"I Shall Love 2" is a single by American composer, singer, and producer Julia Holter, released in September 2018 as the lead track from her critically acclaimed album Aviary. The song stands out for its serene yet stirring blend of experimental pop, dreamlike orchestration, and poetic lyricism123.
Song Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Artist | Julia Holter |
| Album | Aviary (2018) |
| Release Date | September 6, 2018 |
| Genre | Art pop, experimental, indie |
| Label | Domino Recording Company |
| Length | ~6:14 (album version) |
| Songwriter | Julia Holter |
| Producer | Julia Holter |
Musical Style and Composition
- Sound: "I Shall Love 2" merges lush string arrangements with delicate synthesizer textures and subtle electronic elements. Holter's vocals are layered and ethereal, floating above the intricate instrumentation.
- Atmosphere: The track has been described as dreamlike and sophisticated, blending minimalism and pop, and gradually building from a gentle opening into a swirling, emotionally climactic chorus45.
- Arrangement: Combining acoustic and electronic instrumentation, the song showcases Holter’s gift for both melodic delicacy and experimental structure.
Lyrical Themes
- The song's lyrics center on the affirmation "I shall love," which functions as both a mantra and a declaration—meditating on the necessity, longing, and sometimes struggle of love.
- There's a sense of repetition and circularity in the lyrics, mirroring the song’s persistent, swelling musical motifs.
- The phrase "I shall love" is repeated throughout, conveying insistence and hopefulness amid the complexity of contemporary life.
Significance and Reception
- "I Shall Love 2" was praised as a luminous highlight from Aviary and a prime example of Julia Holter's unique approach to songwriting—sophisticated yet accessible.
- The track marked a return to more melodic and structured forms following Holter’s previous experiments with abstraction and avant-garde composition3.
- Critics have noted its emotional resonance and the intricate layering that rewards careful listening.
Notable Facts
- The song was accompanied by an official video directed by Dicky Bahto, further emphasizing its surreal and meditative themes.
- "I Shall Love 2" was the first single released from Aviary, setting the tone for the album’s balance of intimacy and grandeur.
"I Shall Love 2" endures as one of Julia Holter’s signature tracks, celebrated for its emotive power, imaginative orchestration, and lyrical optimism—a mesmerizing entry point into the world of Aviary and Holter’s distinctive sonic vision23.
