Welcome to “Cut Through the Noise,” an entertainment column from the St. Louis Park Echo covering new music releases. Every week, a different Echo staffer takes on the role as writer, reviewing recent single releases from a variety of artists.

Lana Del Rey — ‘Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd?’ ★★★★★

Astonishing artist Lana Del Rey recently dropped a new single “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd?” alongside her latest album named after the single itself. Del Rey is making her mark on the music industry with her ninth album release and her supportive fanbase. “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd?” is simple and nostalgic. It is similar to pieces previously released by Del Rey in regard to the vibe it gives listeners. I felt like I was in Del Rey’s world. 

That being said, this piece also has its unique perks. For instance, the mesmeric melody this piece portrayed from the start was what pulled me into Ocean Blvd shore as a listener. It’s not too upbeat and not too chill — but just right. The piano and string instruments were used perfectly. I was consistently entertained by not only the tune but by the voice Del Rey shares through her music. 

Del Rey is a gifted individual and I felt her as an artist push through in her vocal barricade. I can hear the meaning of the piece through her simplistic vocals with a minor bridge. While the piece is 4 minutes and 45 seconds, it feels shorter and makes me want to listen more and more. 

The end of the piece in particular is beyond impressive. I loved the mash-up of voiced echos and the drowned-out sound of piano chords. Additionally, I admire nothing more than an artist who is vocally gifted and shares their talent without going over the top. Del Rey does just that through smooth-sailing song messages and manageable vocals that are easy to listen to. 

The Japanese House — ‘Boyhood’ ★★★★☆

As a long-time lover of studying music, Indie pop musician, The Japanese House, fulfilled my study needs. The vocalist released a new single titled “Boyhood.” The Japanese House brings a coming-of-age vibe to life from the start of the song with simplistic instrumentals backed up by beautiful vocals. 

“Boyhood” reminds me of a movie that ends with a successful high school love story. It makes me feel like I’m living out my “To all the Boys I’ve Loved Before” fantasy. 

Another admirable element is the tempo. The pace at which “Boyhood” progresses is just right and the message is clear. This piece tackles the battles singer-songwriter Amber Mary Bane fights against gender identity. Lyrically, the powerful message is spread metaphorically. For instance, the lyrics, “I want to change but it’s nothing new,” replicate the desire to change identity being a constant thought rather than a new thought. The title itself holds significance as well. I love the personal touch and depth the song shines upon its listeners. I can hear the intent in both the message of the song and the voice of The Japanese House. I thoroughly enjoyed the piece from a listening perspective as it gave me many things to focus on musically and hope to get my study on in the near future while giving this piece a listen. While I do love a good song to study to, nothing in particular stood out to me and for that, this song receives four out of five stars.

Victoria Monét ft. Lucky Daye — ‘Smoke’ ★★★★★

American singer-songwriter, Victoria Monét, just released her new single, “Smoke,” prior to the unknown release date of her next album. The song doesn’t miss a glimpse. It discusses the feelings that arise for Monét when she is under the influence, not only lyrically but through the beat of the piece. Monét takes her listeners on a journey with her as she floats through the atmosphere with descriptive lyrics and a captivating beat. Starting off with memorable harmonies within the first seconds of the piece, “Smoke” gives off “Sativa” by Jhene Akio vibes, but with a Monét kick.

I am fond of the beat “Smoke” possesses because it puts me in an ecstatic mood. It makes me want to roll my windows down on the freeway and sing the lyrics to this effortless-to-love song. This piece has beautiful instrumentals that contribute largely to the tempo. The tempo of this piece fits into the jazz or R&B categories. It is similar to recently released music in the R&B industry while also bringing a jazzy feel to listeners. 

The featured artist, Lucky Daye, is incorporated beautifully into the harmonies and minor bridges the piece entails. Overall, “Smoke” is a song I intend to listen to in the future and hope to add to a summer playlist.