NFR: A Tribute to Laurel Canyon

From the Ladies of the Canyon to Neil Young, Lana Del Rey’s sixth studio album 'Norman F*cking Rockwell!' displays a sophisticated understanding of the 60s and 70s laurel canyon music scene.

Not only is NFR a lovely tribute to the state of California itself, with mentions of Venice Beach, Topanga Canyon, and more, the album also has countless references to an older era of music. Take del Rey’s songs ‘Cinnamon Girl’ and ‘California’, both are also titles of Neil Young and Joni Mitchell songs respectively. But, there are also more hidden references that the listener may not catch the first time. For example, there is the line “I got a kid and two cats in the yard” from ‘How to disappear’. Although Del Rey has two cats herself, named Topanga and Niko, this song also quotes the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song ‘Our House’: “With two cats in the yard/Life used to be so hard”. These subtle references show Del Rey’s musical knowledge and confirm she is the old soul we always knew she was!

Favorite song on the album: The Next Best American Record