Yung Lean has an affinity for flair, but not in the way you might think. He’s down to earth and appreciates the simple things life has to offer, even if his music feels larger than life. It’s raw and tethered to the human experience, as the Swedish-born alternative artist leads in his upcoming album JONATAN with anthemic lead singles “Forever Yung” and “Babyface Maniacs.”
Since sharing PSYKOS with Bladee last summer, it’s been three years since Lean dropped a solo album. 2022’s Stardust followed Starz in 2020, and now at 28, Lean’s JONATAN is poised to be a true depiction of himself and his artistry. Not only will it be his most personal yet, Lean’s “Forever Yung” sets the tone for the record. “Like a phoenix, I will come up and rise,” he croons on the track, as JONATAN (due out May 2) is set to be his most direct artistic statement yet. “Take off your mask” he sings on “Forever Yung,” a fitting metaphor for this honest approach.
The 28-year-old star has been nothing but an international success since his twice-viral “Ginseng Strip 2002” reached acclaim. It’s hard to believe Lean is a decade into a career, nonetheless one that has been wildly unique. Having collaborated with rappers like Travis Scott, alt-pop stars like FKA twigs, new wave innovators like Bladee and Ecco2k, among others, Yung Lean has explored the limits of genre with projects like JonatanLeandoer96 and his punk band Död Mark. There’s nothing Lean won’t be hesitant to try.
It never gets old with Yung Lean—you never know what to expect.
This story will be updated.
Listen to “JONATAN” below!