Blue Banisters

Del Rey’s ninth studio album is one to look forward to, and “Ocean Blvd” is a satisfying treat to have on repeat until then.

Perhaps part of the beauty of Midnights is its ability to obscure the line between reality and fantasy. As dusk settles and eyes hang heavy, senses become available to invention.

These five albums, all released in 2021, offer listeners a beacon of light and hope in hard, vulnerable times — if not, at least a little fun.

Often, I can relate to WILLOW’s contradictory impulses. It is one thing to admit to weakness; it is another to make room for help.

Entering a new era of Lana — one of minimal production, near-unaltered vocals and entrancing songwriting galore — the LP is Del Rey’s best work yet and is certainly worth being thrown on repeat for months, even years to come.