Lana Del Rey gives listeners a serious ‘vibe’ with her second new single of 2018, “Venice Bitch.” As colorful as it is, the ten-minute duration is a bit much.

A week after dropping a relatively impressive single in “Mariners Apartment Complex”, Grammy-nominated alternative pop singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey returns with “another one” to quote DJ Khaled.  Anyways, “Venice Bitch” (what a title) doesn’t come in a three- or four-minute package.  No, “Venice Bitch” is nearly 10 minutes in duration.  Keeping it 100, that’s an ambitious length that requires a lot of any listener, even though used to longer records.  Despite being a bit exhaustive, there’s lots to like about record.

Given the length, naturally, “Venice Bitch” never feels rushed – Lana del Rey and the musicians are going for an organic sound that doesn’t even entertain being commercial in the least.  As always, Del Rey spoils us with her fabulous tone of voice, truly one of a kind. Honestly, reverb does her voice wonders, only adding more robustness. The accompaniment is lovely, with the guitars embracing a folksy sound that’s also idiomatic of alt-pop. Naturally, the chorus is a pro:

“Oh God, miss you on the lips

It’s me, your little Venice bitch

On the stoop with the neighborhood kids

Callin’ out, bang bang, kiss kiss.”

Wait – there’s more.  The chorus is followed by a post-chorus:

“You’re in the yard, I light the fire

And as the summer fades away

Nothing gold can stay

You write, I tour, we make it work

You’re beautiful and I’m insane

We’re American-made.”

A couple more observations regarding “Venice Bitch” (again, gotta love the title).  The bridge is a selling point, specifically how the intensity picks up by adding drums and elevating the dynamic level. Furthermore, you have to admire the old-school, throwback quality of this record, which would have easily felt at home in the 60s given its psychedelia cues and vibe.

Final Thoughts

Lana Del Rey has assembled a respectable record with “Venice Bitch.”  There’s more to like than there is to dislike without a doubt.  Still, it runs absolutely too long, regardless if “it’s a vibe” or not.

Lana Del Rey • Venice Bitch – Single • Interscope • Release: 9.21.18

Photo Credit: Interscope