Lana Del Rey's newest album is definitely one of "The greatest" I've heard recently. The LP is Del Rey's sixth studio album and was released this past Friday, August 29th.
The title, Norman F**king Rockwell (NFW), is derived from the famous author/painter who was an icon of American culture during the 20th century. Del Rey is no stranger to alluding to events that occurred during the '60s-'70s and bringing an old-timey sound and vibe to her music; the album's name is just another element of that theme.
All 14 tracks on the album discuss similar topics as her previous albums did such as relationships, finding yourself, and a plethora of other emotional hardships she overcame.
NFW's first single, "Mariner's Apartment Complex," debuted almost a year ago, and fans have been awaiting a follow-up album ever since. While I've been a fan of the indie-pop singer for years, she was brought to the attention of tons of new listeners after covering the well known Sublime song, "Doin' Time." Since it's release, the remake has been played on tons of radio stations across the country.
Apart from the songs I just previously mentioned, Del Rey released 2 other singles prior to the album's release including, "hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have - but I have it," and "Venice Bitch." These songs, along with the rest of the album, were produced by Jack Antonoff, who has worked with musicians such as Kevin Abstract, Lorde, and Taylor Swift.
If you are familiar with any of these artists' most recent music, you should know that Antonoff can make any genre sound unique and refreshing. Therefore, the collaboration definitely gives this entire album a different vibe than all of its predecessors.
While the album is continuing the semi-happier side of Lana that her last LP Lust for Life began, most of the songs are slow and dreary, like her 2015 album Honeymoon. If I could change something about the album, I would probably add more up-beat songs that people can jam out to.
The first song on the album, which is also the title track, is about a man who thinks highly of himself and his work, which Del Rey talks about in an interview with Zane Lowe. "So the title track and [the album] are kind of about this guy who like, he is such a genius artist but he thinks he's the shit and he knows it, and like he won't stop talking about it," she says.
As Del Rey talked about, this theme is present throughout the entire album. In the song "How to Disappear," she sings about multiple different men who she has taken comfort in who could easily "disappear," more so mentally and emotionally than physically. "All of the guys tell me lies, but you don't, you just crack another beer and pretend that your still here," she sings. These men used substances such as alcohol or drugs to hide how they were truly feeling. She didn't tell them, but she always knew their true intentions.
In the song "California," there is a similar case, where she tells a lover they can always be themselves around her. Del Rey wishes she had spoken up and helped them out sooner when she realized they were struggling, but instead kept quiet. "You don't ever have to be stronger than you really are when you're lying in my arms baby...I wanted to reach out, but I never said a thing," she sings.
While seemingly some of her partners have struggled with finding themselves, which can be extra hard during a relationship, she has had many of her own experiences with personal discovering as well.
This topic is discussed in the song "F**k it, I love you," which is probably my favorite song on the album. She opens up about her past struggles with substance abuse and how she has changed for the better. Previously, she thought moving might help her become a different person, but found you are still the same no matter where you try an escape. However, despite still finding herself and her partner doing the same, she still gives and receives love. Every track on this album explores some kind of love, whether the events it led to creating good feelings or bad ones.
Throughout the album's 10th track, "The Next Best American Record," Del
Rey talks about having a different type of relationship with someone; one that was mostly based around work. Together, they were determined to be the greatest and make the most amazing album.
While I love the entirety of this LP, it definitely isn't at that level, especially in comparison to the previous work she has presented. The album's variety of sounds and moods are almost nonexistent and the lyrics and melodies are much harder to catch on to.
Nevertheless, even if you aren't a big fan of Del Rey, you should give Norman F**king Rockwell a listen. The artist's soothing voice and the beautiful slow instrumentals make this entire album perfect to be playing in the background of anyone's life all the time.
I give this album 7.5 out of 10 stars.
