"How Long Do You Think It's Gonna Last?" is the second studio album by American indie duo Big Red Machine, consisting of Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon. Released on August 27, 2021, by 37d03d and Jagjaguwar, the album explores themes of childhood, familial dynamics, and mental health, drawing inspiration from The Band's 1978 live album, The Last Waltz.
The album features guest vocals from Anaïs Mitchell, Taylor Swift, Fleet Foxes, Ilsey, Naeem, Sharon Van Etten, Lisa Hannigan, Shara Nova, La Force, Ben Howard, and This Is the Kit. Musically, it is a slow-paced pop record with midtempo songs led by soft pianos and guitars, incorporating indie rock and electronic elements. The lyrics cover themes such as love, loss, grief, nostalgia, reconciliation, and the journey of life.
Five singles were released ahead of the album: "Latter Days" featuring Mitchell, "The Ghost of Cincinnati," "Renegade" featuring Swift, "Phoenix" featuring Mitchell and Fleet Foxes, and "Mimi" featuring Ilsey. The album received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its melancholic lyrics, stylistic sound, and guest contributions but noted that its instrumentation could be monotonous.
