considerable creative freedom. “Mr. Eclectic” is the 12th track on the album. The word "eclectic," according to Google, means to derive ideas, style, or taste from different sources. The singer is no stranger to boy problems and incorporating them into her music. However, this particular song emphasizes a certain type of boy, the kind that has been all over the internet. 

The rise of performative males, men who curate themselves to be the perfect lover to a modern woman. They have become an internet joke, enjoying matcha, Clairo, and feminist literature to appeal to women. None of this facade is true; these interests are shallow, and oftentimes the man behind them is, in reality, quite deceptive. These men invade comfortable spaces for women to seem appealing. This is exactly who Laufey is speaking to in her song “Mr. Eclectic,” as many performative men have taken to liking her. The piece is particularly playful in its instrumentals, combining bossa nova and jazz, a Laufey classic. The lyrics, along with the playfulness of the back track, make this so-called Mr. Eclectic seem like a joke.

The lyrics are full of small jabs at men who think extremely highly of themselves. In the lyrics, “The very expert on the foolish things that men have said to woo and win me over,” the singer alludes to the mindset many have that women can’t possibly know an old author or composer, even though they tend to be popular. Laufey calls these men “Mr. Eclectic Allan Poe” and a poser, which are both ironic. Edgar Allan Poe is a highly renowned 19th-century writer whom many literary men admire. The usage of ‘poser’ is particularly funny, as women often cannot like something without being asked to prove their interests, or else they’re a poser. They can’t simply enjoy something without being put down or accused of faking it. The song becomes more iconic as there are background vocals, although it isn’t just Laufey but also Clairo, who is a staple artist for performative men. Laufey truly outdid herself with this piece. Whilst the song brings smiles to the faces of many, it depicts real experiences women go through. It is an exhausting back and forth with a man who is presenting himself as better than most. The performative male epidemic isn’t merely a funny little joke but an actual phenomenon that women deal with daily. If you feel as if you are one of them, take a listen to “Mr. Eclectic” and re-evaluate how you treat women. If not, just give the song a listen anyway, it’s exceptionally jazzy!