Grammy's Album of The Year Review: Lana Del Rey - "Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.

 

"Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd." - Lana Del Rey

(Interscope/Polydor Records)

1) "The Grants"

With a gospel style intro, this deals with carrying memories, specifically taking your memories into the afterlife; "And I'm gonna take mine of you with me".

2) "Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd."

This is slower paced with a nice piano backing; "There's a girl who sings 'Hotel California', Not because she loves the notes or sounds that sound like Florida. It's because she's in a world, preserved, only a few have found the door...". The vocals are layered over smoothly.

3) "Sweet"

The instrumentals are nice, but the vocals don't always match up well.

4) "A+W"

This acts as a rant/stream of consciousness that goes from her childhood to adulthood; "It's not about havin' someone to love me anymore. This is the experience of bein' an American Whore". I love the transition into Part 2. This whole track comes together perfectly. The message that these lyrics relate are incredibly powerful. 

5) Judah Smith Interlude

A recording of a Judah Smith sermon, where among other topics are the differences of lust & love.

6) "Candy Necklace" (ft/ Jon Batiste)

This is a reflection on a troubled relationship; "White noise comin' out of my brain, Turns off for nothing". She's obsessed with her partner's reckless behavior. Batiste really shines on piano and adds a nice element to the track.

7) Jon Batiste Interlude

A spoken interlude on joy.

8) "Kintsugi"

This refers to the art style, dealing with breakage & repair; "I don't trust myself with my heart, But I've had to let it break a little more. 'Cause they say that's what it's for. That's how the light shines in". Overall the lyrics feel a bit scattered.

9) "Fingertips"

She's showing her innermost thoughts. It's a deeply personal stream of consciousness.

10) "Paris, Texas" (ft/ SYML)

Reflections on her relationships back home; "When everyone's star is bright, Brighter than you are, It's time to go". 

11) "Grandfather please stand on the shoulders of my father while he's deep-sea fishing" (ft/ RIOPY)

This deals with her desire for spiritual guidance & connection; "God, if you're near me, send me three white butterflies, Or an owl to know you're listening, sitting while I'm drinking". This track is simply gorgeous. 

12) "Let The Light In" (ft/ Father John Misty)

This could be seen as a story of an affair.

13) "Margaret" (ft/ Bleachers)

This track is about Jack Antonoff's now wife Margaret Qualley.

14) "Fishtail"

This deals with inconsistencies; "Maybe I'll take my glasses off so I stop painting red flags green".

15) "Peppers" (ft/ Tommy Genesis)

This track is about the confidence and allure of Angelina Jolie; "Take a minute to yourself, skinny-dip in my mind". This track is very scattered overall.

16) "Taco Truck x VB"

This track has a nice rhythmic flow. 

You tend to know what to expect from Lana Del Rey, but the lyrics in "Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd." really hit hard, particularly in the title track and "A+W". Lana and Jack Antonoff producing make for a nice working pair. (87.1)

Taylor Swift: "Midnights" - 93.6

Lana Del Rey: "Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd." - 87.1

Miley Cyrus: "Endless Summer Vacation" - 84.4

Janelle Monae: "The Age Of Pleasure" - 78.4