In the last five years, no albums have had as big an impact on the music industry as Lana Del Rey’s album, “Norman Rockwell.” Released in 2019, the record has only become more beloved, cementing itself as one of the greatest albums of its era. With a mix of dreamy sounds and emotional honesty, Del Rey masterfully crafts an album that feels timeless and still extremely relevant.
One of the standout tracks is “The Greatest,” which is also my personal favorite. The song is both nostalgic and heartbreaking, reflecting on a classic Hollywood culture that is no longer prevalent. Del Rey sings about missing the “bar where they play rock ‘n’ roll.” It feels like she is mourning not just music, but an entire way of life. The song is both intimate and universal at the same time; it serves as a reminder of how fragile our old memories can be.
Another personal highlight, “Mariners Apartment Complex,” shows Del Rey at her most compassionate. The song flips the idea of a sad girl around by her singing with strength, offering comfort rather than seeking it. Lana says “I aint no candle in wind,” a stereotype that is commonly pushed on young emotional women instead she regards herself as the lighting and the thunder.
One of the quieter yet beautiful songs is “How to Disappear.” The track blends sadness with warmth. Del Rey’s lyrics capture a mix of longing and endurance, as if she’s both cherishing and mourning the same memories. The song feels intimate, which makes the song seem like a late night phone call with a best friend.
What makes “Norman Rockwell” remarkable is its balance. It has soft, vulnerable moments but also sharp, angry edges. It is delicate and melancholy, but also empowering to young girls, who constantly have expectations placed on them. That mix of moods is what makes the album so special and why it stands as one of the defining works of the last five years.