This album is just… wow. If you have been a fan of LDR for years, you know how her style of music has evolved. Some wish she would return to the vintage Americana, carefree girl in Born to Die—while others miss the grit of Ultraviolence or the whimsical energy of Honeymoon. Although Ocean Blvd is far from her older albums in terms of music and themes, LDR still manages to create engaging, eclectic, and raw music for her listeners. I believe she truly marries the persona of Lana Del Rey and her true self, Lizzy Grant, to express that she allows herself to be vulnerable and no longer feels the need to hide behind her persona. In order of my personal favorite to least favorite, here is a ranking and review of Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd by Lana Del Rey.
- A&W
The leading single of the album and also my favorite. The ballad opens with soft, vulnerable vocals. The song is musically gorgeous; however, LDR’s topics in the song are challenging. She discusses rape culture and the mindset that women and girls’ looks impact the likelihood of them getting assaulted. By calling herself a whore in the song for enjoying sex, LDR attacks the very system that aims to undermine sensuality in women and justify rape with appearance. The beat drop halfway through the song is an exciting touch.
- Candy Necklace
The piano in this song is beautiful and soft. The juxtaposition of the fun, dancey lyrics with the piano creates an engaging dynamic that I love.
- Paris, Texas
This song is another gorgeously soft piece. I notice a theme of softness in tension with more upbeat songs in the album. This quick, easy song reminds me of walking through the park in May.
- The Grants
As the first song on the album, I expected excellence, and I got exactly that. This song is another soft, vulnerable piece about LDR’s family.
- Grandfather, please stand on the shoulders of my father whiles he’s deep-sea fishing
I love the hopefulness of this song. The hope that there’s something bigger than humanity is explored, which LDR does with comfort.
- Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd
The title track of the album is stunning. As another ballad, LDR laments the reality of aging and her body changing as she grows older.
- Fishtail
This song is slightly more upbeat than some of the other tracks on the album, but not by much. LDR’s theme of the album is surely vulnerability, making this song an interesting way to break up the stripped down energy she creates in other songs.
- Taco Truck x VB
Like the previous song, this song is slightly more upbeat than some of the other songs on the album. She also joins the new track “Taco Truck” with “Venice Bitch,” a sing off of her older album Norman fucking Rockwell!
- Kintsugi
The tenderness of this track is inspirational. It sounds almost like a lullaby.
- Fingertips
The only reason this song is ranked lower is because of how heavy it is. Musically, the song is gorgeous. However, LDR sings about some extremely difficult topics, such as her suicide attempt, addiction, and her troubled relationship with her family. The song itself is an ethereal ballad, but the lyrics are too heavy for an everyday listen.
- Let the Light in
I notice a religious theme throughout the album (which will come up again). This song definitely has an element of Christianity in comparison to lyrics of partying.
- Peppers
As another upbeat song on the album, I find this song to be probably the most fun on the album. She also uses inspiration from current events, as she references getting COVID-19 in this song, which I find interesting and relevant.
- Margaret
I find myself not listening to this song as much because I don’t find it nearly as exciting as the other songs on the album. Overall, I think it’s a pretty song, but that’s all I think it has going for it. Maybe my opinion will change once I get to know the album better.
- Judah Smith Interlude
A sermon about lust with piano playing under it while LDR hums and laughs. I actually love this interlude because I think it’s powerful and dynamic.
- Sweet
I love Lana, but this song has pick-me vibes. It sounds great, but I don’t resonate with the lyrics. She’s basically saying that she’s not like other girls and if you want someone basic, go find someone else. I don’t like that message.
- Jon Batiste Interlude
An absolutely beautiful interlude that focuses on the piano. I love it.
Overall, I think this album has a sense of familiarity as well as newness. The aesthetic of the album is not foreign to any of her listeners, but the raw themes of the album are definitely fresh for Lana. Her vulnerability is truly inspiring, and it is interesting to watch her grow with her fans.