I've Loved You for So Long is the third studio album by the American indie pop group The Aces, released through Red Bull Records on June 2, 2023. The album is also the title of its opening track.
Background and Composition
The album was recorded at Red Bull Studios in Santa Monica, California, United States, and was produced by the band members themselves alongside Keith Varon. According to Apple Music, the album draws from classic pop rock, in contrast to the R&B-influenced pop of the band's previous album, Under My Influence (2020). The record is particularly inspired by 1980s pop rock.
The album's lyrical content explores the band members' experiences with homophobia and racism, set within indie pop arrangements. The band members grew up in religious (Mormon) settings, and the album reflects some of the emotional effects of breaking free from those environments to form new identities.
Reception
The album received positive reviews from critics. In Clash Magazine, Sara Hansen rated the release 8 out of 10, calling it a "confident, self-assured album" that "provides a career snapshot." Adele Julia of The Line of Best Fit gave the release a 7 out of 10, noting that "the group appears most unified on this record, coming together with balanced production that leans into 80s synth sonics and 00s pop rock." In Paste, Miranda Wollen scored the album 8.6 out of 10, describing it as "an album meant for a summer playlist."
Track Listing
All songs were written by Katie Henderson, McKenna Petty, Alisa Ramirez, Cristal Ramirez, and Keith Varon.
- "I've Loved You for So Long" – 2:56
- "Girls Make Me Wanna Die" – 2:15
- "Always Get This Way" – 2:54
- "Solo" – 2:47
- "Not the Same" – 4:14
- "Suburban Blues" – 3:00
- "Person" – 3:36
- "Miserable" – 2:38
- "Attention" – 2:49
- "Stop Feeling" – 4:05
- "Younger" – 2:10
The vinyl edition contains extended versions of "Always Get This Way" (3:10) and "Solo" (3:27).
Personnel
The Aces
- Katie Henderson – lead guitar, vocals, piano, synthesizer, production
- McKenna Petty – bass guitar, vocals, production
- Alisa Ramirez – drums, vocals, production
- Cristal Ramirez – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, production
Additional personnel
- Julian Burgueño – photography
- Mike Crossey – programming, mixing
- Chris Gehringer – mastering
- James Musshorn – engineering
- Will Quinnell – mastering
- Aaron Stearns – cover art, design
- Keith Varon – guitar, synthesizer, programming, production, executive production
- Kenny "Tick" Salcido – A&R
Title Track
The opening track, "I've Loved You for So Long," was released as a single ahead of the album. According to the band, the line was written by Alisa Ramirez and was described as feeling "grand and romantic." The song explores themes of nostalgia, longing, and the enduring nature of love, with the narrator reflecting on a past love that has resurfaced in their life.
