I Like Me Better

Lauv stepped into the spotlight in 2017 with a track that felt less like a polished pop product and more like a late-night text message set to music. I Like Me Better arrived on May 19, capturing the specific anxiety and relief of realizing you are finally comfortable in your own skin. The song blends electropop rhythms with intimate lyrics, creating a sound that feels both massive and deeply personal. Written by Lauv alongside Michael Matosic, the track became a defining moment for the artist before he even released his full debut album.

The narrative reflects the feeling of being young and in love in New York City while still figuring out one's identity. Critics praised the production quality and relatability, noting how it captured the zeitgeist of millennial anxiety and the healing power of relationships. The phrase "I like me better when I'm with you" quickly became a ubiquitous internet caption and meme, referenced in pop culture and used by fans to express affection.

Commercially, the single dominated streaming platforms and peaked at number 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It reached the top 10 in several international markets including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The official audio and lyric video garnered hundreds of millions of views on YouTube, cementing its status as a viral anthem of the late 2010s. A performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in August 2018 marked a major televised milestone for the song, introducing it to a broader mainstream audience. [edit]