Grammy-nominated artist Lana Del Rey recently released her eighth studio album “Blue Banisters” on Oct. 22.

Her album opens with the song “Text Book.” In this song, Del Rey alludes to her complicated relationship with her father. She reminisces about the past yet seeks her future. Her voice in “Blue Banisters” still holds up its melancholy and haunting sounds. Del Rey holds her place while telling a story the only way she knows best – through poetry.  

“Arcadia,” which is arguably the most popular song on the album, is otherworldly. She speaks of another world in space where the body and soul are ultimately connected. Del Rey also compares her own body to her current home, California. She finds her meaning in life through escapism; that seems to be a central theme in the album.

 Del Rey constantly brings up the City of Angels, another name for Los Angeles, in her music and compares herself to that image. What makes her music so interesting is her use of metaphors. In this song, her metaphors speak so much for just a few words. 

The album also digs deep into the battles that she fights inside. The songs speak of what it means to be a single woman. In the song “Blue Banisters,” Del Rey questions her sanity. The album leaves a lot of room for her self-reflection. The empty parties and the lonely nights are some of the metaphors she brings up in the record.

Another song that I found profound was Violets for Roses. In this song, she talks about moving past a toxic relationship. Del Rey is known for mentioning flowers frequently in her music. Interestingly, violets are known for wisdom. It does make you wonder if there is something deeper within the metaphor. Like a toxic relationship made her stronger after she left it. The song also mentions, “When the masks are off, it makes me so happy.” This line may be a nod to the end of quarantine and a difficult era for Del Rey. Overall the lyrics of this song are robust and have strong accents of poetry. 

Del Rey is constantly evolving. Some top music reviewers say this is her best album yet. I would say with all honesty that this album is very well written and composed. Although, it’s hard to say that her recent release is as good as her 2019 album, “Norman F***king Rockwell.” The melody and choruses feel more developed in that album. Keep in mind that it is all up to personal opinion. 

No one can deny from a musical perspective that “Blue Banisters” hits the mark perfectly. With songs like “Cherry Blossom,” it almost feels like Del Rey is singing a personal diary entry she wrote herself. 

Overall, I would tell music lovers to turn on their Spotify and give this album a listen. I also strongly recommend that listeners give her past work a listen to. This album is good, but it would be best to listen to her prior works before this one. Overall, I would give this album an 8.5/10.