Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd | Review + Analysis

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Well, we made it to the (near) end of my Lana series with the review of Ocean Blvd, I can't really put into words how amazing this album is and how glad I am that I really committed to making a series about the living American songwriter of our time. Thank you to everyone who stayed for the ride, I can't wait for the next chapter of this channel.

[@thearchane3749]

Thank you for your brilliant analyses and reviews. I am looking forward to more and less - whatever comes. Your elegant opinions are inspiring. You are graceful and masterful 🍀

[@Thomas-bh5ph]

when will you revisit blue banisters?

[@EljohnMacaranas]

@@Thomas-bh5ph probably v soon considering I might be making a video about unreleased tracks she should release after dropping Say Yes to Heaven

[@Thomas-bh5ph]

@@EljohnMacaranas ooo that sounds exciting, what unreleased songs are you thinking about talking about?

[@glasstablegcrls]

this album is the type of album you would listen to on dark cloudy/rainy days while reading books and ripping bongs at home

[@EljohnMacaranas]

For real! It’s also great for windy beach days after you found out your ex got engaged to someone basic.

[@jamiegibson2556]

@@EljohnMacaranas im dead that was so specific

[@imabouttocrash1742]

@@EljohnMacaranas I had the pleasure of listening to this album for the first time on the beach and it was…amazing lol. Paris, Texas felt so good in my ears with the cool breeze of the beach, life changing tbh

[@kimmy2631]

I think it needs multiple listens before you can actually appreciate this album. Lyrically this is her best work to date (fingertips is so raw and honest and poetic, just genius). She is a true poet.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Oh for sure! It’s also enriched by how much you know about Lana beforehand, a good friend of mine is a more attuned fan of hers and was like… oh! This is about when she was sent off to boarding school! And i’m like wow!

[@tesselate8nowait262]

I just can’t with this woman. She’s a musical genius, and truly, a beautiful poet. Her satirical humor on this record is everything, and I can’t wait for her to play Taco Truck at festivals. I can already her the fans screaming: Get High! Drop Acid! Never Die! Not Tonight! LAKE PLACID!!!!!!!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

She’s THE songwriter of her generation like she’s shown she can do nearly every genre. Taco Truck is a perfect tour closer if she ever decides to do them again! I’ll be yelling with the crowd!

[@Kimteach2011]

This is such a wonderfully epic album. There's nothing like it on the market. I don't know if it ranks higher than NFR, but it's up there, and it will further cement her legacy. As she said, she's folk, jazz, blue, and green. I hope she gets her AOTY. Candy Necklace - I immediately picked up on the southern gothic vibes. I imagined myself sitting in a New Orleans outside bar looking towards the sky. Paris, Texas- Gorgeous and very Americana. She named these European cities with America's states as she sings "its time to go." The Grants- spiritual. The connections she made to her uncle's death to John Denver's Rocky Mountain High and how he once lost a friend, but he takes his memory with him, which is what Lana sings on the song. John Denver was cremated, and his ashes were laid to rest on the mountain where Lana's uncle died. Fingertips - painfully honest. I am still haunted by it to talk fully about it. Let The Light In - Stunning. I wouldn't mind a duet album of her and Father.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I feel like she has a perfect case for her overdue AOTY, the album itself is a layered thoughtful mix of sounds I imagine the Academy would reward after giving it to a blockbuster samesies record (no shade to Styles, it was safe) Loved your observations and agree that Father John Misty and Lana should do a duets album! I’m still waiting on the covers album Lana teased many years ago!

[@user-lk4iw7nc9l]

@@EljohnMacaranas Cannot wait for her 10th studio album to drop someday

[@Freezerbride5]

Such a great album so sad deep and uplifting all at the same time Truly one of my favorite albums of all time.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

From the minute The Grants came on, I knew it was gonna rip my heart out. But then fun moments at the end pieced it back together. My bestie sent me a text at 2 AM saying she was twerking while crying to Fishtail 😭 and I believe her!

[@haleytoal8813]

I think the interludes (judah smith in particular) really make the album. The best way to listen is start to finish & i do that over and over, it’s a spiritual experience

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I love them when I do my vinyl listen, something about the way it sounds on it (it’s warmer the whole record) makes the experience feel more elevated!

[@aryaveer.8]

Grandfather is sonically so ethereal, an outworldish experience

[@EljohnMacaranas]

One of her best songs to date!

[@bubblegumbitch2191]

I’m still shocked at how underrated it was I thought nothing could top Paris Texas and then Grandfather played right after and I was floored in awe it really doesn’t get enough credit it’s my favourite off the album

[@joshdavenport5685]

I will admit, I wasn't a huge fan of Chemtrails/Blue Banisters, but I absolutely LOVE Ocean Blvd. It is such a breath of fresh air and I am so happy that I love the album so much.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s definitely a step up above both those records! I’m glad you loved it! I do think every 3 albums she’ll deliver a defining record, I do kinda wonder where she’ll go next tho! This record was so varied it’s kinda hard to replicate the way Chemtrails def felt like NFR’s dupe at times.

[@Agus-wj1yy]

I literally SCREAMED the first time I reached the half point of the last track and started hearing the ah ah's from VB 😭

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It felt like a concert where like the singer does a little encore of one of their best songs 🫡

[@noneapplicable1327]

Ate that, king! Loved Ocean Blvd too!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Haha thanks! 😭

[@AnimalPuff]

To be serious, I listened to this album when it released, and now I'm listening again, and I'm pretty much stuck on Let The Light In 😂I've been repeating it nonstop. I like the album a lot, but I guess this one track, I just can't let go

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Let the Light In feels like a song that’s been out forever, like no joke I imagine this is the kinda song my dad listened to with his parents as a kid riding in a car round the countryside, it feels like a warm hug!

[@paduanicoc.7019]

me tooooo, it's my top 1 from this album!

[@AnimalPuff]

@@EljohnMacaranas that's actually a really great way to describe it, maybe kinda like one of those songs they still played and become part of your childhood too

[@user-qf5kl6cv2y]

My favourite is Peppers for how unique it is in her releases discography as well as Taco Truck x VB for the nostalgic references and Paris, Texas for how Disney-like it sounds

[@jamesduksta5595]

They are all my faves too!!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Spill! Those three tracks were my most played according to Spotify! Peppers is too fun to hate. Taco Truck’s first half is gorgeous throwback-y modern Paradise sounds then a remix of her best track, and Paris, Texas genuinely sounds like it’s for a movie!

[@jamesduksta5595]

@@EljohnMacaranas yes!! "Peppers" is very fun and if you overanalyze the track, both Lana's bridges and Tommy's (Lana's) chorus, it sounds like it shouldnt work yet she made it work and it is soooo infectious! I agreed with you about "Paris, Texas" being very "Coraline" sounding! I said that too!! Taco Truck x VB, wow!! The "Taco Truck" beginning was so amazing, such a mood and then I cried for ten minutes once the VB started to creep in. I can see this track really hitting home for Lana stans. I also agree with you wholeheartedly about it being just as good as an album closer as "Get Free" on LFL (which is still my favorite Lana song to this date)

[@user-qf5kl6cv2y]

New favourites for me: Let The Light In Sweet Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard

[@klu5301]

This album holds such a special place in my heart….

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s definitely one of her most special records, it deserves all the love it gets!

[@lolitad4273]

What I like is that lana and Taylor have been able to stay relevant for all of there caree , they didn’t fall off after there 5th or 4th record like other artists do

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s the ability to shift with the times and stay fresh while also using their history as people to make records. No shade to Katy Perry but she fell off bc people didn’t have a connection to her life or story beyond the hits (and maybe her public divorce that inspired Part of Me and Wide Awake.) While I do think being transparent about your life has risks and fans cross boundaries, you have to be willing to share your story to keep ppl invested. Otherwise, the second you stop making conventional hits ppl abandon you 😭

[@desireandfire]

@@EljohnMacaranas god. Katy's downfall was so tragic. When witness came out and tanked, she had absolutely no one. Her fan base was weak unlike artists like Taylor who gets number 1s strictly from her fans. Katy relied mainly on the gp as a whole- a couple summer hits to play at every store and mall until the next ones. Katy's only way back to relevancy would be making a critically acclaimed album but I don't think she has the means to release something career changing like nfr... she made huge mistakes before, during, and after witness. She was depressed and sicm of being seen as this one dimensional pop star but her planned redemption arc completely failed which just further damaged her. I hope she finds some peace now with her family and the fact that she will always make money with her name.

[@mliyahc9464]

this is what my notes app review sounds like to a t. your reviews are always on point!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank u sm! I love to know I’m not being crazy with my ideas haha!

[@stevedhanpaul9482]

All her albums are masterpieces, its a journey ✨️

[@k74728]

I haven’t been so enraptured by a Lana album since Ultraviolence. Incredible. She’s a genius.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Ultraviolence is such a classic 😭

[@jesse69677]

MOTHER IS MOTHERING WITH THIS ALBUM LOVE HER SM

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Mother did not come to play, she really saw the “boring” allegations and gave us variety 😭

[@fadel4533]

definitely felt that coraline reference to paris, texas too

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Like it’s so haunting, definitely a car ride to a scary place song

[@kentinatl]

as a 65 year old i have listed to thousands and thousands of hours of music,this is the best so far,a staggering Tarkovsky like achievement of faith,love and so much more..have you seen his "Andrei Rublev" imo the greatest film ever made,that is how i feel about this whole album musically....p.s.nice catch on Paris Texas ( no reactor i have watched except you mentioned the film} and "the soul you bring to the table" is T.S. Eliot worthy..much respect to you,Kent.

[@JoeHartman80]

Blue banisters had me obsessed after chemtrails left me half pleased, but this album is continuing her legacy so strongly. Grandfather please…..is just amazing. The grants melody is captivating

[@EljohnMacaranas]

This album def feels like the album some fans expected BB to be like but it really is the butterfly that emerged from the chrysalis of that record!

[@bubblegumbitch2191]

I loved Blue Bannisters instantly but I’m still finding Chemtrails to be a grower it wasn’t immediate love

[@BraylenDion]

nfr and honeymoon are top 2 for me, now it's between ocean blvd and ultraviolence for #3 😭 it's too early to tell in general, but i can't put this album down

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Agreed! This one’s an earworm, I keep swapping my favorite tracks, miss Swift is gonna have to compete with her for that Grammy… like this one’s not awards bait but even people I know who are indifferent to Lana really dig it!

[@bostonemily617]

7:22 “fans of heroin will love this track” YOU ABSOLUTELY GOT THAT RIGHT! I love her cryptic songs , I analyze lyrics & she’s pure genius. Tropico will always be my favorite but her Videos are amazing genius and it’s almost never cut/dry ! Amazing analysis!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Tropico is so underrated, I wanna make a video about it and the Paradise EP especially… thank you for watching!

[@tomcollins3903]

This took Blue Banisters place as my favorite album from Lana! My favorite tracks: •Fingertips •Fishtail •A&W •Paris, Texas •Grandfather •Let the light in •Candy Necklace •Taco Truck

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Honestly BB felts like a prologue to this one so it makes sense! Also it’s so hard to pick my favorites!

[@tomcollins3903]

@@EljohnMacaranas BB and Ocean Blvd are Lana at her best vocally and lyrically. I was impressed that her vocals are still front and center even though the production is lush. I was nervous the production would drown her vocals out since Jack was back (I feel like that happened on Norman tbh.) But she didn’t disappoint. This album definitely deserves a Grammy and if she doesn’t win one for it then it’s definitely rigged.

[@f4gsforpele]

How the hell was Blue Bastards your fav Lana album 💀💀💀

[@davidvalbuena1997]

Fingertips is also my fav, i think a lot of ppl ain’t getting the depth of that song. When she calls herself Aphrodite cause she tried to dr0wn herself at the age of 15 😭 - that tore me to pieces 💔

[@novanebula8004]

@@f4gsforpele It's a hot take but I agree with him as he mentioned I really feel like that album fully displayed Lana's strengths as a singer and songwriter I feel like the really quiet stripped back production throughout the album allowed for that the album is just really a soothing listening and I really adore the sweet and endearing sentiments in the lyrics

[@edzielinski]

Great review. An imperfect album and that imperfection is so tragic and beautiful. Don't ever change Lana!! There's so many references on this album - Peppers gives me Beatles vibes - Come Together and Day in the Life - does anyone else hear it?

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I feel like she really ran with the kintsugi motif and let it run through the album, we get like an imperfect creation with speckles of truly amazing gold to keep it together. The references on the album definitely elevate it for me, it’s definitely a fan’s record!

[@thearchane3749]

I have so many comments, questions, reflections!! I watched your video the day it came out, here for a second view. To me, this album is memory, commemoration. It is pure storytelling. I don't believe that it's just vibes, like she said in the May 2022 interview when she first talked about the record. I have listened to it countless time since release and to me it feels like the biggest world she's built yet. Perhaps because it's her most recent and inevitably reminiscent of and connected to the entirety of her discography. It's the record that most encompasses her whole musical, personal and iconographic history as a global storyteller. This is commemorative work. It's, quite literally, everything. Most poignantly, I believe Lana is commemorating her uncle Dave, who taught her how to play guitar. The fact that there's little to no guitar in the record feels somewhat significant. Subconsciously, at least. This feels like the most intuitive yet most intentional record ever. Place names and character personalities feel as though they are part of a movie. A musical of Disney-esque taste. She says she's a princess and she is - she sounds like one for most of the record. A nomadic princess, who moves from Paris to Florence to Venice - in the U.S., that is. A princess who travels to sing for the princes of other reigns. A divisive princess, the American wh*re and philosopher. I love how the biblical story runs through her own contemplations and extrapolations over her lives, her deaths, her music. Hers and her family's. I love how the Judah Smith interlude feels cult-like (a running theme in the LDR experience), however it concludes so humbly, with the pastor saying that ultimately he's aware his preaching is mostly about him. He's ego-aware. And so is Lana. I love how 'characters' are mentioned and then show up with their own voice. In The Grants she mentions her pastor and a few tracks later he comes in with his own voice. She dedicates a song to Margaret and in the final track Margaret comes in with her voice to tell us she woke up too early and managed to go back to sleep for an hour and a half, and she had "this dream where uhm I don't know". What dream did she have? Did she perhaps go through a tunnel for about an hour and a half into the collective consciousness of some other worlds? What happened in the dream? What happened in this album that feels like a film? We can only listen, watch and imagine. X VB

[@thearchane3749]

I speculate that x VB is a perfect way to end the tracklist, as it feels like a "kiss Venice Bitch" as though to end a letter. This album simultaneously feels like a letter, a musical, a play, a film, a painting, a book. It's multidimensional, multidisciplinary, a multiverse of memories and possibilities. I am so excited for what the future, the present and past of Lana Del Rey. "I'm gonna take mind of you with me" That mispronunciation of 'mine' as 'mind' and Lana purposely choosing that as the intro to the album is not by chance. Lana's taking our mind with her through the tunnel and drawing us to the light at the end. This is magic

[@LLOriginal]

This was just a beautiful analysis.. and I agree with so much. Even what you said about the interlude. I didn't like it the first time but when I listened again I really appreciated it and the placement and how on point it was in relation. It's a really heavy and lovely record

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank u sm! I feel like this record’s probably one of the heftiest listens I’ve had in hears like the interludes feel more like warning signs before she goes really into some dark and honest stuff. I was tempted to talk more about her personal history that fans have put together but it felt like a violation of her privacy and takes away from the mystery of the record. But the lines that illuminate more about her relationship with her mother were truly revelatory. She rarely talks about her and we learn why on this one and Blue Banisters a little!

[@LLOriginal]

@@EljohnMacaranas so true about the interludes... Speaking about a mother relationship is always so difficult because you know without that woman you wouldn't be here, or who you are. It's very deep and personal but I feel like you did an excellent job of explaining without pushing and prodding. Your video essays are really level and descriptive. I just love Lana 😍 and that's what brought me here with it popping up in my news feed but you have real skill and thoughtfulness and it shows in what you produce. I have been WAITING for all your Lana analysis and no one else can even compare to your stuff. Bravo friend! 👏👏👏👏

[@alexisatkinson7420]

You did the thing on this 🙌🏾 I'd only listened to the singles two weeks ago and I wanted to hear your take before I did my own listen like I do with Popcast sometimes. Very excited to listen with the context of your analysis

[@AnimalPuff]

"Lana tackles grieving family members" Omg why would she do that to them

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Sometimes you gotta shove a crying auntie ❤️

[@ThomasWillett1]

Like all Lana albums, I spend the first weekend listening obsessively. What's interesting is how Ocean Blvd. started as a mid album that I didn't fully like to by the third listen has become an absolute favorite. Not sure if it'll top NFR (then again, what will?) but once I latched onto the vibes, this embodied everything I love about her and think it's a perfect successor to Blue Bannisters. The lyrics and orchestration are genius and I even dig the interludes.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

My first listen was a bit rough, I was doing it through decent speakers which helped but this is a v much a headphones album. Like being able to hear everything in detail and richness and feel as if the lyrics were being whispered, it made the album work much better for me. 5 whole rotations in, I fully agree this is BB’s cooler more assured sister who can make you cry and twerk in the same hour.

[@electricsubliminals]

it feels like another transitonal album from the country back into pop and also one that intersects with nfr like i consider it pt 2 of nfr even if theres a gap of 2 albums and i feel like a&w and peppers are like the sound of an upcoming era i love this album because as a nfr stan i loved hearing all these nfr eastereggs and theres literally a whole story with nfr and ocean blvd where she went from venice california to go meet up with her lover (whos norman rockwell ofc) but he wasnt there but theres just a way nfr and ocean blvd intersect thats just so perfect

[@moonxliqht]

this album is definitely her best to date. in my opinion it's better than NFR, it just feels very real

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I feel like a lot of NFR’s love today is partly nostalgia for less uncertain times, like The Greatest was cute then but now it’s acc kinda scary to listen to

[@idunnowhattonamemyself-vr4qv]

Respect your opinion but Id disagree. I have no nostalgia attached to NFR (since i listened to it this year for the first time) and it absolutely blew me away. Every single song blew me away and eventually got me into becoming a Lana fan and me listening to her every day since the beginning of the year. - BUT EVEN STILL, ocean blvd is EVEN better than NFR because it's superlatively intimate and therapeutic. I've never heard an album where you can go in knowing nothing of a person, and finish feeling like that person is someone dear in your life, like a family member.@@EljohnMacaranas

[@tinkerella]

i actually think this is her best record alongside NFR

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I think so too… I’m hoping she actually does pull off the Grammy AOTY win

[@tinkerella]

@@EljohnMacaranas of course that would be amazing, unfortunately i see it going to Olivia Rodrigo though :( or like Midnights

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Olivia is def not winning (just because I think she released a bit too close to the deadline which does help you get a nomination but does not give the voting committee enough time to love the record), Midnights winning seems like a stronger possibility but she just won AOTY I could see Lana or Jon Batiste being dark horses tbh

[@KyleFordkidzombie]

You got this out so quick! I’ve been dying for your take!!! ON POINT as always. 🖤

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I was out with one of my besties yesterday and I couldn’t stop talking about the record so when I got home, I sat in front of my mic and just threw out all my takes, I cut it down from like an hour of random rambling to 12 mins of coherent praise and minor criticism lmao!

[@KyleFordkidzombie]

@@EljohnMacaranas when the moment hits you, it hits you! I’ve been so transfixed by this album. This is a masterpiece for the stans. I’m honestly just so happy for Lana; we’re lucky she lets us into her world.

[@remmym6605]

It's crazy how you and I share the exact same thoughts. There really wasn't an overarching narrative, so the change in sounds was a bit jarring, but just like you said, it's not the easiest listen, but it felt rewarding. Taco Truck was the perfect way to wrap up the album.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

No joke, I’m glad it wasn’t extremely cohesive or easy to listen to. It’s tempting to do that especially when the critical community gives you a pass on it so much, but we need challenging works! Also yes, Taco Truck honestly is a perfect closer.

[@manjunathmachnoor645]

Thank you so much. Please do more Lana videos

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I will continue, just taking a little break!

[@MatJakub]

“Question for the culture” lives on in every Lana fan’s nightmare 😄

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I’ll talk to someone who barely knows Lana and they’ll say “didn’t she have an instagram thing?” And I’ll go “nope”

[@WalkingFishTaco]

It’s my new favorite album :)

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s so close to toppling both NFR and UV for me but I need to live with it a little more than just this weekend but… this might honestly be her next magnum opus

[@kernanandrews3374]

I agree with every word of this review. For me, 4 albums have, musically, changed my life: Iron Maiden's Piece of Mind Bob Dylan's Bringing It All Back Home Burning Witches' Witch of the North and Lana del Rey's Did You Know There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard?

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I think this album's so what Blue Banisters was setting up for her, just artful and my personal fave from last year!

[@tastelessjonjon3734]

I love sweet, growing up in Upstate NY living in the town of Genesee, me and my home town friends lost our shit lol. In love

[@EljohnMacaranas]

That’s so cool to get a shout out! 🫡

[@maldrades]

as someone who only recently started listening to lana these videos help add so much context to her discog that i wouldn’t have known ab LOL thank you

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thanks for watching! I made the videos sorta as a guide for anyone who jumped in a little late and for my own nostalgia! Her work is truly rewarding when you weigh her personal history into it, I imagine that’s why there’s a huge crossover between Swifties and Lana stans (I refuse to call myself a Lanatic even if it’s accurate)

[@quantumwitcher9376]

​@@EljohnMacaranas what is a lanatic lol I've been a fan since 2013 and never heard of that

[@AnonymousPikachu]

ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO LEGEND

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank u sm!

[@glasstablegcrls]

paris texas sounds like a song from malificent/alice in wonderland

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Omg yes! It’s v like fairy tale sounding!

[@chriszold9980]

In my opinion, it gives heavy Coraline vibes

[@glasstablegcrls]

@@chriszold9980 YESS OMG

[@JesusGomez-ob2qt]

You know lana did make a song that was gonna be the theme song of the Alice in wonderland Tim Burton remake but she never finished it

[@levilakrad5520]

Blue banisters please it s my favourite album !

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s in the oven… soon-ish. I finished my annotations!

[@hallucinatestar9127]

11:28 ME TOO GIRL LIKE?? I WAS GAGGED WHEN I HEARD THAT LINE

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Like she keeps feeding her Lizzy Grant stans when most artists wouldn’t dare talk about a scrapped hidden debut 😭 she loves her work sm

[@boosay1146]

This review kind of made me a Lana stan

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Queen of Alternative hands-down

[@boosay1146]

@@EljohnMacaranas fr

[@HushHushHushim]

Yaaay perfect explanation

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I'm so glad you think so! I look forward to Lana also sharing more about the music ❤️

[@BIGE2333]

Am I the only one that gets UltraViolence vibes? Of course totally different content, but not sure why I keep getting reminded of ultraviolence

[@lizzy1519]

Hi ! I’ve been watching all your Lana’s video lately and absolutely love them. They are so entertaining, I definitely gonna watch some older video of yours

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you! I feel like I did find my reviewing footing sometime in 2021, I nearly quit my channel that year had it not been for Lana’s two releases!

[@natattack_95]

I’ve always admired her work in the past but have never truly been a “fan” until this album. Tunnels is so powerful and enchanting. It’s one of those that feels like you’ve found it at the right time for a greater reason.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Couldn't agree more! I genuinely did unpack some of my own weird feelings about family and legacy through the record!

[@alessandro_obiso]

thank you for being so happy to share this with us, it feels like that!! congrats and have a great time listening to the record, goooosh it's gorgeous

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you sm! I ordered a vinyl and ran to Target to get the CD

[@alessandro_obiso]

@@EljohnMacaranas enjoy thaaaat

[@motopapi2478]

This album felt like a retirement album and that's why I'm crying at that Margaret track

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Wait? What?!

[@Peterrdee]

I think this album is better than blue banisters, way easier to listen than the last album, it was a sleeper in my opinion… this album has way more in it

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Her interview with Rolling Stone UK more or less kinda revealed why that album came out the way it did, she never intended it to be a big release. This one on the other hand combines the personal touch of BB with really cool varied sounds!

[@hhaarryy]

i think taco truck also samples an old unreleased song at the beginning, i’m pretty sure the song is ‘trash magic’

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I went and searched it and it does! Man, Lana really went to her deep cuts and said “let’s bring them back!”

[@Ulises92]

After your done with the Lana retrospectives you should do some on Marina😃

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I’m definitely going to block away time to do a retrospective on her! I’ve been listening to Froot a lot recently, heard the title track at my vinyl shop the other day and I feel in love!

[@iamjvnejiee]

Yeah you are eiffin right the bravest album she made so far. ❤️ Edit: Great analysis/reviews. Been a Lana stan since March 2013. She is a great poet! This is actually my top 1 fave album already surpasses Blue Banisters. NFR may be her top tier album but Ocean Blvd is def an album that I could really relate more and it gives me a strong connection with Lana. Hope she can get her very first Grammy soon.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Ocean Blvd deserves recognition! Definitely one of her seminal works and proof even on your 9th album, you can still innovate.

[@Julian.Romero13]

I think I'm not fun because I don't like Peppers too much, is a good song to listen to and you're right, the surf rock part always gets me. But when you have a full album of baroque ballads you don't bring trap that suddenly lol. One of my favorite albums by Lana for sure, good review!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Nah, you’re totally fine haha! I just wanted to clap back at Twitter Lana stans who watch me and HATED Peppers like entirely. Your reasoning makes sense! It is a bit jarring especially since Fishtail still sorta fits with the other tracks better.

[@m00n_huhh]

Peppers and A&W is stuck in my head it's been weeks

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Oh Peppers has been on repeat since it came out 😭

[@cristanero]

The Grants. Fingertips. Period

[@EljohnMacaranas]

In my top 3 along with Taco Truck x VB!

[@mm-ui2zu]

you're an amazing reviewer

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank u sm! ❤️😭

[@roseralegre3398]

Lana del Rey🤝Taylor Swift (writing songs about Jack Antonoff's love life)

[@Kimteach2011]

What song did Taylor write about Jack?

[@RedSunset47]

@@Kimteach2011 You Are In Love off of 1989 DLX- It's about Jack and Lena Dunham

[@EljohnMacaranas]

And both of them are top tier tracks in the discography! Damn Jack must have such a cool romantic life!

[@theotheodoropoulos9858]

The album is nice but i think after 3 accoustic records it's time to make an album like Honeymoon or Lust for life!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I feel like we will, the later half of the record and ending it on a grungy Venice Bitch remix hints we might get an upbeat record or something trippier next go around

[@sakibsakic2952]

Love your channel, subscribed

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank u ❤️

[@martycorrigan7863]

Another great video and analysis!!!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@mliyahc9464]

my fav era and album since norman era 🫶🏽

[@EljohnMacaranas]

For real!

[@con_is_brat]

This is my 2ns favoritw album. THis album feels like a real return to form after the pandemic. An album that tried to do NFR again but added more. Changed it. She made this album experimental and this album just shows her at her most vulnerable.(Side note, i just heard the beginning of fingertips, the part in that song sounds like "Thinking I wish I could extrapolate some some small intentions or just get your attention" sounds like that part in bartender where she goes "Baby remember were not drinking wine, but that cherry coke you serve is fine")She really brought a family aspect up to the surface not just sprinkling it in a song every album. It feels like NFR family version. Its hard to put into words how amazing this album. It's like if blue banistters had a baby with NFR. This album is a perfect blend of personal feelings with beautiful poetic lines made with amazing production that isn't overwhelming. 9.5/10

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I agreed with you on a lot of the points! The Bartender observation’s genius! I will say this does feel like a proper followup to NFR in the ways Chemtrails had felt more like a sister record like a side quest, this one feels like a proper sequel.

[@JacksonMarvel]

Margaret is my favorite!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Is that you Jack Antonoff?! Jokes aside, I love Margaret so much! Just a great song!

[@xcxfan]

Love the video! Just wanted to let you know Laura Sisk isn’t new. She’s been recording with Jack for a while now and works an engineer, mixing and recording. She’s amazing and has been recording with Taylor and Jack all the way back to ‘1989’.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thanks! Also lmao I know who she is. I meant newcomers to Lana’s production staff lmao (previous videos in my Lana discography videos always had a little section for Lana’s producers)

[@tomoliver2112]

I thought of the Coraline theme as soon as I heard Grandfather too!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It kinda took me out of the song for a moment but I love it! Coraline’s an underrated gem!

[@dogukan7406]

Great anaylis ❤

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank you 😭

[@saleeha_1199]

This is something completely different and experiential for me!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

The album definitely was a welcome jolt away from Lana’s previous two albums, like she still does folk but she gave her fans what they wanted too 😭

[@extrzq]

loved this album. cant wait to hear your review

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thank u! I adored it!

[@davidvalbuena1997]

Watching now 👀

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Aaah! Love to see your comment!

[@davidvalbuena1997]

@@EljohnMacaranas ❤️ … From Kintsugi i felt like this album started to take me off the planet 😭 I let Niagara falls run down my cheeks when Fingertips started ❤️def my fav off of the record. Sadly, this album took over UV spot in my top three of Lana’s best projects.

[@brynniefresh9746]

when she started talking about how it took so many people to make her beautiful i really thought she was gonna talk about her family...how it took a thousand people to come together to create her...i respect what she did do with that song tho

[@Robertdbd20]

im so glad people love this album! to me i dont get the hype and found this album quiet boring but im happy for ya'll who get it! hope no one is hateful to me im just saying my opinion. not my type of album really slow but if you like it yayy!!!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I think that’s fair! The best part about Lana and sometimes the hardest part about being a stan is that she never quite recycles a sound so if it didn’t hit for you, you’ll get a brand new album next go-around. As an Ultraviolence stan I lament we’ll never get another record like it 😭

[@charmedprince]

That intro to Born to die is everything 😂

[@EljohnMacaranas]

One of the most iconic musical intros of all time, like most people born after 1986 recognize it 😌

[@jtgoat9810]

That opening kills me.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Lana knows how to do a fun little moment

[@LostinTranslation479]

Does anyone hear beats from cinnamon girl in the song taco truck x VB ?

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Oh yeah! There’s also a little hint of Radio in one of the switch ups, you can hear the little guitar riff and progression buried in back!

[@viragogemini7403]

I love it!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s a really solid album! I hope she debuts #1! Deserved!

[@burgojohnes1535]

When you know, you know 💔 yes I finally know, that he doesn’t love me 💔

[@EljohnMacaranas]

😭

[@davidwyatt6169]

Candy Bracelet 😭😭

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Recording at 2 AM after roaming LA with friends to the album all day was sorta a mistake lmao I was sleep deprived 😭

[@Go_go_dancerr]

Im not sure whether this album is a sister to NFR or BB😭

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Thematically it’s definitely related to BB like it continues the diaristic, unfiltered Lana from that album, but sonically it feels like a reset/companion to NFR bc of Jack coming back to produce and the VB sample.

[@aidan32112]

❤❤

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Love to see you back in the comment section!

[@stolenpixelplus]

Did no one else clock the Trash Magic interpolation at the beginning of Taco Truck!!!!

[@EljohnMacaranas]

THAT’S SO COOL! I searched it up and she totally did! Wow!

[@user-qf5kl6cv2y]

The way you pronounce 'Boulevard' is pretty interesting.

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s def an affectation from my parents from the Philippines but also growing up around ppl who tried to speak with an artificial mid atlantic accent (probably bc they learned english from old old movies) like this album had me think a lot about my family and I hadn’t realized I sorta do the same gaffes some family members do lol

[@user-qf5kl6cv2y]

@@EljohnMacaranas Oh. Never knew you were from there!

[@evilhag420]

What do you think about Florence and the machine?

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Underrated alternative queen. Glad to see the Zoomers love her and get into the discography after Guardians 3 dropped.

[@24thsagitta]

i cannot get this album... only about 6 tracks resonate with me & i am so disappointed! in myself!!! i'm a diehard for Lana & Jack & the tracks i love on the album i LOVE... i've listened to it so many times too & tried to get myself to enjoy the listen & not over analyse but it's not working 😭

[@EljohnMacaranas]

It’s fine tbh! I think it’s better to admit a record didn’t click with you than force it, maybe one day it’ll click for you! The key thing is that you still found tracks you loved! I feel like if an artist can still hook you with a few songs, all is not lost.

[@bhaddie7464]

what songs do you think could’ve been left off the album?

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I personally would have maybe considered trimming down the Judah Smith interlude or making it more musical. Rest of the album is hard to trim just because how interconnected the lyrics and ideas are like she kept the Kintsugi motif going. Some would want to cut Peppers but I like it breaking up the album and demonstrating she still is that “bad bitch” we fell in love with a decade ago. It’s hard to say I’d change the tracklisting either she did a v good job doing NFR-esque ballads, then A&W signaling a sound change before her core dark tracks then two romance songs then 3 shitpost-lite throwback bops. It’s organized v well!

[@Joshua_Kyle]

Not “Candy Bracelet” 😂

[@EljohnMacaranas]

lmao i kept that in while editing this at 3 am hoping someone would call me out for it like i legit was sleep deprived recording, in the great words of gaga: NO SLEEP, bus, club, another club, bus, another club

[@orlafauxbread1465]

4:35 did he js call yes to heaven underrated? 😭

[@abisheikg]

2:06 Candy Bracelet as the next single 💀💀

[@EljohnMacaranas]

yah... it's a remix of candy necklace 🫣 (on a serious note, last time i record my thoughts on an album at 2 in the morning)

[@PaleLittleGirl2]

Why did you skip Blue Bannisters 😢😢😢

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I’ll come back it soon-ish, I’d pumped out like 6-7 Lana videos with just one album review in between

[@PaleLittleGirl2]

@@EljohnMacaranas yay thank you... BB is so underrated tbh. I get teary whenever I listen to the title track. 💙 Love your content!

[@thee.angelgabriel]

candy bracelet? 🤭

[@EljohnMacaranas]

i was recording this at 2 am lmao

[@0bviousapb]

candy bracelet?

[@someoneidkwho860]

kintsugi>>>

[@EljohnMacaranas]

A classic

[@jimbob2427]

Isn’t the 2 interludes like the same?

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Like one is a sermon where Lana’s giggling over it, and the other’s this singing over piano and using recorded conversations. I prefer the second one tho the first adds some context. But tbh once you heard them once, you can skip or delete tbh (I did keep Jon Batistes on my Spotify copy!)

[@sunlim872]

I really like this album, it was so lush instrumentally and I love the way she writes it like a very very personal diary entry. This felt like the first proper album of hers since NFR, COCC was alright and BB was so forgettable for me, this felt like Lana is making a come back with a stronger message. I do feel though it has too many tracks could’ve done without 4-5 of them

[@EljohnMacaranas]

Oh it definitely felt really personal, kinda shocked you felt like it needed some cuts? Without the interludes it’s just 14 tracks, tho some tracks are definitely longer than traditional songs.

[@sunlim872]

@@EljohnMacaranas I think the interludes, Peppers, and Fishtail could have done without honestly. As a whole I totally get why they are there and with more frequent listens I’m understanding the context, but as a whole listening experience they just don’t feel necessary (can skip them and nothing feels changed about the album). I think this mostly rings true for the interludes mostly because Lana’s idea of an interlude is a 3-5 minute track lol

[@StanleyDo]

Definitely a hard listen for me in the middle section. The melodies were very linear and repeaty

[@EljohnMacaranas]

I think the lyrical density messed with what she could do melodically. Conversational lyrics tend to blend better, she seemed more keen to be confessional. It’s fascinating but also not quite repeatable. Good observation!

[@StanleyDo]

@@EljohnMacaranas Could be! Although arguably she tackled some lyrically dense material in Ultraviolence and even BB in a less linear way. Imo giving more highs and lows to the melody help the lyrics become more digestible and engaging for the listener. I still appreciate Lana experimenting and pushing herself creatively, I just probably won’t be relistening to those tracks very often.

[@DanielHernandez-gx4kh]

Blue banisters and Chemtrails were flops for me so I’ve been dying for a return to form since NFR. (Dealer is the only song I re listen from both those albums)

[@EljohnMacaranas]

That’s fine, I feel like they were like fun little bonus drops, BB said a lot but also spooked/bored a few stans I know IRL, Chemtrails felt like an extended outro to NFR in some ways. This one’s the big one tho! Definitely the 2020s album Lana stans will talk about for a long time!