Two days ago, Lana Del Rey dropped her third studio album Honeymoon, only a year and a half after the critically acclaimed album Ultraviolence.
The newest slew of ballads was introduced to the world with the lead single “High By The Beach” which had some resemblance to “West Coast” from her previous album. The single set the tone for the rest of the album, which further explores heartbreak.
In some ways these new tracks feel like an extension of her last collection of songs in that they have a noir influence and are filled with strings such as violins, and cellos, and soft percussion. She keeps with the themes from her last record of heartbreak, torture, and romance.
Since her debut in 2012, Del Rey has changed her sound, and this album proves she sticking to her whimsical, breathy, soft, and long ballads. Publications, like The Atlantic have labeled this album as “lonelier, slower, and realer.” She continues to explore loneliness and loss in tracks like “The Blackest Day.”
The album comprised of fourteen songs each at over four minutes is a long listen. This is an album meant to be listened to with plenty of time to dedicate to it, and it can easily transport people into a somber mood. Songs like “Music To Watch Boys To”, “Religion” and the title track “Honeymoon” show her dark themes and perfectly display her airy vocals while exploring anger and being alone.
This is a collection that is best reserved for a cold rainy day, and fans of songs like “Summertime Sadness” and “Blue Jeans” will be disappointed. Although many critics have praised her for her tortured and dark subject matter, it can get tiring after a couple of songs. Lana Del Rey is a talented artist, and only time will tell how long the heartbreak ballads will last.