Blue Banisters by Lana Del Rey Review

Her second album this year. I won’t lie, I’m totally nervous. The singles she’s released so far are giving me mixed signals. I hope this is iconic.

Text Book: At first I wasn’t into this song at all. But it’s totally grown on me. I was initially put off by the change in tempo, but now I get it. I’m used to it. I like all the callbacks in this song. I feel like I understand what she’s talking about, which isn’t always the case when it comes to Lana.

Blue Banisters: I love this song. Ever since it came out. It’s what kept me excited for this album. I think the lyrics are so depressing, but at the same time hopeful. The idea that she met this man who promised her a family and then he left so her closest friends and family take care of her now. I love how personal this song is. All the details. Her dogs are in the bay, her sister is pregnant. It’s really beautiful.

Arcadia: This song might be the most beautiful song ever made. It sounds like it could be from her Paradise EP, except the lyrics are much more mature. I love how raw she sounds, she doesn’t hit each note perfectly but it still sounds really beautiful. It’s timeless.

Interlude - The Trio: This was a little unexpected. Very cowboy of Lana. I love when it gets all hip hop. I understand why she placed it here. The past three songs were like catching up with Lana, and now the album is really gonna get started.

Black Bathing Suit: I love that there are crows. I love crows. The tempo changes in this song are tricky to get used to, but they’re already growing on me. I think she sounds really good and I love how she sings “black bathing suit.” This is totally a baddie song. Also the outro, I love when she is yelling. Very unhinged.

If You Lie Down With Me: Apparently, this was originally written for Ultraviolence. This song is a total end of the world song. It could be the last song you ever hear. She has a country twang in her voice. It’s pretty cool. I love the instrumental at the end. It sounds really old timey. I think I could totally sob to this, which is awesome.

Beautiful: First and foremost her voice on this track is absolutely beautiful. I don’t know why I stay being surprised. I love how introspective this song is. It’s not the most interesting sonically, but it’s really meaningful. The piano is so pretty too.

Violets for Roses: Fuck this guy. He really messed with her. This song is really pretty. Someone said this song gave off antimasker vibes and I think that’s such a funny take. I totally disagree, but omg that’s hilarious. I like how this song talks about the bad, but it’s clear she has healed. I love the direction Lana has been taking with her past 3 albums.

Dealer: I had to pause this song and collect myself. I usually get upset when Lana collaborates because I feel like she’s so much better solo, but this collaboration is the best thing I’ve ever heard. Miles Kane (sounds like a villain name) has such a cool voice. And the production on this song is so cool. It’s depressing and mysterious and dark. And then Lana literally starts screaming. She sounds like she could be crying. I am upset with this track. It really stands out.

Thunder: I love how tragic and beautiful this track is. It’s so important. I walked to Chipotle in the cold rain wearing a dress and fuzzy coat listening to this. I think you should try that too. It’s totally a lose your mind type of song. I love how it builds, and the background vocals are so good.

Wildflower Wildfire: This song is iconic. Again, the pacing put me off at first, but the track makes up for it by being iconic. The chorus is great, and the second time around is even better. The lines about her mom and dad. Tea. Let’s talk about it.

Nectar of the Gods: This song is very pretty. I love the guitar. It’s pretty simple, but it’s an interesting sound. I guess it’s an older track that she finally released. Glad she did, it rocks. I love this sound.

Living Legend: This is dedicated to her mentor Jane Powers. It’s really sweet. I love that she made her voice sound like an electric guitar. That’s iconic. Really makes the song stand out. I absolutely love the sound of the track. Very fall.

Cherry Blossom: This is a lullaby to her future child. I could cry about this. It’s very sweet. I love the line “What you don't tell no one, you can tell me.” I’ve also heard this idolizes the childhood she wishes she had, so I will be crying some more. She also calls this child ghost, meaning that she doesn’t actually exist. I am sobbing you guys.

Sweet Carolina: This is about her sister. It’s making me emo. She’s so sweet to sing this. She’s saying she’s got her back, no matter what. Plus she wrote this with her sister and her dad. It’s very personal and sentimental and I want to sob. Fabulous closing track.

Final Ranking:

Dealer

Thunder

Blue Banisters

If You Lie Down With Me

Cherry Blossom

Wildflower Wildfire

Living Legend

Black Bathing Suit

Nectar of the Gods

Sweet Carolina

Violets for Roses

Arcadia

Beautiful

Text Book

Interlude - The Trio

This album is really important. She really did something here. Very beautiful, amazing, all that jazz. Thank you Lana. It gets an 8.96/10. bye