REVIEW #1 - 82

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After months of anticipating and waiting, Lana Del Rey has finally graced the world with her fifth studio album Midnight. And boy it was so worth the wait. Once again, Lana shows that she is one of the most interesting and dynamic artists that the industry has ever seen. She is always has a trick up her sleeve and on this album, she lets all of those tricks play out. The best thing Lana does is she keeps audiences on their toes and here, she certainly left us hanging on every word. 

 

First & Second Rules (Intro) 8/10

Rarely does a simple intro induce chills in the listener, but this is exactly what happens here. The distorted voice that introduces us to the album feels like it's speaking directly to us, inviting us inside the motel to go on a journey with Lana. This is a perfect suspense builder and absolutely incredible way to beckon us all into the album. 

 

Midnight 9/10

The proper first track of the album is just as intoxicating as everything Lana does. The music is dark and secretive and it feels as if we're listening to something that we're not supposed to be. A forbidden fruit. And what a sweet fruit it is. The song's lyrics are sexy as can be and coupled with the music, it creates a match made in heaven. Production wise, this song is handled very well and no one element over shadows the others. Lana's voice is very present over the track. The only issue with the song is that during the chorus, some of the music doesn't seem to totally link with the vocals, however you have to really be listening to even notice this and you wouldn't if you weren't searching for it. All in all, this track is incredible. 

 

Secrets [feat. Harry Styles] 8/10

This song shows that Lana can not only play well with others, but that she can recruit any artist she wants to and stick them into her own little world and make them sound as if they were created there. Harry styles comes from a different side of the industry as Lana but fit him into this world of seduction perfectly. Lyrically, this song is interesting, especially following the previous track. This song is a confessional track and those are always interesting. The interplay between Lana and Harry is very dynamic and again we feel as if we're being let in on a secret (pun partially intended) that we're not meant to hear and it's a juicy one. Production wise, this song is very similar to the first, and while that isn't a bad thing in anyway, there could have been a few little flourishes that made this song feel independent. Overall, it's slick and it's polished well, and it's sexy just as it's meant to be. 

 

Rosa 8/10

This is how you do a sex song. It's sexy as hell and it's the most beautiful type of sexy. This song sees Lana lets us back into the recesses of her glorious mind. This song is Lana throwing us into the sexiest experience we've had musically in a long, long time. The song's lyrics remind me a lot of the cutting edge style of house lyrics from the 90's. And that's a decade Lana would fit into well. Musically, the song itself complements the lyrics well. The music slightly takes a backseat for the lyrics to shine through which isn't exactly a bad thing. However, the music itself is so good that it could have been a little more present. But that's forgivable!

 

Down For It 7/10

This is a good song, make no mistake. However it is slightly dampened by the strength that came before it. This song has very interesting production and lyrics but there is just a little bit of spark missing that is present in the other songs. Lana is as in control as ever on this song, and she comes off as confident in the song which adds a lot to the mix. In the end, the song is slightly lesser than some of the other tracks, but it is still an incredible exercise in what makes Lana so exciting. 

 

By Tomorrow 9/10

Lana bounces back quickly and delivers another incredible track. This song is honest and in that sense, it automatically endears the listener. Lana is never shy about what she's thinking and this track shows that. Production wise, this song is strong and it lends itself very well to Lana's amazing delivery. This is a song that makes you want to hear more and more of it and it. The concept is amazing and the execution is even better.

 

It's Never You 8/10

Another track with a moody sensibilities, this song continues the thematic strength of the record. Lana is again very honest in this song and, as with the others, it builds a connection between Lana and us, and a very strong one at that. Lana is a beautiful lyricist and this song proves that. Production wise, this song is  under supported because of the seeming lack of music in some parts. When the music does come in, it's nice but it could have been around a bit more. However, the lyrics carry this song well, make no mistake.

 

Now He's Gone 10/10

The best song on the album and possibly the best song of Lana's career is moody, atmospheric, strong, tight, and beautiful. Every element of the song is perfect and sits so well with each other. The melody is memorable, the lyrics flow so well. Everything supports everything else and Lana displays her true genius. Grammy material sits within this song. 

 

Motel Neon Light 7/10

We close with an experimental type song and for the most part, the risk pays off. The music is very interesting to listen to and the atmosphere it creates is incredible. The song has good lyrics, but they are just delivered in a strange way. Lana feels disconnected from the music in some points and that can come from the music not being easy to follow in some points. However, the song is still enjoyable and firs in well with everything else. 

 

Lana is an amazing artist and she proved that with this album. It's a blockbuster to say the least and as close to perfect as anything she's ever done. The entire album is strong and each song could be a single. Lana hit a home run and I cannot wait to see how the rest of this era plays out.