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‘Norman F***ing Rockwell’ is a new best for Lana Del Rey, as well as one of this year’s best records

by Jack Gillespie A big aspect that has made Lana Del Rey’s music her own since Born to Die has been the selling a fantasy. The character that Del Rey has created within her records of the innocent, demure girl always looking for dangerous men has always been the most alluring quality to her fans and the biggest annoyance to her detractors. Music that sounds as grounded and personal as hers coming from an artificial persona, an unashamedly feminine persona at that, was unlikely to receive unanimous acclaim from a predominantly male music media press.  However, some of the greatest early tracks (i.e. “Ride,” “Born to Die”) paint a beautiful scene of this emotionally detached yet dangerously sexy fantasy she has become known for embodying. As captivating of a persona and a writer that Del Rey is, especially in her first couple projects, a lack of development in her persona and her sound resulted in diminishing returns on records such as Honeymoon and especially Lust for Life. 

‘Norman F***ing Rockwell’ sees the Lana’s work at her most fleshed out

Norman F***ing Rockwell Norman F***ing Rockwell But I can’t change that, and I can't change your mood

Some of the best lyrical content to come out of 2019

Norman F***ing Rockwell Like if you hold me without hurting me / You'll be the first who ever did
Norman F***ing Rockwell

Lana Del Rey and Jack Antonoff are 2019’s most dynamic duo

Norman F***ing Rockwell Norman F***ing Rockwell Norman F***ing Rockwell Norman F***ing Rockwell Top Tracks:  “Norman F***ing Rockwell” “Mariners Apartment Complex” “Venice B*tch” “Cinnamon Girl” Recommended If You Like:  Weyes Blood Lorde
NME

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