On “Summer Bummer,” there’s no bummer whatsoever. Assisted by A$AP Rocky & Playboi Carti, Lana Del Rey drops a ‘hot one.’

On July 21, 2017, the world hears a Lust for Life.  That Lust for Life is bestowed upon us by the one and only Lana Del Rey, sigh. After getting off to a fast start in promoting her fourth full-length album, things sort of cooled off a bit.  Her third single, “Coachella – Woodstock in My Mind,” earn some buzz.  Still, when you drop two singles the same day and both feature A$AP Rocky, there’s reason to start listening.  A bonus? Playboi Carti joins in on “Summer Bummer.”

There is no bummer whatsoever with “Summer Bummer.”  The record features dark production work with an enigmatic quality.  This vibe is perfectly suited to all parties involved, particularly.  Lana del Rey.  At the top, Del Rey sings in an undertone, which is both indulgent, yet adds more drama – or melodrama.  Throughout the first verse, a number of ad-libs appear from Playboi Carti, who ultimately plays a supporting role throughout. The way that his one-liners are incorporated is neat – something that definitely hasn’t happened before on a Lana Del Rey song.

Expectedly, the subject matter of “Summer Bummer” is love – actually, undercover love.  On the chorus, once more assisted by Playboi Carti (mostly) and A$AP Rocky, she sings:

“Hip-hop in the summer / Don’t be a bummer, babe / Be my undercover lover, babe /…High tops in the summer / Don’t be a bummer babe / Be my undercover lover, babe, hmm.”

Okay, it’s nothing profound but – “It’s a Vibe!”  The beat = on-point! The meat of A$AP Rocky’s contributions come on the second verse.  He naturally plays off of Del Rey’s narrative, much like he does on “Groupie Love.”

“Uh, her sophistication makes you wanna quit the b**ch you datin’ / Let’s skip the games, let’s quit the playin’ / Boo let’s get acquainted/…She just might become my lover for real / I might f*ck with her all summer for real / They better not holla if I cuff her for real…”

Naturally, it’s shallow, but then what do expect from undercover love? On the third and final verse, Lana Del Rey goes it alone, continuing to promote the fling.

Final Thoughts 

What do we learn from “Summer Bummer?” Nothing about love or infidelity we’ve never heard, but we did learn Lana Del Rey can actually deliver a fun performance.  Sure, she sticks to her guns – it’s the same robust, lush vocal approach. Nonetheless, with a hip background and nice contributions from her hip-hop friends, she’s got something going.

Lana Del Rey • Lust for Life • Interscope • Release: 7.21.17

 Photo Credit: Interscope