Album review: Lana Del Rey, Lust for Life

Lana Del Rey. Photo / Getty Images

I fully expected to hate this album and, at first, I did.

It reminded me of a not-so-progressive Lorde and a less-magical Stevie Nicks, and Lana inexplicably brought some rappers on and employed lyricism such as "Hip-hop in the summer, Don't be a bummer".

Then there was the Sean Lennon duet with all its referencing and name dropping, and the closing track, which is far too close to Radiohead's Creep for anyone's liking.

But then I listened to it again, late at night with no distractions and...I get it now.

Lana Del Rey is very much floating in her own lane, doing a very specific thing. Her old-school, ethereal brand and image have been carefully curated and she sticks to it unfailingly - you can throw a trap beat under her and put Asap Rocky on the track and she'll still sing in that deliberate drawl over top of it all.

The juxtaposition of that dreary, floaty sound with lyrics about life, love, the future - and even politics (God Bless America - and all the beautiful women in it) - is purposeful and effective.

It's a beautiful album, Lana's vocals are as impressive as ever, the production is rich and the vibe is so Sunday-afternoon-chill it's hard to be mad at it.

Lana Del Rey, Lust for Life

Artist: Lana Del Rey
Album: Lust for Life
Label: Universal Music
Verdict: A beautiful album with a touch of darkness and a kick of weird.