Calliope Music Rapid Reviews
Lana Del Rey - Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd
The 9th Studio Album by Singer-Songwriter, Lana Del Rey is a Deeply Personal Reflection of Insecurity, Loss and a Controversial Career, Wrapped in the Drama of Baroque Art Pop.
Lana continues her dive into chamber music and lush art pop, utilizing soft piano ballads, dark acoustic tones and glamorous strings. There are also a few instances of trap drum patterns and hip-hop influences on "A&W" and near the end of the 77 minute LP. Lana's velvety voice serenades over cinematic scores, sounding with confidence, despite lyrics discussing insecurities and past trauma. This creates an odd contrast that manifests into an intriguing and seductive sadness.
The album also uses progressions based on other pop songs and a couple rehashes of past Lana Del Rey tracks. The sorrowing piano and minor keys give empty space for Lana's unstructured and winding verses. Lana goes into detail about missing her family, being judged as disingenuous, sex addiction, loneliness, fearing death, and even contemplating suicide. She plays on long winded metaphors, using family figures and Japanese philosophy as symbols of her traumatic experiences.
This ramble-style songwriting leaves enticing trails into Lana's mind, but weak song configuration and the paucity of compelling climaxes lead to smaller doses of sonic satisfaction. Overall, Ocean Blvd is a thought provoking and quite moving piece of alternative pop, but vague compositions, flat interludes and a few insipid production choices impede on decorous concepts.
Best Tracks: The Grants -- Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd -- A&W -- Let The Light In (feat, Father John Misty)
6/10
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