TRACK REVIEW: Lana Del Rey - Looking for America

TRACK REVIEW:

Lana Del Rey

Looking for America

9.6/10

The track, Looking for America, is available via:

https://open.spotify.com/track/31FBEeTXpaeCncCbCmS7ax?si=hKldPHZmQfqe1fx6wcbCVA

GENRES:

Baroque-Pop/Dream-Pop

ORIGIN:

Los Angeles, U.S.A.

RELEASE DATE:

9th August, 2019

LABELS:

Universal Music Operations/Polydor Records

The album, Norman Fucking Rockwell, is available from 30th August. Pre-order here:

https://shoplanadelrey.com/products/norman-fucking-rockwell-lime-green-lp-digital-album

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WHEN thinking of my review subject…

for today, there are a few subjects that spring to mind. I will talk about Lana Del Rey’s new song in a minute but, for now, I want to discuss dreaminess and mixing urgency into the pot; the state of America and why it is great a mainstream star is tackling gun violence; expectation and the sense of wonder that comes with Del Rey’s music; why this year’s music is beyond all expectations, especially when it comes to female artists – I want to end by talking about Lana Del Rey’s future and why I think she can get even bigger and more popular. I will bring in a couple of interview snippets that show different sides to Del Rey and ask interesting questions. When I hear Lana Del Rey’s new track, Looking for America, there is this beguiling mix of breathy and raw. It is almost too hard to put into words but one need only listen to Del Rey’s past work to see what I mean. Even from 2012’s Born to Die, one could tell here was an artist that was different to everyone around. There are artists who can do the seductive and pack some punch behind that but Lana Del Rey almost seems like a singer from the past. I am reminded of voices like Julie London and a rather classic and sophisticated tone that one does not really hear now – given the fact a lot of Pop artists pine for processed vocals and a load of energy. I do really love that mixture of the 1950s and the modern-day. Lana Del Rey captivates you with her voice. It is a sound that is romantic and open but there is a lot of grace, power and potency behind her words. Rather than be a Lounge artist who discusses love in a very ordinary way; an easy and uncomplicated sound for any listener, Lana Del Rey has all these different nuances and colours stirring and colliding.

PHOTO CREDIT: Nicole Nodland/Shore Fire

She has this wonderful voice that can drop the knees with its tenderness and beauty but she is a really interesting writer. I do think artists either provide something important and urgent without providing any sort of balance and softness or they are pretty gentle and gorgeous but there is nothing in the way of importance and any real depth. Of course, a few artists are exceptions. Lana Del Rey is a striking and inspiring artist who can project these images of highways and classic America but she has this raw and edgy side that I really like. There is a lot more to her music and success than that but I have seen Del Rey mature and evolve as a singer. I will, as I say, bring in a few interview passages but I want to nod to an interview Del Rey conducted with Harper’s Bazaar earlier this year. She was asked about her incredible album, Born to Die, which came out in 2012 and was a critical success:

“HB: BORN TO DIE JUST TURNED SEVEN YEARS OLD. HOW DO YOU THINK YOU'VE EVOLVED SINCE THEN?

LDR: I feel pretty lucky that I'm still making music and that people are still listening. I was singing and making records maybe six, seven years before that, and when that record even became visible and people were buying it, I was definitely in disbelief because I knew my sensibility was a little eclectic and different. When something hits, you just can't believe it. Everyone always said it was so weird when I was doing my first meeting when I was 21, 22.

For people to still be listening and to have gone on different tours was not something I thought I would be doing into my thirties. That is really awesome for me. Also to meet new collaborators, I definitely wasn't expecting to make a whole new record with somebody like Jack Antonoff. I think the recording process has been very dreamy and very easygoing. I always try to keep [my record releases] as quiet as possible and barely promote my stuff, just because that's the way I like it [laughs]”.

Lana Del Rey has evolved through the years and albums such as Born to Die sound different to later work such as Honeymoon (2015). Maybe darker threads have come into her work or she has become braver as a writer. Here is an artist who is not beholden to commercial needs and being told what sort of album to write by a label. I get the feeling Del Rey is this curious writer who is always absorbing what is around her but also dipping into film, fantasy and her imagination to concoct the most stirring album possible.

I will introduce another question from that quoted interview in a bit because, when we consider Looking for America, we need to reflect on the mass shootings that occurred in the U.S. recently – including Dayton, Ohio where ten people were killed and many more injured. Sadly, it seems there is this regularity of tragedy in the nation. We listen to the news and, whether it is at a high-school or outside a bar, how long do we have to endure massive tragedies and senseless killings like this? President Trump seems resolved to do nothing and I cannot imagine anyone will actually create discussion and look for change. There is this divide between those who feel gun massacres are the results of men with mental-health issues taking it out on people – therefore we need to look at background checks and, as Trump ineloquently stated, not give guns to loose cannons and crazy people (not exactly his words but it was not far off the mark). In reality, one cannot blame mental-health issues – there are thousands who have mental-health problems but do not shoot people! – or television and film. One can blame Trump and the fact he promotes this white supremacist rhetoric; an ideology that suggests pure, white America is best and everyone else should go home. People are hearing these words, looking around their neighbourhoods and deciding the best way to limit those foreign faces is to eliminate them. There is no other explanation and reason. Lana Del Rey was moved and affected by the shootings in her nation and, rather than taking to social media or sitting quietly, she hurried to the studio and penned a new song. All the proceeds from Looking for America are going to charity. In previous songs, Del Rey has talked about harsh love, dark subjects and some really tough things. I do feel Looking for America is one of her most affecting and challenging tracks. There is so much emotion running throughout and, as she says, a need to see a better America; one where the flag can fly free and people can feel safe.

Before moving on, I will bring in another exert from that interview where Del Rey is asked what provides her with hope at a rather changing and difficult period:

“HB: ON THE TOPIC OF HOPE, WHAT IS GIVING YOU HOPE AT THIS TIME?

LDR: Knowing that it's okay for the culture to be in a bit of disruption, and that if we can just lean into that and try to find a uniting factor in it, that's the big takeaway. Things have been confusing for a long time, whether it's politically, culturally, personally. Down the ages, everyone's had their own trials and tribulations. So any time I get stressed, I just remind myself it's kind of supposed to be stressful. Life is stressful.

I am writing a feature later on today relating to gun violence and whether artists should be more involved. I do think it is tough for bigger artists to weigh in and write songs like Lana Del Rey did because of their fans and the labels. There is an expectation and image artists project and will that be broken? Will fans feel upset or different if their favourite artist talks about gun violence and politics? It is a hard line to walk but I do feel artists have a duty to get involved and speak out. Taylor Swift has just recently started talking more about politics and that side of things: before, she was a little hesitant and maybe there was a feeling her fans would speak out and she would not look good. I don’t know. It seems like a lot of artists are scared by commercial pressures and what their labels think. Del Rey went to the studio, recorded this great song and, in a heartbeat, has reacted to the senseless shootings we have seen. Not only has Lana Del Rey produced this thought-provoking and brilliant song but, as her album, Norman Fucking Rockwell is arriving later this month, there is a lot of talk around.

There are artists where you get a lot build-up and excitement when they announce albums. In the case of Lana Del Rey, people never really know what to expect. Her albums are always different but I do think the impact of her voice and music hits harder than so many others. Maybe it is the dreaminess and beauty of her voice or the fact Del Rey seems to be more than a mere artist – she has this film-star quality and inspires so many people. I am not sure what the rest of Norman Fucking Rockwell will contain but it does seem like we will get a usual blend of strings and classic images and this ever-evolving artist letting us into her heart and mind. Lana Del Rey’s sixth studio album is one of the most anticipated of the year and I do think it will go down as one of the year’s best. Maybe it is the fact there are very few artists like her but Lana Del Rey fills a gap and provides something others cannot. Lust for Life (2017) was her last album and one that was applauded. I do think Lana Del Rey gets stronger with every release and grows in confidence. Many reviewers – when reflecting on Lust for Life – stated how Del Rey is an antidote against the banal and flavourless songs that permeate the charts. I would agree with that because, when it comes to subject matter, Del Rey steps way beyond the commercial and dull. In this recent interview with Vanity Fair she was asked about her upcoming album and what inspired it:

“Vanity Fair: The title of your new album brings to mind a certain classic vision of America. What was your headspace like for this record?

Lana Del Rey: It was weird how that actual title came to me. I was riffing over a couple of chords that Jack [Antonoff] was playing for the title track, which ended up being called “Norman Fucking Rockwell.” It was kind of an exclamation mark: so this is the American dream, right now. This is where we’re at—Norman fucking Rockwell. We’re going to go to Mars, and [Donald] Trump is president, all right. Me and Jack, we just joke around constantly about all the random headlines we might see that week, so it’s a slight cultural reference. But it’s not a cynical thing, really. To me, it’s hopeful, to see everything as a little bit funnier. The chaos of the culture is interesting, and I’m hopeful that there’s room for there to be some movement and excitement within it”.

I will move on and talk about Lana Del Rey’s latest track in a bit but I wanted to discuss the year in music and why it is such a big one. I do feel like social issues and politics have compelled a lot of the best records of the moment. Maybe artists are seeing their nations divide and splinter and feel a bit helpless. Whilst I can detect a lot of anger and anxiety in music, there is this motivation to see change; the open people’s eyes and get things happening. I am one of those people who feel music has the power to incentivise change and discussion. Not only have we seen some really important and bold works but there has been a crop of albums that rank alongside the best of the decade. One cannot deny the fact 2019 has been especially strong and artist from various genres and corners have stepped up. It is hard to define 2019 in terms of sound and direction because, actually, there is such a wide array of music out there. I know I keep coming back to the subject of women dominating 2019 but, with every passing week, that is proved. Marika Hackman has just released her Any Human Friend album and it is gaining big reviews. Lana Del Rey brings her album out in a few weeks and Sleater-Kinney have an album out this month. Of course, I love what male artists are giving the world but I feel it is female artists who are making the biggest impression this year. I am not sure why – as I have mused before – but I do feel the industry sort of needs to recognise that. Lana Del Rey is, as I said, someone who comes with this aura of wonder and excitement. People are fascinated by what she does and how her music makes you feel. You cannot help but drift and slip into her music and let your mind take you away. One cannot deny Lana Del Rey is a very attractive singer, in terms of her sound and lyrical prowess, but has this accessibility and openness that you do not get with everyone. In many ways, she is a role model and, no doubt, has inspired so many other artists.

Looking for America is under three minutes but I think that is great because it never overstretches and lives past its natural welcome. Instead, the listener is left wanting a bit more but, over the course of the track, a lot is packed in. I do feel Looking for America is a bit if a red herring when it comes to Norman Fucking Rockwell’s themes. Maybe there will not be too many political songs but I feel Del Rey, as usual, will be looking back and to a time when things were simpler and more evocative. Rather than go into a song attacking those who allow killings to happen, Looking for America is more a reflection on simple scenes and purity. By that, Looking for America is a reaction to what is happening right now but it does not overtly mention attacks and call for gun control – instead, Del Rey projects these scenes of friends driving and embracing the road. There are no complications and burdens and, as they all pile into the car, they cannot decide which direction they are heading in. This scenic route is quite a trip and one instantly sees these young faces smiling; cool threads and maybe a cigarette or two as they pile into a classic car as the sun beats down. Del Rey’s voice is smoky and hazy as she opens up this scene of the open road and children playing in the park. Del Rey says how we only used to worry about children after dark but, at these dark times, the daylight poses as much threat and insecurity. The heroine is looking for her own vision and version of America. Maybe Del Rey has a romantic notion of America but one cannot fault her longing for something better than what we have; a nation that is together and can feel optimism. The chorus is a gorgeous thing that swoons, sways and melts. Del Rey dreams of a sky with fireworks; where there are no bombs and, when she and her lover/friend collide, there is that bliss and sense of freedom – rather than a feeling that America is a hostile and violent place.

PHOTO CREDIT: i-D

The delivery is sumptuous and, with very little accompaniment and compositional intrusion, her voice really does cut to the core. Del Rey talks about this dream that she had in mind; this rather far-fetched ideal that wants to bring America back to a golden age. She flies back to New York and goes past all these sights that seem unfamiliar and tarnished somehow. Maybe her mind wanders but the reality of the present scored against the bliss of the past jars and moves her. It is hard not to feel a sense of emotion as you hear this woman unable to recognise her country and feeling like things are slipping away. Looking for America could have ramped up the drama with strings and percussions but, instead, Del Rey’s voice is the main focus and instrument. The emotion she manages to summon is more powerful and personal than instruments and I really like the sparseness of the song. There are backing vocals (Del Rey’s voice is tracked) and a little suggestion of percussion here and there but, apart from that, here is a naked and raw song where you can feel that urgency and sense of the personal. Rather than adorn the song with melodrama and too much force, Del Rey is caught in this dream where she sees better times but is unable to reconcile what is happening now. It is difficult to listen to Looking for America and feel unmoved. One can hear the song and think about those who have lost their lives recently; a real fear in the air which is hard to see. Looking for America is a song you will listen to time and time again as it has this dreamy quality that gets under the skin. The lyrics are both stirring and evocative and you picture these hopeful young people revelling in a past America. Maybe I am taking the words too literally. When Del Rey was discussing road trips and detours, maybe that was a metaphor for modern America and the fact that the road to safety and familiarity is not straight and quick – or I might be reading too much into that! Looking for America will not feature on Norman Fucking Rockwell but one feels special editions of the album might include the track. In any case, it is a fantastic offering from one of the most intriguing and brilliant artists we have. If you are new to Lana Del Rey then make sure you investigate her music and acquaint yourself with an amazing human. Grab a copy of Norman Fucking Rockwell and spin it good because I think, when the end-of-year lists are announced regarding the best albums, Lana Del Rey is going to be in there.

I know Lana Del Rey is busy getting Norman Fucking Rockwell ready for the world and she will be promoting that pretty heavily. When the album comes out and we get a chance to experience the songs, we will get a sense of how Del Rey has changed since 2017 and what is on her mind. I do think politics and the state of America weighs heavy. With such madness happening right now, she is trying to make sense of it and, as Looking for America outlines, she wants to return to this better time when people could feel secure. Maybe this all feeds back into this older-days element and vintage sound that Del Rey produces – perhaps her world vision is decades ago and the modern world is not as romantic, balanced and safe as it should be. It is that clash between the past and present that makes Del Rey’s music so deep and interesting. You can catch her touring next year and I would urge people to go and see her. Here is an artist who has been providing sensational music for years and she does not show any signs of slowing anytime soon. Some might say that Lana Del Rey’s style of music might grow weary and familiar over time but I actually think there are nuances and contours that mean one can never get bored. Every record brings new themes to the surface and I do love the way Del Rey keep changing and moving in new directions. You get more than music when it comes to her. Her album covers are great and there is almost the sense of this film unfolding before your eyes. Del Rey is masterful when it comes to delivering these mini epics that range from tales of lost love to the state of the nation. One cannot help but become part of the songs and surrender to Del Rey’s command, beauty and sumptuous voice. I will end things here soon but I want to round off by urging other artists to get more involved in politics.

That might sound vague and unwise but, by that, I mean not being blind to what is happening. I do think so many are afraid to speak out because they think that will damage their popularity and there will be a backlash. We are all living through a time where there is massive violence and corruption; where powerful nations are being ruled by idiots and, whilst some might say this has always been the way of the world, things have gotten a lot worse and we have a lot to figure out. From climate change to gun violence, music has a role to play regarding awareness and change. So many people fear for the next generation and the sort of world they will be growing up in. That is a fair concern and I do think we all need to act. Lana Del Rey is one of these artists that watches the news and sees what is happening but, rather than remaining passive and silent, she is motivated to put her feelings into song. Looking for America is a really powerful song but one that makes you feel emotional and lost. Lana Del Rey wants her country to return to a time when there were fewer cases of gun violence and there was a degree of sanity. Right now, America is suffering and it does not look like there will be any sort of improvement at all. Music has the power to open eyes and I do feel Lana Del Rey can help bring about discussion and evolution. She is an amazing artist who hits all the senses and stays in the mind. I would not consider myself to be a huge fan but I respect her music and know there are a lot of people who look up to her. Let us end things here but, before going, I want people to listen to Looking for America and close their eyes. Really experience the song and feel every line. It is a really powerful song that, once heard, will be in the head for a very long time. Lana Del Rey has produced a fantastic song that bodes well for her album. I think, as I mentioned, Norman Fucking Rockwell will be among the best of 2019 and another leap for her. Until we get the record, cherish this wonderful song: one that calls for action and discussion in order to restore America to its previous best. Maybe perfection and a dream-like nation is not possible but, with Lana Del Rey stirring the soul and inspiring the heart…