Lana Del Rey Delivers the “Love”

Most songs by the singer, Lana Del Rey can certainly be described as melancholic. Her ‘60s/‘70s-retro look and torch-style vocal delivery of airy highs and seductive lows surround material that’s often heavy and haunting, yet with a light, dreamy sound. With previous album titles such as Born to Die and Ultraviolence, Del Rey has never shied away from brutally honest lyrics dealing with the sadder, darker side of love and belonging, a young woman navigating as best through life, despite, as sung in her emotionally raw 2012 single, “Ride,” “… a war in my mind.”

Yet it’s the release of “Love” that presents Del Rey seemingly in a whole new light—smiley and hopeful. Its sound is still reminiscent of her previous work, with that David Lynch “Twin Peaks”-inspired lounge vibe, as best exemplified by the bass intro.; its lyrics optimistic: “Doesn’t matter ‘cause it’s enough/to be young and in love.”

The video for “Love” features Del Rey and band performing for an audience of young men and women in an interplanetary venue. An eclipse viewed by the “young and in love”; a tranquil kiss between a couple all make for stunning highlights. “Love” is peaceful meditative pop; four minutes of positive escapism that even has the normally introspective Del Rey singing, “Don’t worry, baby.”