On August 30th, Lana Del Rey released her latest album “Norman F****ing Rockwell.” In true Del Rey fashion, she served fans with melancholy, heartbreak, and more that left mixed feelings for all. This time, you get not just one review on it, but TWO.

Review One:

Our favorite (recently confirmed) Cancer sun, Leo moon, Scorpio rising, Lana Del Rey, released her sixth album titled Norman Fucking Rockwell! on August 30th, 2019. The album consists of 14 thoughtfully-written songs. It showcases themes of nostalgia, dreams, dancing, power, romance, Summer, and California. It’s hopeful, yet honest and dreamy, yet daring. She is influenced by other writers and poets, referencing contemporary and past cultures within her songs. The vibe of the album is deep blues and pastel purples, not only because she mentions these specific colors, but because of the sad and emotional nature of the songs. The album is like that of an ocean, flowing with emotion. It is both cohesive and aesthetically-pleasing.

As a young female, this album is especially relatable. Many of the songs explore the tug and pull of relationships, some of which may or may not be considered toxic. There’s a lot of missing, dreaming, wanting to be loved, being hurt, and saying “fuck it and you.” The lyrics explore themes of power dynamic struggles. In 2019, women are simultaneously wanting to be loved and wanting to be independent and Del Rey perfectly describes the cross-section. The album is realistic and idealistic in the most disappointing and relatable way. Women have finally found a general sense of independence and equality (more or less) in the world just in time to have our reproductive rights threatened. “Hope is a dangerous thing…” is the last song of the album and encapsulates the overall theme of this album. It’s hopeful, but aware.

My favorite songs are “Norman Fucking Rockwell,” “Fuck it I love you,” “Doin’ Time,” “Love Song,” “Happiness is a Butterfly,” and “Hope is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman Like Me to Have-but I Have it.” Not only are the lyrics brilliantly & complexly written, but the chord progressions add a sense of tension and build onto the power the lyrics already assume. Basically, Lana Del Rey is an icon and you will not regret giving this album a listen.

Review Two:

The perfect album to say goodbye to long, summer days and send us off into the cool of autumn. Lana Del Rey’s sixth and latest album did not disappoint. Released on Aug. 30, 2019, the long-awaited Norman Fucking Rockwell stunned listeners. The title itself is a humorous yet significant jab against the idealistic reality of America; in an interview with Vanity Fair, Del Rey states: “This is where we’re at – Norman fucking Rockwell. We’re going to go to Mars, and [Donald] Trump is president, all right … To me, it’s hopeful, to see everything as a little bit funnier.” 

Norman Fucking Rockwell is breathtaking – her deepest work yet, each song is filled with love, sadness, and everything in between. The songs “Norman fucking Rockwell” and “hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me” hold the album together with honorable mentions to “Venice Bitch”, an almost 10-minute track, and “Fuck it I love you”. 

Del Rey has returned to her pop roots, this time with hints of something more; a combination of psychedelic, soft, and folk rock that transports listeners in a time machine. It’s no doubt influenced by classics from the 60’s and 70’s, some may even describe it as groovy.  

A beautiful transition from season to season, Norman Fucking Rockwell is the perfect anthem for the upcoming Fall season. The soft and often somber tunes flawlessly capture the essence of sweater weather. When the days turn cold and the leaves start to fall, bundle up and press play on the tracks and you’ll feel right at home.  

However, Norman Fucking Rockwell is an album for anytime, anywhere. No matter what you are doing or what you are feeling, there’s no wrong time to plug in your headphones and dive into Del Rey’s heart and soul. The tracks are filled with sadness and love yet are thought-provoking and filled with hope – for the future, for America, for love. The interpretation is up to you. Take the hour out of your day to give yourself the self-care you deserve to listen to this album.