Exploring the tunnel under Ocean Blvrd

2.5 out of 5 stars

A continuous theme in Lana Del Rey’s latest album is “when you know, you know” and what I do know is that this album is underwhelming and mediocre.

Her latest album, “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” was released on March 24. Before its release, fans were spoiled with the release of three songs to tease the album. This built up excitement, but I was left disappointed when the album officially dropped. 

Del Rey is known for her stellar lyrics, haunting aura, and storytelling through her songs. There were some moments where this was featured, but most times it felt that Del Rey really wandered off in her songs. 

Internet Photo

The biggest sore of the album comes toward the start, with “Judah Smith Interlude.” Leading up to this point the album was flawless, with the songs slowly luring listeners into the enchanting world.

Then all of that goes away with this interlude. 

First, it was placed in a weird space. Knowing the whole album now, it would have made more sense to be at the end of the album. Personally, I would’ve placed it next to “Let The Light In.”

The interlude does not consist of Del Rey at all, but of a sermon discussing infidelity. Listeners escape to music to get away from their problems, but the inclusion of this message blurred the fantasy. 

This album has inspiration from both gospel and soul music, and there are very spiritual lyrics present. This interlude would have been more impactful if it was Del Rey discussing her journey with religion, or God, not some random preacher talking about how he is unhappy with his wife. 

Especially following “A&W,” which means “American Whore,” it was jarring, and it was hard for me to get back into the album after this interlude. 

This issue with the album was present throughout, the order of the songs was all over the place. As far as overall storytelling of the album, it may have been helpful to rearrange the songs in another order.

With the jumping between country, pop, and gospel-inspired songs, it was especially hard to get a sense of the album’s vibe, if it even knew what vibe it was going for. 

While this album as a whole may be confusing, some of Del Rey’s best work lies within the album itself, and it is a shame that it gets overshadowed.

First off, the title “Grandfather please stand on the shoulders of my father while he’s deep-sea fishing” is clever, and makes you intrigued by this song. It was light, it was relaxing, and the lyrics stood out because of how simplistic the song was.

What I loved most were the lyrics, “God if you’re near me, send me three white butterflies.” It is a great way to mention your beliefs in religion, but not be so in your face to those who may have different beliefs, or are not religious at all. 

And the melody of this song is subtle, yet the catchiest one off of the entire album. If the album leaned in more of this direction, I feel it would have easily made its way into my top Del Rey album. 

There are other standouts, “Kintsugi,” “Paris, Texas,” and “Fishtail” coming to mind first. They may be wedged in between some of the weaker songs of the album, but they shine regardless with their mellow lyrics and ethereal instrumentals. 

It’s a fine album. Not life-changing or earth-shattering, just fine. There are some great moments, some fine moments, and some plain-out awful choices. 

If you are a fan of Del Rey, she is easily forgiven for some of these decisions, but if you’re not, I would avoid this album.