How Long Do You Think It’s Gonna Last?

Released in 2021, 'How Long Do You Think It’s Gonna Last?' marks the second full-length collaboration between Aaron Dessner (The National) and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver). While their self-titled debut was an exercise in experimental folktronica and improvisational textures, this follow-up is a more song-oriented affair, heavily influenced by Dessner’s recent high-profile collaborations with Taylor Swift. The album features an expansive list of guests, including Swift, Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold, and Anaïs Mitchell, turning the project into a true collective. Sonically, it is defined by Dessner’s signature piano patterns - often looped and layered - and a production style that blends analog warmth with modern digital processing. Critics noted its shift toward accessibility compared to the debut, praising its emotional depth and the seamless integration of its many guest vocalists, while some found its length and consistency a challenge. It stands as a document of a specific creative community at its peak.