Lana Del Rey Defies Modern Blandness With New Album

Lana Del Rey has returned after establishing her career and taking her own path in recent years. As a dream-pop outlier, she has carved out a unique space in mainstream culture, representing a self-made genre. Her fans are in a quandary, wondering what Del Rey’s new album has in store for them.

One thing is certain, the melancholy that characterizes her music is still present. The latest singles offer hints of what to expect; “A&W” reveals a throwback sound that is also combined with an ambient outro. The album opens with a gospel song, and Del Rey seems to have a shift away from her usual spotlight. She is no longer solely interested in the teen angst vibe of “In My Feelings.”

Despite a few tracks that did not fare as well, Del Rey’s eclectic combination of influences keeps her isolated by mainstream standards. Her affinity for religious and classical music has not been received positively by outlets such as the Grammys. Del Rey’s brush-up with controversy was a cultural splash with more vulgar contemporaries.

Being bullied by less talented people may have led to her low-profile album releases like “Blue Banisters.” But Del Rey’s music hasn’t suffered from being out of the media’s ivory tower, and loyalists can expect genuine expressionism without criticism looming over her persona.

Del Rey’s appeal has never fully aligned with Billboard chart-toppers, which were the flashy side of celebrity life that worked against her brand. Her latest album combines the positivity of “Chemtrails” with the eclectic flexibility of “Blue Banisters,” leaving fans wondering whether Del Rey will continue to enlighten young minds and find ancient romanticism once again.

Aaron Cummings, an American cultural commentator, has written for IM_1776 and The Mises Institute.