Review: Over the course of her last few albums, Lana Del Ray has evolved into a significant chronicler of 21st century American life, with sharper-then-ever lyrics accompanied by fittingly haunting, downbeat and bittersweet musical arrangements. Blue Bannisters, which like so many albums released this year was written and recorded during lockdown, continues in a similar vein to its predecessors, with Del Ray's fragile, melancholic vocals being accompanied by ghostly synthesizer chords, striking piano motifs, drowsy aural textures, simmering strings, gentle guitars and occasional rhythmic nods to trip-hop. It's more bittersweet than intense, but undeniably a creative response to the most testing of times. Considered in those terms, it's a hugely impactful and entertaining album.
Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd
Sweet
A&W
Judah Smith Interlude
Candy Necklace (feat Jon Batiste)
Jon Batiste Interlude
Kintsugi
Fingertips
Paris, Texas (feat SYML)
Grandfather Please Stand On The Shoulders Of My Father While He's Deep-Sea Fishing
Let The Light In (feat Father John Misty)
Margaret (feat Bleachers)
Fishtail
Peppers (feat Tommy Genesis)
Taco Truck X VB
Review: Despite the production being beset with problems - not least the theft of her laptop, which contained all of the demo versions of the songs - Lana Del Rey's ninth studio album has been widely praised by critics, with many claiming that it's her most mature and fully-realised set to date. It's certainly an impressive set of songs, with the American artist's usual cinematic sound being expanded via nods to Americana, gospel, trap and string-laden folk. In her words, it's self-consciously 'spiritual' in tone, with Del Rey's delivery of her lyrics - notably more thoughtful and weightier than some of her previous work - being particularly impressive. This Japanese edition boasts an Obi-strip and slightly tweaked artwork.
Review: In his recent book Major Labels, a history of popular music in seven genres, Kelefa Sanneh argues that pop is now so free of defined boundaries that's it's "barely a genre at all". Listening to LA rapper, singer and producer Doja Cat's third album, it's hard to disagree. Polished, professional and ear-catching, Planet Her is a hugely enjoyable romp whose hybrid, kaleidoscopic constructions variously synthesize elements of R&B, synth0heavy Afro-pop, dancehall, hip-hop, hyperpop, trap, 21st century bass music and much more besides. Throw in guest spots from the likes of Young Thug, Ariana Grande and JD, and you have an on-point pop album that will resonate far longer than most similarly framed sets.
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