One of the forerunners of Playboi Carti’s Opium label, there were high hopes for Destroy Lonely’s latest album release, “Love Lasts Forever.” Released Aug. 30, the album was highly anticipated after numerous delays. “Love Lasts Forever” has 21 tracks including features from rap stars Lil Uzi Vert and Ken Carson. The album opened at No. 10 on the Billboard 200, with over 37,000 units sold.
“Love Lasts Forever” sees Destroy Lonely embark on an auditory journey, drawing from underworld imagery to create an infused R&B and hip hop track. Despite the impressive line-up of artists being featured on the album, I couldn’t help but feel that the album was underwhelming and brought very little that’s new to longtime Destroy Lonely fans.
“If you don’t like it, that’s for you, and that’s ok,” Destroy Lonely stated in an interview with Genius. “Love Lasts Forever” is an album that doesn’t necessarily aim to redefine genres or win over everyone but stays true to what Lonely knows and loves. And while I do wish that the album pushed boundaries further, I can respect that choice.
The album starts with “Forever,” sampling “Love Lasts Forever” by All Saints. It appears that the song is a different narrative—perhaps one with vulnerability. But that sense quickly fades away, and the album settles into being the same themes that define much of Lonely’s recent tracks: sex, drugs, and money.
While these themes are certainly not uncommon in rap, the album felt like a missed opportunity to explore something deeper. Instead of allowing the vulnerability hinted at in the beginning of the album, it’s quickly overshadowed by the usual run of show. I felt disappointed and wondered what more Destroy Lonely could have done.
Lil Uzi Vert’s feature on “Love Hurts” brought something new to the table, a much-needed breath of fresh air that momentarily broke away from the predictable cadence. When Uzi’s voice bursts onto the track, it felt like the album might pay off. It was like resurfacing for air after a long dive underwater.
Track five, “Baby Money,” however, is where Destroy Lonely truly captures my attention. Adopting a new moniker—one of the many playful identities he’s tried on over his career—he creates a persona that feels brash yet inventive. The track’s warbly synths, combined with the sharp beat of hi-hats, give way to a catchy and memorable tune. It’s a reminder of the fun, audacious energy that brought many fans to Destroy Lonely’s music in the first place. The track struts with confidence, and the beat is strong, creating a rhythm that carries a deeper sense of longing for meaning in the midst of chaos.
Although the album delivers on energy, it often struggles with coherence. Songs like “Lock In” feel like echoes of earlier tracks, with lyrics that go over the same tropes: taking drugs, boasting about wealth, and stealing someone’s girlfriend. The production, created by industry veterans like Wheezy, Southside, and Clayco, is polished but ultimately doesn’t take enough risks.
The beats are predictable, and by the middle of the album, each track starts blending into the next, like an endless loop. The narrative of the album feels unfulfilled.
That being said, the personal moments in the album were where Destroy Lonely shone brightest. Tracks like “Doubt It” and “Honestly” did dive deeper into his vulnerabilities, albeit still being centered upon many tropes in the industry. “Doubt It” explores the burdens of wealth, the uncertainties that come with it, and the fear that no amount of success can buy genuine loyalty or love. Then there’s “Honestly,” which feels more genuine, as Destroy Lonely speaks from his heart.
“Be honest with me, I know you miss me, shawty, keep it G / Beyond this sh*t, I always thought it’d be you and me,” there is a tenderness there that transcends the usual tough façade of Lonely. It’s a reminder that beneath all the flashy production and confident bars, there’s a young man who still longs for real connection.
Ken Carson’s feature on “Thrill” brings some of the best energy on the entire project. The chemistry between the two artists is undeniable; their voices weave seamlessly, and give a taste of what could be if Destroy Lonely leaned more into collaboration. Both of the rappers are clearly in their element, and I could tell they’re having fun. That joy translates into something that makes the track stand out.
“Love Lasts Forever” may not be groundbreaking, but it doesn’t lack for moments that remind fans of why Destroy Lonely is worth listening to. Although the album isn’t a complete disappointment, the potential was there for redefining the trap industry and his name as an artist. There’s an emotional depth within “Love Last Forever” that, if fully embraced in future albums, could lead to something transformative for both Destroy Lonely and the industry.
