Continuing my track-by-track appreciation of Lana Del Rey’s newest album, Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd…

Track 6: ‘Jon Batiste Interlude’

Last week wrapped up with ‘Candy Necklace,’ a darkly mysterious song featuring Jon Batiste on piano and background vocals. That track segues neatly into this one, a short instrumental number that finds Batiste and Del Rey seemingly improvising in the studio.

The joy and exuberance in the room is palpable. Batiste has a natural charm and energy that really shine through on this track and bring out a playful side in Del Rey.

I’ve seen this interlude compared to Pink Floyd’s ‘The Great Gig in the Sky’ and I totally see that. This is actually the second song on Did you know… that gives me Pink Floyd vibes (the melody of the verses in opening track ‘The Grants’ would fit right into The Wall). I wish this one went on even longer.

The track provides a fascinating juxtaposition with the album’s other interlude, the excerpted sermon by Judah Smith. ‘Jon Batiste Interlude’ feels a whole lot more like a religious experience. Perhaps they are intended as bookends describing two different kinds of spiritual fulfillment. In that case, what does that say about ‘Candy Necklace,’ the song sitting between them?

In an era dominated by streaming and singles, I love that Del Rey has released an album that demands to be experienced as just that — an album. Pink Floyd would approve.