By Ella Mahan
Executive Arts Editor
On Oct. 22, Lana Del Rey released her second album of the year and eighth studio album, titled “Blue Banisters.”
The first album that Rey released this year came out in March and was titled “Chemtrails Over the Country Club.” Though “Chemtrails Over the Country Club” was received better by listeners, the raw emotion Rey portrays through her music in “Blue Banisters” is mesmerizing and a memorable experience for her avid listeners.
Rey says that the goal of “Blue Banisters” is for her to openly and honestly express her appreciation to the strong women in her life who have helped her get to this point in her career and life. The title of the album appears to take a symbolic, yet somewhat literal approach to a banister, or a crutch, that she relies on in times of sadness. The women she relies on for support are this crutch.
While Rey does stick to her typical melancholy tone throughout the album, she experiments with the depth of her vocals. This is especially seen in “Interlude – The Trio,” which is the fourth song in “Blue Banisters.” The upbeat, jazz-like background of the song aids in the transition from a more melancholy tone to a more hopeful one. “Interlude – The Trio” incorporates strong bass, sharp beats, and lacks lyrics.
The songs following “Interlude – The Trio,” such as “Cherry Blossom” and “Living Legend,” tend to gravitate toward a more upbeat tone. Both songs reference blossoming and discovering new life, symbolizing Rey’s newfound sanguine perspective on life.
The song “Blue Banisters” is the second song in the album following “Text Book.” The chorus uses light, breathless lyrics to exude a less-than-light theme of sexism in society. Rey said, “Most men don’t want a woman with a legacy, it’s of age.” Her beautiful presentation of dark lyrics expresses Rey’s impeccable capability to deliver a mournful message with grace.
Not only does Rey deliver unique songs crafted with alluring musicality, but she shares a piece of herself with the audience through her lyrics. Her album clearly comes from the heart and invites her audience to share and appreciate the important women in her life with her.
Overall, “Blue Banisters” is an intriguing and thought-provoking album. It contains beautifully complex lyrics that force the listener to ponder the various underlying themes Rey is attempting to portray through her music, such as appreciation and mourning simultaneously.
“Blue Banisters” was released on Oct. 22 and can be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music and Pandora.
Leave a Reply