Rising soul singer Devon Gilfillian has teamed with indie band Sammy Rae & The Friends for a new version of “Love You Anyway,” the title track of his sophomore album, out now on Fantasy Records.
The updated version is a delightful duet between Gilfillian and Rae, where they both vow to spread love instead of negativity in life.
“Love You Anyway” is the closing track on the album. “I wanted to punctuate the album with that song because it holds onto that optimism that we can come together and figure out how to hold these politicians accountable,” Gilfillian explained to Rated R&B in a June interview.
Regarding the new version of “Love You Anyway,” Gilfillian says, “My dream is for this song to bring all communities together to have a conversation. There’s so much hate in this world that we could lessen just truly getting to know each other. I’m honored that Sammy Rae has added her incredible voice to this song.”
He continues, “I saw her perform at Bonnaroo and fell in love with her music and her message. I know it may be idealistic, but I hope this song brings some change and light to the world.”
Rae adds, “It’s my honor to be featured on a song as beautiful, close-to-the heart and relevant as this one. The melody and lyrics speak to any and all of us, and Devon’s compassionate voice and writing are so comforting.”
Gilfillian released Love You Anyway on April 7. Regarding what he wishes for listeners to take away from the album, he told Rated R&B, “I would love [for] it to open people up to conversations — hard conversations, political conversations, religious conversations, all conversations that are uncomfortable. I also want them to dance and forget about the sh*t that’s going on in their life. If I can get those two things to happen, then I think I feel like I did a good job.”
Love You Anyway includes his single “All I Really Wanna Do,” which peaked at No. 6 on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Airplay chart in May. Speaking of that airplay chart, “Love You Anyway” made its debut this week at No. 39.
Circling back to Love You Anyway, it is the follow-up to his debut album, Black Hole Rainbow, released in January 2020 via Capitol Records. He released a deluxe edition a year later.
Stream Devon Gilfillian’s new version of “Love You Anyway” featuring Sammy Rae & The Friends below.
