Lana Del Rey‘s fifth studio album Lust For Life is the sound of a budding songstress taking full flight. She’s enjoying the fruits of her labor while still growing as an individual, and relishing every moment of it; both the good times and bad. The melancholy tones are certainly in play, but just when it’s about to read as redundant she interjects a stealthy but potent dose of optimism, reflecting a personal growth that is in a word, hopeful.
The production mirrors Lana Del Rey’s progress, she embraces multiple genres but still maintains control of the overall mood; even in the company of powerful voices (A$AP Rocky, Stevie Nicks and The Weeknd) she still never relinquishes control. By the end, with her transformation complete, she marches forward towards hope; that despite the many challenges in front of her she still feels confident she can overcome. A creative breakthrough.
‘Love‘
A strumming bassline sends her light years back in time, to a place where love and life is innocent and full of hope. Her haunting voice sails over the beat like a specter getting one last glance before moving on to the next life. The beat slides up and down numerous peaks and valleys, creating a fitting sense of elation and sadness. A bittersweet jam that analyzes the passage of time: [LISTEN]
‘Lust For Life‘
Cinematic crooning from LaLa land’s most dramatic duo. They’re living large in a cheap, gift shop snow globe; helplessly watching as the artificial snow falls to their feet, never melting and always cold. With such a sheltered view on life, they submit to every sun drenched platitude in the book. They’re lusting for life, masters of their own fate, and lost within stale redundancy: [LISTEN]
‘13 Beaches‘
The paparazzi flock to her in droves, and she can’t escape the suffocating nature of fame and fortune. She has to go to thirteen beaches before finally finding one where she can sit in peace. The lack of privacy is haunting her, and it’s always in the back of her mind. It’s pushing her deeper and deeper into introspection and the result is a delicate expression of fleeting emotions: [LISTEN]
‘Cherry‘
Menacing grooves announce a forbidden love. She’s tasted the elixir and is willing to do anything to keep him close. The feeling is deep in her marrow, and while she knows it will be the end of her she can’t help but pursue. The juxtaposition between emotions is what gives her soft voice that haunting tone and she’s letting it ride, knowing that the pain is just as important as the pleasure: [LISTEN]
‘White Mustang‘
She’s in love with a star and can’t shake herself free from his Kung Fu grip. The beat mirrors other similar themed songs; brooding, non-committal and full of ominous reverb. She’s comparing him to a shiny white mustang, a car with power, speed and looks. She knows where this road goes, but can’t help but open herself up. She likes a little sour with her sweet, and is ready for another dose: [LISTEN]
‘Summer Bummer‘
It’s winter in summer, and the pain is ripe. The melancholy emotions are providing clarity, but once again she can’t seem to get over the hump. Her mood is sullen and dark, and instead of pulling herself out she’s indulging in the moment. A$AP Rocky keeps her company adding a dose of flavor that jives well. Both are stuck in the fire of celebrity, and they’re loving every minute of it: [LISTEN]
‘Groupie Love‘
Her love is so obsessive that she is now feeling like a groupie. High profile relationships are a reoccurring theme, providing her with explosive fodder. She’s alienated by her own emotions, and it allows her to see life from an unorthodox angle. Heartache is a potent brew, and once she gets a sip it’s a wrap; an intoxicating look at fandom and romance: [LISTEN]
‘In My Feelings‘
Fed up with all the emotional rigmarole, she storms off, ready to unleash her fury on the one breaking her heart. It’s tearing her in two, but propelling her forward into a place of confidence and power. She’s turning her greatest weakness into her greatest strength, and rising above her pain so she can move forward. Her aggression is feeding her and no one, not even G-Eazy can stop her:
‘Coachella-Woodstock in My Mind‘
Lifestyles of the rich and famous, a darling songstress feeling a sharp pang of guilt over her great fortune. It’s a needless confessional that reads as wishy-washy and garishly sentimental. The feeling unfolded one magical night at Coachella and she’s comparing it to Woodstock; the mood, the vibe, the companionship and whimsy. It’s a soft bellyache that sours the mood: [LISTEN]
‘God Bless America – And All Beautiful Women In It‘
Anthemic rock that pays tribute to the land of liberty and all the beautiful women in it. She’s saluting a nation, hoping that it’ll serve as a soundtrack to a revolution. Despite the title it’s not overly political, instead it embraces a larger notion of inclusion and love. The beat lifts her voice to new vistas, seeking empowerment while still maintaining her silky touch:
‘When The World Was At War We Kept Dancing‘
her piercing falsetto slices the sky in half, angelic and haunting all the same. she’s admonishing the indifference, and the nerve of humankind to dance while the world is on the brink of destruction. the beat adds another layer of drama, and she matches the intensity with heartfelt mourning. Despite the circumstances she still feels that there is hope. Time, however, is running out:
‘Beautiful People Beautiful Problems‘
A cosmic outlook on the world, one that indulges in the divine. She’s admiring the polarizing land she lives in, the many ups and downs and everything in between. All is in balance and it is beautiful, even the problems that plague humanity. Stevie Nicks joins her, and together they create a powerful synergy that can be felt from the very first note to the last:
‘Tomorrow Never Came‘
Through hushed tones, a torrent of pain is unleashed. She’s trying to keep the faith, waiting for a better tomorrow but as the namesake suggests tomorrow never comes. Downtrodden and soaking wet from the rain, she looks to the future praying that there is something better. She’s ready for another go, but before enduring it once more she takes a break and lets the pain settle in: [LISTEN]
‘Heroin‘
Drifting in and out of her imagination, hoping to be swept away by the tide of time. She’s dreaming of a distant past, a place where she is free to let her spirit roam. In her memory she can express herself openly, and share her emotions with the one person she shouldn’t be sharing her emotions with. Her heart is swollen and she’s looking for respite in a place no one can touch: [LISTEN]
‘Change‘
The everlasting theme of change seeps its way into her psyche. She’s witnessing nature and it’s expansive march forward. The feeling is leaving her nostalgic and she’s preparing herself for the inevitable. Life has come at her hard and fast, and she’s hoping that she can weather the storm. Her inner strength has given her a grounded sense of self, and the hope is that it’ll sustain her once more: [LISTEN]
‘Get Free‘
She’s drawing a line in the sand, taking her life into her own hands and making sure that the only one responsible for her well-being is her. The beat is full of buoyant melodies, which encourage her to move forward without regret. The newfound perspective is a sign that a shift is in play, perhaps laying the groundwork for another project. She’s shedding dead weight and prepping for the future:
