By ETHAN CRANE – Viewpoints Writer
Lana Del Rey’s third extended play, Paradise, released on Nov. 13, reprises her signature sound introduced on her debut album, Born to Die, released in January.
Del Rey’s trademark vintage, Americana sound is still omnipresent throughout Paradise’s eight tracks. The variety of the song styles, however, is notable. With poppy ballads, haunting waltzes and even a cover of the 1950s hit “Blue Velvet,” Del Rey produces new and captivating material that is bursting with emotion.
It is reasonable to assume that, while certainly full of emotion, several tracks, most notably “Cola,” are meant to shock. In addition, Del Rey temporarily revisits her risqué, Marilyn Monroe-inspired personality in songs such as “Yayo” with wispy vocals and a shy tone.
Like her debut, Paradise’s tracks are either simple in their melody, which allows Del Rey’s vocals to take center-stage, or heavy in ornament. Nothing is overstated, giving the album a mellow, relaxed sound.
While Del Rey continues to incorporate the sex and addiction so commonly found in the music world’s literature, her style and mannerism of doing so remains uniquely hers.
