Lucy Fitzgerald 
Lauren Alex Hooper’s “Too Much And Not Enough, Vol. 1” is a raw and open-hearted collection that speaks with quiet strength. Across five tracks, she explores identity, mental health, and neurodivergence without holding back or dressing things up. Her songwriting is honest in a way that feels lived-in, not performative. Each lyric feels like a page from a journal you were never meant to read but are lucky to experience.
The EP opens with “Armour”, a song about the emotional toll of hiding your true self to fit in. It’s a poignant take on masking, especially for autistic people, and Lauren’s voice gently moves between vulnerability and quiet defiance. “Eye To Eye” picks up from there, dealing with connection and disconnection in a way that’s haunting but soft.
“Overexposed” leans into sensory overload, echoing the internal chaos that often comes with it. The layering of gentle synths and restrained production adds a tension that never overwhelms, but lingers. “The Loneliest Whale” is the metaphor-rich centerpiece, capturing the feeling of calling out into the world and not knowing if anyone is listening. The closing track, “Last One Standing”, is reflective but affirming. It feels like a subtle declaration of identity — not in rebellion, but in acceptance.
The production stays out of the way of the lyrics. Light touches of electronic instrumentation sit beside organic guitar parts and minimal beats. Nothing feels too polished, and that’s part of the charm. You’re not listening to a performance; you’re sitting next to someone telling their truth. Personally, this EP hit me in a quiet way that stuck around. It didn’t scream for attention, and that’s exactly why I kept thinking about it. There’s power in letting things exist without apology.
Lauren Alex Hooper has crafted something real with “Too Much And Not Enough, Vol. 1”. If you appreciate music that reflects real human experience without turning it into spectacle, give this one your time. And when you do, make sure to follow her, support her journey, and add these songs to your playlist. Whether you see yourself in her words or they open your eyes to someone else’s world, this EP is worth every listen.
Listening to songs so you don’t have to! Just kidding :D, you totally should. Music blogger by day, nurse by night
