Avril Lavigne Returns, and Lana Del Rey's 'Venice Bitch' Is the Soundtrack to a Sun-Soaked Drive
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A million times yes: Lana Del Rey, “Venice Bitch” – After feeling mostly indifferent toward Lana’s previous single “Mariners Apartment Complex,” I was happy to discover that “Venice Bitch” is more my speed. I knew it from the first verse, when she said she’s “fresh out of fucks forever.” She claims “Venice bitch” as a term of endearment in a way that’s so quintessentially Lana, but weirdly manages to speak to my sliver of homesickness as a Los Angeles native, so maybe I’m biased. Either way, Lana is at her wistful, nostalgic-for-a-memory-you’ve-never-experienced best, with haunting refrains and a drive-by Norman Rockwell reference that reminded me that her upcoming album will be titled Norman Fucking Rockwell.
Drop it low and scream yes! Pardison Fontaine feat. Cardi B, “Backing It Up” – This song confirms Cardi B still has the unique ability to make you tap into your club persona in the middle of the day, stick out your tongue, and do a little chair bounce while she raps constructive advice, like, “Why don’t you chill with the beef and get some chicken instead?” —Clover Hope
Clocking in at nine minutes and 41 seconds, “Venice Bitch” would have been just as nice if it was cut in half. The instrumentals and interspersed vocals that make up the bulk of the song past the four-minute mark don’t drag; they’re oddly soothing. “Venice Bitch” is the soundtrack to a sun-soaked drive or a lovesick walk in the rain. —Ashley Reese
Drop it low and scream yes! Pardison Fontaine feat. Cardi B, “Backing It Up” – This song confirms Cardi B still has the unique ability to make you tap into your club persona in the middle of the day, stick out your tongue, and do a little chair bounce while she raps constructive advice, like, “Why don’t you chill with the beef and get some chicken instead?” —Clover Hope