Back in March, when Lana Del Rey released the first single from her new album Lust For Life, I made this statement: “One thing I love about Del Rey is how little she seems to care about bending her sound toward the fads of the day. You won’t find a rap break in any of her songs.”
Six songs into Lust For Life, she made me eat those words, as rapper A$AP Rocky shows up to deliver a verse on the track ‘Summer Bummer.’ He sticks around for the next song, ‘Groupie Love,’ as well.
While she’s throwing those curve balls, she delivers another by actually smiling on the album cover, another first. What the hell is going on here?
What’s going on is Lana Del Rey has released her finest album yet, the same praise I’ve given to her last two records. She keeps finding ways to top herself, adding new shades to her songwriting and production.
Take those A$AP Rocky rap breaks. They feel organic, not tacked on. Duets with The Weeknd, Stevie Nicks and Sean Lennon similarly complement the overall vision, proving that no matter who enters Del Rey’s orbit, she remains the gossamer gangster in charge.
Lust For Life runs 16 tracks but doesn’t feel a minute too long. Del Rey is expert at sequencing her albums in movements, from the hip-hop infused middle section to the hippie utopia in the back half. She closes the album with three of its strongest tracks, including the gorgeous piano-and-vocals ‘Change.’
Del Rey joins Miranda Lambert as the artists I’m most excited about right now. Both continue to broaden and deepen their sound while topping themselves on album after album, performing at the top of their game.
Hey, there’s an idea for another duet!
I’m smokin’ while I’m runnin’ on my treadmill
But I’m comin’ up roses
Could it be that I fell for another loser?
I’m cryin’ while I’m cummin’
Makin’ love while I’m makin’ good money
Sobbin’ in my cup of coffee
‘Cause I fell for another loser
[Pre-Chorus 1]
Get that cigarette smoke out of my face
You’ve been wastin’ my time
While you’re takin’ what’s mine with the things that you’re doin’
Talk that talk, well now they all know your name
And there’s no comin’ back from the place that you came
Baby, don’t do it
[Chorus]
‘Cause you got me in my feelings
(Got me feeling so much right now)
Talkin’ in my sleep again
(I’m makin’ no sense at all)
Drown out all our screamin’
(Got me feelin’ so crazy right now)
Who’s doper than this bitch? Who’s freer than me?
You wanna make the switch? Be my guest, baby
I’m feelin’ all my fuckin’ feelings
[Verse 2]
I’m smokin’ while I’m runnin’
This town and you better believe it honey
I’m laughin’ as I’m taking no prisoners
And taking down names
I’m cryin’ while I’m gunnin’
In the smoke they can hear me comin’
If you were me, and I was you
I’d get out of my way
[Pre-Chorus 2]
Get that cigarette smoke out of my face
You’ve been wastin’ my time while you’re takin’ what’s mine
Well, you know what you’re doin’
Talk that talk, well, now they all know your name
And there’s no comin’ back from the place that you came
Baby, don’t do it
[Chorus]
‘Cause you got me in my feelings
(Got me feelin’ so much right now)
Talkin’ in my sleep again
(I’m makin’ no sense at all)
Drown out all our screamin’
(Got me feelin’ so crazy right now)
Who’s doper than this bitch? Who’s freer than me?
You wanna make the switch? Be my guest, baby
I’m feelin’ all my fuckin’ feelings
[Bridge]
Got me up in this place right now
Makin’ no sense at all
Got me up in this place right now, against the wall
Got me feelin’ so blue
Makin’ no sense at all
Gotta leave right now
[Chorus]
‘Cause you got me in my feelings
(Got me feelin’ so much right now)
Talkin’ in my sleep again
(I’m makin’ no sense at all)
Drown out all our screamin’
(Got me feelin’ so crazy right now)
Who’s doper than this bitch? Who’s freer than me?
You wanna make the switch? Be my guest, baby
I’m feelin’ all my fuckin’ feelings
Meet Me In Montauk 
You’ve got me intrigued to hear more, especially some of those duets. Interesting pairings.
Great voice!