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

Rag'N'Bone Man - Disfigured | EP Review

There is always a sense of pride felt when you see an underground artist getting the recognition they deserve. After discovering Rag'N'Bone Man when he was providing vocals for Brighton based rap collective Rum Committee, it was evident that his soulful voice had to receive full exposure.

Disfigured is a landmark in Rag'N'Bone Man's career. Even with a stellar back catalogue, including his Wolves EP, he has managed to top it all and raise the bar with just four songs.

Each track encapsulates an array of emotions, portrayed brilliantly by Rag'N'Bone. His voice is undeniably full of power and passion, with an essence of the finest Blues artists dripping through it. The music arrangements work majestically, as clearly heard in the emotive Perfume, which is stripped-down, yet extremely compelling.

Lead track Hard Came The Rain is more forceful and rock-driven, however the lyrical content and the barrage of instruments creates a true musical spectacle. 

Bitter End has a slight hip-hop feel contained within the instruments, but Rag'N'Bone's melody and the backing choir provide a further depth to a simplistic layout. The live version of Bitter End which can be found on his YouTube page is magical and demonstrates Rag'N'Bone's raw ability.

To close the EP, title track Disfigured shows the pinnacle of a truly incredible talent. Rag'N'Bone's voice is one that will show the takeover of up-and-coming acts. The chorus of Disfigured is haunting but it will certainly be stuck in your head. 

The versatility of one performer is phenomenal and this EP is a testament to just how talented Rag'N'Bone Man is and he will become a household name in due time.