Melancholic pop done with glamour has been Lana Del Rey's thing since her debut, and much of the beloved aesthetic is preserved in the songstress's 5th album, Lust For Life. The 16-tracker also includes not-so-somber moments, which cut sharply through the overarching gloom, and this bittersweet interlocking of moods is something that fans can look forward to in this record. Nostalgia, another characteristic often seen and heard in Del Rey's repertoire, is also readily apparent in Lust For Life: "I Guess I was in, 'cause baby, for a minute / It was Woodstock in my mind," and she collabs with the awesome "Stevie Nicks in "Beautiful People Beautiful Problems." For the musical backdrop, she incorporates a lot of trap-inspired rhythms to the songs, which, alongside cinematic, dark soundscapes, work wonders for her expressive, soothing vocals. One of the strongest releases from the pop darling for sure w/ guest appearances from A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, The Weeknd, and did we mention STEVIE NICKS? Highlights are: "Lust for Life," "Cherry," "Summer Bummer," "Groupie Love," and "Love."

• 180 gram vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• printed inner sleeves
• music label: Interscope Records 2017

reviewed by nakaveli 10/2017