Lana Del Rey's new album explained: here’s why you should listen to it

As longtime listeners of Lana Del Rey, we may be entitled to annoy our conversation partners. You might wonder why, but the answer isn’t that simple. What is clear though is that the artist has been through hard changes and public opinion has always had something to say about her career. When she first emerged with "Video Games," everyone was intrigued by the air of mystery surrounding her. However, after a clumsy SNL performance in 2012, the press and the Internet lambasted her, making her a favorite target of the cultural moment. Despite this, her major label debut album Born To Die was a huge success, and the single "Summertime Sadness" quickly climbed the Billboard Hot 100, remaining her highest-performing single to date. Since then, she has become a cult pop icon with a devoted fanbase that continues to spark criticism from her detractors.

Throughout her career, Lana Del Rey has experienced many ups and downs in the public eye, which has made her a favorite among longtime listeners. Despite the controversy, Del Rey has embraced her unique style and left-of-center influences, evident in her nine LPs and one book of poetry. Interestingly, her early discography has found a new audience among younger generations, with hits like "Born To Die" and "Ultraviolence" being used in viral TikTok videos. Del Rey's sound has also evolved over time, moving towards an unconventional style that defies genre conventions and emphasizes storytelling over choruses or hooks. Her latest album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard, feels like a conversation with a familiar friend, full of tangents, emphatic points, and contradictions. Let's sit back and enjoy the ride as Lana takes us on a journey through her music.

The opening track of the album features a gospel choir's harmonious sound, as Del Rey sets the stage for the themes that have been occupying her mind. The rich melody builds up to a powerful chorus of voices, asking what the afterlife is like.

One of the more accessible tracks from the album, which was released in December, is the first single. In this song, Del Rey demonstrates her ability to transform feelings that people may be hesitant to express into lyrics. In A&W, Del Rey presents an anthem that speaks to her struggles throughout her career. She exudes both confidence and weariness, boldly referring to herself as an "American whore" and confronting the misogyny she has faced over the years. The second half of the song is particularly captivating, as Del Rey's vocals meld with a hypnotic trap beat, creating an irresistible chant. Next, you hear the Judah Smith Interlude: as the album features a jarring transition where a megachurch sermon by pastor Judah Smith is layered over Del Rey's giggling and murmuring, creating an intense and disorienting effect.

Candy necklace is next and Jon Batiste's soulful energy is evident in this track. The recurring piano melody is not only introspective and emotional, but when paired with Del Rey's repetitive chorus, it becomes a catchy tune that may stay in your head for hours. Beware of the phrase "candy necklaces" playing on repeat in your mind. Del Rey's songwriting has taken a more personal turn since her last album. "Kintsugi" is a melancholic and almost funereal song that reflects on death and the grieving process. ‘Fingertips’ is an excellent illustration of Del Rey's ability to transform her personal reflections into expansive and captivating ballads. It's as if she's reading aloud from a private diary.

Paris, Texas is the briefest song on the album, and it has the most conventional structure. The melody sounds like the delicate notes of a music box, and the nostalgic lyrics talk about leaving things behind. It's the kind of track you'd play while staring out the window, feeling melancholic.

In ‘Let the Light In’, Del Rey's collaboration with Father John Misty showcases their complementary styles, with Misty's folksy rock sound blending seamlessly with Del Rey's signature crooning. It's no surprise that this track is a favorite to have on repeat.

Margaret (ft. Bleachers) will make you cry, and then in Fishtail Del Rey showcases her versatility as she experiments with autotune to great effect. The addition of a bass line enhances her sultry vocals, resulting in a track that is both intimate and danceable. Del Rey teams up with experimental rapper Tommy Genesis in a sultry and playful song that is sure to be a hit. The track sees Del Rey returning to the flirty and playful melodies that made her famous, and combined with Genesis's infectious refrain, it's a definite winner.

Finally, the album concludes with a surprising twist as the final track is a beautifully disguised remix of a previously released song, "Venice Bitch." The remix is richly layered, creating a fresh new sound while also signaling Del Rey's growth and evolution as an artist who is embracing her legacy.