American singer Lana Del Rey has made a comeback in 2023 with a magnificent new album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, regaining her throne as a pop diva as talented as she is exciting. As she is set to perform at the Rock en Seine and Coachella festivals in 2024 and features in a glamorous Skims campaign by Nadia Lee Cohen, it’s worth revisiting her stunning return to the spotlight.
After a series of controversies and a loss of inspiration, the now 38-year-old American artist released two uneven albums, Chemtrails Over The Country Club and Blue Banisters, in 2021, sparking backlash and criticism. Moreover, Lana Del Rey’s image, essential to her success, seemed to have been tarnished as well. However, she has recently experienced a resurgence, captivating the attention of music enthusiasts once again.
Lana Del Rey, a talented singer-songwriter, had faced her fair share of public scrutiny prior to her recent comeback. From ill-advised choices to off-stage blunders, these incidents had caused some to view her as a pseudo-rock diva, rather than the revered idol she once was. Even her early use of cosmetic surgery and a Hollywood pin-up aesthetic, initially in the world of independent rock as Lizzy Grant, had drawn criticism. Additionally, her mentions of Harvey Weinstein in a 2012 song, as well as a dispute with Courtney Love over a Nirvana song, have further fueled controversy.
In 2020, Lana Del Rey continued to stir up controversy by making critical remarks about her fellow artists, causing a social media uproar. In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, she also sparked outrage by wearing a mask with a risqué design at a public event, deemed as a disrespectful insult to healthcare workers and victims.
Despite these controversies, Lana Del Rey’s revival was much anticipated by fans, as evidenced by her more relatable social media posts and a less glamorized public appearance. Her ninth album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd released in 2023, showcased her emotive and versatile voice, as well as a diverse range of musical influences. With candid and poetic lyrics, Lana Del Rey touches on themes of misogyny, self-doubt, and personal struggles with remarkable vulnerability and raw emotion.
In conclusion, Lana Del Rey’s return to the limelight with her latest album signifies a triumphant comeback for the singer, reaffirming her position as a compelling and influential pop artist. Her ability to convey intimate and universal experiences through her music has solidified her place as a revered figure in the music industry.
