Lana Del Rey is an artist who probably shot to fame faster than she should have. After crashing the web with incredible, hypnotic cuts like "Video Games" and "Born To Die" in 2011, the sultry crooner released a debut album which divided critics and was immediately tapped for a Saturday Night Live performance that did not quiet the naysayers. However, there was no doubt in anybody's mind that the new singer was edgy, dark and talented.
Following the release of her two most successful singles, "Young & Beautiful" and "Summertime Sadness", Del Rey now proudly presents the lead single off her upcoming sophomore album, Ultraviolence. Though it carries a slightly less somber and dramatic vibe compared to her previous efforts, the new "West Coast" does feel and sound as if it stays true to Del Rey's trademark style with some 80s-like production, dominate drums and guitar and vocals that give off a summery, breezy, rock vibe.
"West Coast", produced by The Black Key's Dan Auerbach, is definitely not the lead track expected from the breathy vocalist. Though critics had problems with the melodramatic nature of Del Rey's songwriting on her last efforts, that is what seems to be missing from this new release. Vocals are exquisite, but that was to be expected. It just sounds as if there is something lacking. "Down on the west coast, they got a saying, if you're not drinking, then you're not playing," she sings on the opening line, which immediately becomes the highlight of the new release.
The track is far from a terrible track, it's actually quite good. But that is where the problem lies. It's not great by any means. It does not have that unique, attention-grabbing appeal as "Video Games" did. It does not have that epic-sounding chorus as "National Anthem" or "Ride" did. I don't even think it has the remix potential that "Summertime Sadness" had. It is just a decent offering, hopefully generating the right buzz to kick off her next full album.
Lana Del Rey is an artist Top 40 radio was just getting comfortable with, but with the experimental vibe of "West Coast", it seems like the artist is alienating herself from the mainstream once again. It's not a bad thing, I admire the girl for being different, I just don't know if this release will go down as one of my favorites. May 18 is the official release date, will you be buying?
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