On June 16, 2014 a singer by the name of Lana Del Rey released her long anticipated sophomore album “Ultraviolence.” She announced the album at her showing of her short film, “Tropico” on December 4, 2013 at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, California. The news of the album was a shock to most, but a good shock. Rumors of Del Rey leaving the music business arose around the time of the filming of “Tropico.” Before the short film was played Del Rey stood and revealed, “I really just wanted us all to be together so I could visually close out my chapter before I release the new record, ‘Ultraviolence’.” A roar rose through the theatre, cheers of excitement. So then, the recording started.

“Ultraviolence” is sonically different sounding from her debut “Born To Die.” Del Rey’s sophomore album goes into a dark, bluesy-rock sound with dark lyrics about love and other mature things of that nature. Del Rey shines on this album: her vocals fit the bluesy style. She belts out songs filled with passion.

“Ultraviolence” is an album that I think anyone into alternative music could get into. On “Ultraviolence,” Del Rey collaborates with The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, and you can hear his influences in the instrumentation. Lyrically, she hasn’t strayed from the good and the bad about love, but this album is darker. Somehow, she makes you relate to it in spirit, even if you can’t in experience.

Overall, this is a great album. The songs are deep and emotional. It’s a perfect summer album, with a West Coast feel. I give it a 10/10, 5 stars. If you’re into alternative music, this is a must-listen album.