Gabe Lopez enters center stage as this cinematic yet stripped down track exemplifies his wide range of musical talents. While being a producer for a number of different artists, Lopez combines his earned producer skills with his clever and thoughtful songwriting to deliver a delicate piece in his new single, “Long Road.”
Lopez may be recognized for his extensive producing portfolio, from working on projects like RuPaul’s Drag Race to a number of KPOP acts, showcasing his artistic range and depth. Despite being known for his upbeat, high-energy queer-pop songs, this new single takes a shift to a more delicate interpretation of his own journey.
“Long Road” begins with soft guitar melodies and layering on cascading piano keys before Lopez’s drawn-out vocals tiptoe over a lo-fi beat. Reminiscent of a wide range of artists like Coldplay, Chord Overstreet, Alec Benjamin or You Me At Six, this track cements itself alongside many melancholic sceneries.
This track explores an unrequited love where Lopez reflects on a relationship he tries to get back. The one-sidedness of this relationship is brought out through lyrics like, “You drove right past, you’ve got my eye / You miss my face.” Despite this yearning and feeling otherwise left behind, he notes his rivalry with anyone else that may come into the picture: “Cause they won’t move you like I do.”
Fundamentally, Lopez is metaphorically chasing this person. He notes that, while this person feels so unattainable or far away, he will not back down from the challenge. He sings, “I might be far behind you / But I’m setting in my stride,” or “you might be far ahead now / But I’m keeping up my pace,” reinforcing his dedication to this person.
At the end of the day, nothing will keep him from reaching this person. With consistent imagery related to driving or being in a car, he continues this thought of driving home to meet this person. He ultimately sings, “I’m standing on this highway ‘til destination by your side.”
Gabe Lopez’s growth as an artist is far from peaking, with this new track, “Long Road,” exemplifying his thoughtful dedication to his craft.
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