Although Destroy Lonely‘s new album LOVE LASTS FOREVER took longer than expected to arrive, it was well worth the wait.
Originally reported to release in April, the Opium superstar finally shared the 21-track album to the widespread praise of fans. His most calculated, concise and cohesive album to date, LLF finds Lone in a nostalgic yet elevated pocket of Atlanta trap, curated by executive producer Lil88 as well as 00 regulars in KP Beatz, Clayco, CXDY, Southside, Wheezy, Taurus and more.
Highlights like “CADILLAC,” “LOCK IN,” “THRILL” with best friend Ken Carson, “DOUBT IT” and more illustrate Lone’s growth as an artist and storyteller, with more music on the way. Sharing a pair of digital deluxes that touts 10 new tracks, fans can look forward to these bonus cuts on DSPs soon “BANGAZ” with Don Toliver is only available on the physical album.
Lil Uzi Vert’s atmospheric presence on “LOVE HURTS” (shout out DIE LIT Carti) brings yet another layer to Lone’s dusty, COD Rust aesthetic, pairing Uzi’s transcending vocals with his auto-dripped drawl. Lone and Ken Carson—who recently shared the deluxe to his acclaimed album A GREAT CHAOS—link up for their ninth official collaboration on “THRILL,” as calls for their anticipated joint album grow louder.
Lone dropped the record’s lead single “Luv 4 Ya” (June 13) almost a month after it was originally announced (May 10). Boasting production from Opium collaborator Lil88, Lone skates over the stark, pulsating beat that progressively morphs into anthemic return to form. “I got Luv 4 Ya,” he raps through his gritty auto-vocal chain, asserting his triumphant comeback as the leader of the new wave. Much of this sound is prevalent on LLF; sliding whiny synths mixed with burnt 808s and Lone’s undeniable swagger make for his most potent and consistent listen.
The follow-up to his acclaimed 2023 Opium debut, If Looks Could Kill, was marked by recent performances at Lollapalooza and Coachella (peep his interview on-site with Nardwuar here). Prior to collaborations with PinkPantheress (“Turn Your Phone Off“), Quavo (“Potato Loaded“) and more, If Looks Could Kill nabbed Lone his highest-charting debut of his career, netting 30,000 first-week units and earning a Top 20 berth on the Billboard 200.
LOVE LASTS FOREVER not only continues Destroy Lonely’s stratospheric climb as a generational talent, but is poised to cement him among an echelon of stars tinged with timeless value.
Check out ‘LOVE LASTS FOREVER’ below!