Dustin Gandof
Lana Del Rey’s latest album, “Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd?”, is a sweeping, sterling, often confounding work of self-mythology and psychoamericana that delves deep into the themes of grief, sex, and identity. This album marks Del Rey’s ninth official release, and it has already made waves in the music industry.
The title track of the album, “Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd?”, is an ode to the hidden underbelly of Los Angeles. The song paints a vivid picture of the city’s seedy underbelly, with Del Rey singing about “broken hearts and bodies on the floor” and “tunnel rats who’ve never seen the sky.” It’s a haunting exploration of the dark corners of the city that never sleeps, and it sets the tone for the rest of the album.
Throughout “Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd?”, Del Rey grapples with a wide range of complex emotions. Whether she’s singing about heartbreak on “Wildfire”, exploring her sexuality on “Daisy Chains”, or confronting her own mortality on “The Last Goodbye”, Del Rey always manages to strike a deep emotional chord with her listeners.
One of the most impressive aspects of this album is Del Rey’s ability to weave together a wide range of musical influences. From the sweeping, grandiose strings on “The Angel’s Share” to the bluesy guitar riffs on “Black Pop”, there is a real sense of experimentation and growth on display here. Del Rey’s vocals are as powerful as ever, and her lyrics are often as poetic as they are profound.
Overall, “Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd?” is a deeply powerful album that showcases Lana Del Rey’s considerable talents as both a musician and a lyricist. It’s not always an easy listen – this is music that demands your full attention and rewards careful consideration – but it’s an album that deserves to be heard. Lana Del Rey has always been known for her ability to craft evocative worlds with her music, and “Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd?” is perhaps her most ambitious project yet.
