Blue Banisters

On October 22, 2021 the world as we know it changed. Or at least my world as I knew it changed. Lana Del Rey released her eighth studio album, “Blue Banisters'', only a short eight months after her release of' “Chemtrails over the Country Club”. I was introduced to Del Rey at the ripe age of 12, and I've been screaming and crying along to her music ever since. She was able to reach a part of me that no other artist had yet been able to do. I mean, honestly, how could the lyrics “My pussy tastes like Pepsi cola” not pull at your heart strings. 

As I sit here writing this, listening to “Violents for Roses”, I can honestly say this album is breathtaking and gut wrenching and everything in between. She has done it again. Although I am biased, I will admit, (I think Del Rey stans are notorious for sticking by her no matter what) her lyricism is undoubtedly unmatched. It is poetry in its purest form (see above). Her ability to subtly reference heartbreak, is in itself heartbreaking. On “Thunder” she demonstrates this perfectly. 

And you try to see the bright side when each new day begins

But you're not satisfied at the rainbows end

Just do it

Just do it, don't wait

The chorus of the song is about begging that person to end the relationship already because you know it is destined to end anyways. The song is pure sadness in the most amazing way. Now, I recommend listening to this song on full blast immediately, singing those lyrics as loud as you need, in order to understand the full emotional effect they have; I can assure that is exactly what I did.

Something else I truly admire about this album, and about Del Rey as an artist, is her vulnerability. She puts herself so deeply and fully into her music. Not that this can't be said about other artists of course, but the way Del Rey does it is effortless. You can hear her growth and transformation from one album to the next. Her music style is developing and her maturity shines through in her lyrics. Del Rey has always been honest in her writing and some have criticized her for glamorizing drug use and abusive relationships, which is understandable. I, however, think her need to make ugly things beautiful is how she copes with the trials and tribulations of life and love. Back to the point, it’s apparent in “Blue Banisters'' that she is making efforts as a person to grow and heal. In her single “Wildflower Wildfire,” she explores the idea of self reflection and understanding one’s own destructive tendencies saying, 

Not to turn into a wildfire

To light up your night

With only my smile and nothing that burns

This is Del Rey coming to the realization that she has ruined things for herself in the past, but she’s consciously trying not to. She mentions her parents quite a number of times on the album as well, which is indicative of her knowledge of the role they’ve played in her life. A self aware queen. 

Overall, “Blue Banisters” is a journey; a journey of healing and exploration. Del Rey falls in love with herself and with the people she surrounds herself with. Some of my favorites off the album are “Thunder,” “Living Legend,”  “Nectar of the Gods,” and “If You Lie Down With Me.” I encourage everyone to listen and take in every word sung. Sing along and even cry if you have to. It’s okay, I did. 

Finn Manning — November 21st, 2021