Lana Del Rey, Lust for Life | Track Review 🎵

Alternative singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey enlists the services of R&B standout The Weeknd for lustful, new single, “Lust for Life.”

After releasing single “Love” earlier in 2017, alt-singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey returns with a second single, “Lust for Life.” On her lustful new joint, Del Rey collaborates with a familiar colleague, The Weeknd.  Previously, Del Rey appeared on his 2015 album, Beauty Behind the Madness (“Angel”), as well as 2016 LP Starboy (“Stargirl Interlude”).  Do the two make a formidable pair? All in all, the results are positive.

On the verses, Del Rey does more sultry speaking as opposed to singing.  She’s all-in on capturing the Hollywood sentiment, referencing the Hollywood Sign on both verses of the song.

“Climb up the H
Of the Hollywood sign, yeah
In these stolen moments
The World is mine...”

Based upon the aforementioned lyrics, she exhibits the desire – the lust – to be a successful star.  She then shifts the focus to her relationship, adding more specificity.

“There’s nobody here
Just us together...
Keepin’ me hot
Like July forever.”

After her spoken approach, she picks up the vocals on the second half of the verse –a refrain sorts.

“‘Cause we’re the masters of our own fate
We’re the captains of our own souls
There’s no way for us to come away
‘Cause boy we’re gold, boy we’re gold
And I was like...”

The pre-chorus and chorus sections follow, adding The Weeknd to the mix for the first time.  Del Rey isn’t subtle in her request:

“Take off, take off
Take off all your clothes...”

Eventually, the chorus expands beyond the literal lust, utilizing the title of the song.  That said, is Lana Del Rey ever being literal in her lustfulness? It would seem, based upon everything that occurs within the song, she wants this song to play both ways.

“And a lust for life, and a lust for life...
Keeps us alive, keeps us alive.”

The second time around, The Weeknd handles the refrain, providing a welcome vocal timbre contrast.  There’s also a bridge – a contrast to the refrain – in which Del Rey seems to play the love angle.

“My boyfriend’s back
And he’s cooler than ever
There’s no more night
Blue skies forever...”

Final Thoughts

All in all, Lana Del Rey, assisted by a restrained, but highly effective The Weeknd, delivers an enjoyable single with “Lust for Life.”  “Lust for Life” isn’t the second coming, but arguably, it packs more of a punch than her first single, “Love.” Regardless, Del Rey’s new album should be interesting.

Lana Del Rey • Lust for Life – single • Interscope • Release: 4.19.17

Photo Credits: Interscope