Few artists carry as much creative weight as Lana Del Rey. She has inspired millions through her elegant poetry and amazing songwriting. Her latest album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd is a blend of everything that makes Lana a generational talent.
Lana Del Rey Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean BLVD album artwork
Lana Del Rey’s Lyrical Talent
The opening track, “The Grants”, has Lana talking about her previous relationships and how “I’m gonna’ take mine of you with me.” A genius way to reflect on past partnerships which is a theme stitched to the record. The title track follows immediately after “The Grants” and gives listeners an inside into Lana’s mind. Lana contemplates her relevance in the music industry while singing about a forgotten tunnel in Los Angeles. My favorite lyric on the album comes on the track “Fishtale” with the line “stop painting red flags green.” Lana’s ability to be vulnerable presents listeners an opportunity to view Lana’s troubles with romance and being a woman in America.
The Magical Production
Every Lana Del Rey record has spectacular instrumentation and Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd is no exception. Co-produced by longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff, the album sounds nostalgic and warm like a typical Lana project. Unlike other outings, however, the beats sample and reference previous eras of Lana’s career. The song “Taco Truck x VB” takes the chorus of “Venice Bitch” and displays it as an essential part of the track. “A&W” beautifully mixes the myriad of styles Lana has had throughout her tenure. Everything from the moans used on Norman Fucking Rockwell! to her Born To Die era rapping make the song the best on the album.
Lana Del Rey on the cover of Interview Magazine
Fantastic Features Throughout
What would a Lana Del Rey production be without quality features? Jon Batise’s electric piano playing is essential behind the power “Candy Necklace” has over listeners. His interlude is also not bad. The marquee feature comes from Canadian rapper Tommy Genesis on the track “Peppers”. She offers a spunk that adds to Lana’s mystique and elegance. It would be shocking if Lana did not include Genesis on a future tour as an opening act.
Continuing Lana’s Legacy
In terms of her legacy, Lana has enough masterpieces to be considered an American treasure. Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd is another great album in Lana’s catalog and many of the songs will develop into classics over time. Where this album stands out in her legacy is the openness about her love life and familial connections. These are not new topics for the singer, but they feel highlighted on this record in a cathartic almost diary entry type of way. The song “Kintsugi” feels as if Lana is surrendering to her audience and admitting that darkness is needed in order to see the light in life.
Verdict on Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd
Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd is a top five album in Lana’s discography and while it’s not a perfect record, Lana does her best to be her poetic self and give listens and emotional journey. Her songwriting is world class, and her features and producers elevate that with stupendous production. If there is ever a moment to get into Lana’s music, now is the time. Lana is one of this generation’s best artists.
