pinupgalore-lanadelrey:

West Coast (10/10) - “Narco-swing” is the perfect description of this song. Such tight percussion, surf noir “wah wah” guitars, haunting “oohs” in the background, layered vocals and guitars create such a full sound. The words “ambient” and “haunting” could be used to describe much of the album. 

Ultraviolence (10/10) - Heavily hit keyboard with a fuzzy vocal lured to the chorus by strings. Surf noir “wah wah” guitars and orchestra with hazy layered vocals. The song gets bigger and bigger and becomes more and more hypnotizing. 

Shades of Cool (10/10) - I have to say this is one of Lana’s best songs. Her vocals are at her best. Heavenly. The ‘wah wah’ guitars make the perfect melancholy “surf noir” vibe. The reverb & ambiance lead a psychedelic influence mixed with jazz. SoC has such a full sound and when Lana said she wanted it to be in the “tune of blue, flame so hot that it turned blue”, Shades of Cool nails it on the head. 

Brooklyn Baby (10/10) - The reverb on her jazzy vocals mixed with the “narco swing” of the instruments makes a perfect combination. “I’m free, I’m free”.. possibly one of the best moments on the album. It sounds other-worldly. The feel of Brooklyn Baby is definitely “futuretro.” 

Cruel World (100/10) - My favorite song Lana has ever done. Heavy reverb/ ambiance. It brings your mind to a psychedelic vision of the 70s. The chorus brings the chaotic and emotional feeling especially when she sings ”crazy” and with such a passion. A tranquil verse with Jamaican drums that sound like paradise, followed by a sinister vocal. A middle eastern inspired guitar paired with a shooting guitar in the chorus adds to an amazing song.  

Sad Girl  (9/10) - “He’s got the fiiire” is another one of the high points on the album. The acoustic guitar in the second verse is perfect with the hazy vocal in the background of the melody. The orchestra in the bridge builds the song to an even more beautiful and passionate point. Her voice is like melted butter singing “I’m on fire baby.”

Pretty When You Cry (10/10) - Starting with a single melancholy guitar melody and a haunting vocal..  the song goes from grey to blue in a sense and brings a dark rock sound. The chorus is outbursts of guitars and the bridge brings a sense of both sadness and anger followed by a killer guitar solo. 

Money Power Glory (8/10) - Booming & echoing drums & vocals.. You can feel her bitter mood and sarcasm in her voice. Soaring guitars in the chorus. Reaching a high point with high pitched and sinister vocals until a raw guitar solo and “Dope and diamonds, that’s all that I want” seem to further express the sardonic mood, ending with a siren-like vocal.

Fucked My Way Up To The Top (8/10) - Both haunting hazy vocals and a melancholy piano seamlessly blends into a booming chorus with a familiar sense of chaos. The theme of bitterness and sarcasm show again but also with a sense of honestly and desperation shown through the lyrics and vocals.

Old Money (8/10)- Understated, heartfelt, and simply beautiful. No percussion was needing. The song hints back to Video Games simple, yet effective expression of love. The orchestra brings a strong noir feeling.  

The Other Woman (8/10)- Sounds straight out of a classic black and white movie. The sound brings you right back in time. Strong & jazzy vocals prove to be Lana’s best. 

Black Beauty (7/10)- a power ballad with a dark undertone. You can see the darkness but the tone of the guitar & Lana’s voice are too beautiful that it doesn’t bring you down but it sucks you in.

Guns & Roses (7/10) - brings you straight out west with a sound open as the open roads, a slow burning flame leading to a hypnotic bridge & soaring guitars and chaos in the final chorus.

Florida Kilos (9/10) - Catchy acoustic guitars leading to a sort of dreamy party. By far the most different song on the album. By the end of the song you can’t help but dance along and sing “Yayo, yayo.” The chill tropical vibe of Miami shines brightly through in every way.

 Is This Happiness (8/10)- Simple piano with vocals add to a feeling of loneliness. The sound of birds chirping in the background and lyrics describing a Paradise that isn’t what it seemed to be. The bridge sounds sinister, dealing with inner demons, the instruments and lyrics strongly lend to that topic. Is This Happiness sounds like an old record with smooth and clear guitar overlapping it.

Flipside (7/10) - The simple guitar brings back the sound of Lizzy Grant when she performed live. No percussion or addition instruments are needed. It brings the familiar feel of out West. “So you think you’re in charge? Do ya?”  further reflects the attitude Lana expressed having while recording.