Named “the greatest American songwriter of the 21st century” by the Rolling Stone, Lana Del Rey released her latest and ninth studio album, “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” on March 24. Del Rey features sixteen songs, played with wistful melodies and nostalgic chords, weaving together a masterpiece of an album that dwells in her family’s past.

Known formally as Elizabeth Grant, Lana Del Rey has acquired an illustrious reputation, evidenced by her six Grammy nominations and numerous awards. It is unclear as to when many believe her official debut was, as she was previously under the alias ‘May Jailer’ who released her first album “Sirens” in 2006. Others believe that her first album was “Lana Del Ray” released on January 4, 2010. However, most would recall “Born to Die” as her first notable album, released on January 27, 2012 featuring recognizable titles such as “Video Games”, “National Anthem”, and ”Summertime Sadness”.

With the modern usage of social media and the advancing levels of technology, most Gen Z and many Millenials are likely to recognize the name Lana Del Rey, if not numerous of her songs. What has attracted millions to her mystical voice?

In an interview with KIIS FM on September 16, 2019, Del Rey explained, “I think I have a little bit of a connection with young women in a way- or women that some people might not expect or see right off the bat. I think there’s a very thoughtful group of people… the kind of people who read between the lines and know that the stuff that people put out- it’s not all about just rhyming words together or a simple melody, there’s an intention that comes through.”

Del Rey has proven this true in her latest studio album, “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” which was pure poetry in the form of lyrics. She seeks answers about her family, lingering on death, motherhood, and religious themes.

“Kintsugi”, one of the two songs on the album in which Del Rey explores the depths of her soul, displays a sensitive woman in the midst of loss and sorrow within her family. The song foreshadows the only certainty in life: death, clear and true. The title of the piece is named after a Japanese art that pieces back together broken pottery by interlacing the shards with gold. Del Rey assures that death destroys, but life restores art, “But I can’t say I run when things get hard / It’s just that I don’t trust myself with my heart / But I’ve had to let it break a little more / ‘Cause they say that’s what it’s for.”

The eleventh track of the album, “Grandfather please stand on the shoulders of my father while he’s deep-sea fishing” bears a simple piano melody that integrates deeply into the lyrics. Del Rey defends her identity within the music industry, one that has been questioned and picked apart by the public, “If you don’t believe me, my poetry, or my melodies / Feel it in your bones / I have good intentions even if I’m one of the last ones… It took somebody else to make me beautiful, wonderful / As they intended me to be / But they’re wrong.”

The title track, “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” is a painting of deep longing. Del Rey’s haunting voice hangs over the poetry and instills the movements of waves in the soul. Listeners can hear the deep crashing of the ominous sea as Del Rey sings, “I can’t help but feel somewhat like my body marred my soul/ Handmade beauty sealed up by two man-made walls.”

The other notable songs on this album are “A&W” and “Peppers”, both of which have received attention on social media platforms such as Tik Tok and Instagram for the excellent production that incorporates a swift tempo and beat. Currently, “A&W” has reached 40 million streams on Spotify and over 3.9 million views on YouTube after its initial release on February 14, 2023. It, alongside “The Grants” and “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” were the first tracks to be released by Del Rey.

“Sweet”, “Candy Necklace”, and “Peppers” are the three most streamed songs of the album on YouTube that were released on March 24. Two of these songs, “Candy Necklace” and “Peppers” feature artists such as Jon Batiste and rapper Tommy Genesis. Other collaborations include Bleachers, Father John Misty, SYML, and an interlude of a speech by Judah Smith.

Although this album may not have been her most noteworthy release when evaluating production, it is undeniable that Del Rey has reached a new depth in her songwriting. The lyrics are painfully personal, vividly capturing her mysterious emotions that are elusive to the poet herself.

“Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and other music streaming platforms. When listening to the art released by Lana Del Rey, take a moment to immerse yourself into every word and syllable that was carefully chosen to paint the intended image. Experience poetry in the form of music and art meant for hearts.