Norman really is a grower, i think i can finally say that i love the record to bits. Max sweetie im so sorry but ive joined the jack train (though i wouldnt like her to work with him again)
- Norman really has such a bittersweet and evening sort of sound, its as though you're hearing it from afar. Have you ever been standing on top of a big hill overlooking a grand horizon and it makes you feel as though you have to whisper? Thats the feeling i get from it. The horns are such a subtle but important continuous theme for the production that holds the album together. This record is about setting sail into the unknown, taking that leap of faith no matter how scared you are, no matter how many reasons you have to not care or to feel hopeless, it is that inner strength and firm belief that there is a possibilty out there for you, for all of us. A possibility for hope. Rather than fear the unknown, its about diving into it, and being excited.
Personally i think its the first Lana album that takes on a cohesive story. Its an evening album to sit and watch the sunset to in the late afternoon. Looking back at the day(s). In a funny sort of way i actually relate to NFR the most. Born to Die was too grand for my life, UV has elements but is a little too cinematic, the same with Honeymoon. Lust for Life is relatable towards the end but the album struggled to find a persona. Whereas Norman is a very relatable day to day, simple yet sweet, bittersweet but still incredibly sad, light hearted, hopeful yet hopeless, unexplainably romantic and sexy and reminiscent. I find a lot of these qualities hit really close to home. I also think this album has the strongest closer of her entire discography, to end on a song like Hope Is A Dangerous Thing was a brave and bold choice, it just proves that in the end, despite all her struggles she always ends up in the dark. Alone at midnight. So that the Lana Del Rey story can continue...