Love in Exile (album)

Love in Exile is a collaborative studio album by Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, and Shahzad Ismaily, released on March 24, 2023, through Verve Records. The album is a collection of largely improvisational performances centered around themes of love, loss, longing, and the experience of exile, reflecting the artists' individual and collective experiences.

The trio, consisting of Aftab on vocals, Iyer on piano, and Ismaily on bass, cello, and electronics, developed the album's material through live performances before recording the sessions. The music blends elements of jazz, classical, minimalist composition, Hindustani classical music, and ambient electronic textures, resulting in a distinctive and emotionally resonant sound.

Critical reception to Love in Exile has been overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising the album's intricate interplay between the musicians, its evocative atmosphere, and Aftab's soaring vocals and poignant lyrics. Many reviewers highlighted the album's emotional depth and its ability to create a space for contemplation and reflection. The album received numerous accolades, including being named one of the best albums of the year by various publications.