Lana Del Rey - Honeymoon | Album Review

A term that gets used by naysayers when describing Lana Del Rey’s music is that it is borderline depressing. Granted, to those who aren’t familiar with her work, titles like Summertime Sadness and Born To Die might imply Del Rey’s music is just her moping about how much she loathes her life. Which is not the case, and if her latest album Honeymoon is anything to go by, Lana Del Rey is far from dull. In fact, it proves that she is an exciting enigmatic character, just trying to be understood.

After a gorgeous 30 second orchestral instrumental “We both know that it’s not fashionable to love me”, are the first words declared by Del Rey on the opener – the album titled song Honeymoon. At this point we are unsure as to whom Del Rey is addressing; perhaps it’s cynical reviewers about her music? Or maybe it’s towards a reluctant lover? The one thing that is immediate to listeners, however, is the mysterious quality Del Rey’s music has become admired for – that dark persona is present in this album. But unlike her 2014 release Ultraviolence, Del Rey no longer sounds easily susceptible and vulnerable. Instead throughout Honeymoon’s luxurious and intoxicating 13 tracks, whether addressing subjects of loss, pain or elation Del Rey appears chillingly nonchalant. 

The love and influence for jazz and blues music that Del Rey has dabbled with before can be heard more clearly and confidently than ever. In the dreamy and heartfelt ballad, Terrance Loves You Del Rey croons about the loss of a partner behind a soothing saxophone and an accompanying trumpet – this is Del Rey in her element.

At this point, three albums in, fans and critics alike know it is imperative for a Del Rey record to feature a distinct tone of sensuality, and Honeymoon does not disappoint. Now Del Rey’s sensual side is understatedly unravelled on songs like the slow jam Freak and the sultry Art Deco. On Music To Watch Boys To the ethereal production unites with Del Rey’s angelic voice creating the sort of song you could picture Charlie's Angel Farrah Fawcett dancing to if she was a belly dancer in a former life??
When comparing Honeymoon to her previous records (Born To Die, Paradise and Ultraviolence), Del Rey has stated herself “It's very different from the last one and similar to the first two”. Perhaps the most obvious reason behind this is because Honeymoon marks the return of producer Rick Nowels who co-produced all of Born To Die and all of Honeymoon too. However, Del Rey’s sincere voice and personal lyrics are at the cornerstone of the album now, contrasting with Born To Die, which was criticised for the production overshadowing her.

But Del Rey refuses to be overshadowed by anything this time around; she’s the main magnetism. Even closing with a cover of jazz icon; Nina Simone’s Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood doesn’t seem to faze her, as she breathes life into the song creating a refreshing and distinctive duplicate. Concluding into what sounds like Del Rey’s purest and most authentic album to date.

Rating: 8/10

Recommended songs: Honeymoon, God Knows I Tried, High By The Beach, Freak, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, 24

FourPlay's Track Of The Week: Fort Hope - The Rapture

British rock music undoubtedly has an extensive pool of talent, but this year belongs to Fort Hope. The Hertfordshire act consisting of Jon Gaskin, Jamie Nicholls and Simon Rowlands are undeniably talented and The Rapture clearly demonstrates their musical abilities.

Combine Gaskin's unique but incredible vocal melodies and runs with powerful, slightly syncopated drumming and awe-inspiring guitar tones, then you have the perfect ingredients for a brilliant rock song.

The Rapture depicts Fort Hope's mammoth sound and their individuality which is a rare trait to have in rock music nowadays. Also their ability to get a chorus ingrained into your head is complimentary to their music.

Make sure you catch Fort Hope during festival season as they are appearing at a number of festivals over the UK this summer. I'll be there at 2000 Trees, witnessing an incredible act live.

Listen to The Rapture here:

FourPlay's Five Tracks | Metal Edition

Need something a little heavier to listen to in your life? Then look no further as we present you with our top five songs of the past few months from some of the most exciting acts in the metal world. Let the moshing commence!

5. The Ghost Inside - Out Of Control

Upcoming Californian hardcore act The Ghost Inside are truly out of control with this relentless track full of chugging guitars and a monstrous breakdown.

4. Blood Youth - Cold Sweat

British newcomers Blood Youth have released their debut track and it is certainly going to get them noticed. Cold Sweat is a song that is guaranteed to be stuck in your head all day and its sound is refreshing and exciting.

3. Of Mice and Men - Broken Generation

The last year has been incredible for Of Mice and Men. They've began to establish themselves as a huge name in metal and Broken Generation demonstrates their ability to maintain a heavy sound, yet also manage to get airtime on BBC Radio 1.

2. Slipknot - Sarcastrophe

Nu-Metal legends Slipknot released their fifth studio album back in October 2014 and Sarcastrophe is a definitive highlight. It's ruthless, the tempo changes are sporadic, yet perfectly timed and most importantly it contains the old Slipknot sound which got the band noticed in the first place.

1. Beartooth - Body Bag

One of my favourite upcoming metal acts of the past year is Beartooth. Body Bag is one hell of a song which showcases a band sounding angry and ready to take the world by storm. The main riff is simple, yet brilliant and the chorus is one that would sound amazing at a festival, hearing thousands singing it back.