A few artists decided to bless me with new music recently. Let’s talk about songs I have on repeat.
Lana Del Rey’s upcoming record, “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” is set to release March 24 with 16 tracks. The singer has dropped two lead singles so far, the title track and “A&W.”
She released “… Ocean Blvd” Dec. 7 to my surprise and excitement. Lana yearns for her “turn” with someone she has eyes on. I am guessing the Ocean Boulevard tunnel is their meet up spot.
“A&W” came out on Valentine’s Day, a true gift for fans like myself who had no fancy dinner plans. Instead, I was producing a newspaper with the editorial staff while listening to the seven minute song on loop. How romantic.
Lana Del Rey is back in her element in “A&W”. She returns to her mid-career melodies and lyrics, while bringing in production elements similar to “Norman F—ing Rockwell!”.
“A&W” is intoxicating, taking an exciting turn around the five minute mark. The last two minutes of the song turn the production and energy from 25 to 100%.
After hearing “A&W,” I am eager for the rest of Lana’s ninth studio album.
Next up is Niall Horan, a former One Direction band member, who released his lead single “Heaven” Feb. 17 ahead of his third album, “The Show.” “Heaven” truly sounds like heaven, and its lyrics are catchy and fun.
The album’s art nods to The Doors’ 1970 record “Morrison Hotel,” so I am hopeful Niall’s album theme is ’70s-inspired. “The Show” drops June 9.
The Weeknd and Ariana Grande released a collaboration song titled “Die for You – remix” last Friday. While I am not part of The Weeknd’s fanbase, I can always appreciate an Ariana Grande collab. The duo’s voices blend so smoothly together as they harmonize and melt lyrics into the catchy, upbeat production.
Lastly, “Daisy Jones & The Six,” a novel-turned-TV series, now has three songs from its soundtrack “Aurora” available to stream. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s 2019 book described the life and happenings of fictional ’70s rock band Daisy Jones & The Six. I read it and was engulfed in Reid’s storytelling.
“Aurora” features 11 tracks Blake Mills wrote with Phoebe Bridgers, Madison Cunningham, Marcus Mumford and Jackson Browne. The three singles’ tone is a little too modern, production wise, but nothing current can beat that true 1970s rough, rock and roll sound.
The “Daisy Jones & The Six” series and “Aurora” album release Friday.
Come back next week to read Trey’s Takes on the 2023 Oscars.
Heather’s Happenings: Lana Del Rey is back in her element
About the Contributor
Heather Harrison, Former Editor-in-Chief
Heather Harrison served as the Editor-in-Chief of The Reflector from 2022 to 2023.
She also served as the News Editor from 2021 to 2022.
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