On March 24, indie singer Lana Del Rey released her ninth studio album, “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.” After the debut single, “A&W,” fans saw a glimpse of Del Rey’s older music style which added excitement for the new music. The first few songs, I’m sad to say, weren’t what I thought it to be.

Throughout the album the lyrics are very similar to what is considered the old Del Rey, but the genre is just not the same. The opening song, “The Grants,” was slow and sounded similar to her previous album, “Blue Banisters.” “Fishtail” had a pop beat behind it, which ultimately made it one of my favorites. The flow and the build up of the song added character, along with the lyrical meaning of being in a relationship with a careless partner. Disregarding a few others on the album, most of the songs were lethargic.

Fans were expecting her pop/indie rock music that always insinuates a toxic relationship. Although her voice hasn’t changed, her style of music in the most recent albums has lacked that upbeat flare. 

Despite this not being her best work, Del Rey has never failed with the use of easter eggs. There were many references to previous songs hidden in this album. “Taco Truck x VB,” a remix of her song “Venice [sic],” mimicked the rhyme of “Chemtrails Over The Country Club.” Fans immediately picked up on what she was doing. 

Del Rey had many features on this album, which helped add diversity to the record. Jon Batiste was not only on “Candy Necklace” but an extension to the song called “Jon Batiste Interlude,” as well. As I was listening I heard this very familiar tune from SYML called “I Wanted to Leave,” but this version had a few extra touches and, of course, Del Rey singing over it. I think she captured the meaning of the song in words very well, as she talked about leaving home. 

 “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” was not what I expected, but I did find a handful of favorites. The album is not what fans thought it to be, but she continues to prove the point that she is a musical genius in her own way. The album deserves a rating of six out of ten. I recommend it to any Del Rey fan, but if one was expecting anything like “Norman [sic] Rockwell” they would be disappointed.

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