A nuanced exploration of her country inflection point...
Lana Del Rey's shift toward country music has been a topic of conversation for months, even before anyone had a chance to listen to her new material. Set to be released on May 21st, her upcoming album ‘The Right Person Will Stay’ has been analyzed extensively by fans eager for any shred of information.
Now available, ‘Henry, come on’ serves as the most definitive indication of her artistic direction. Those seeking a traditional honky-tonk sound may need to look elsewhere—this track is an opaque acoustic ballad featuring delicate piano melodies and a cinematic string arrangement, with its country elements more evident in the lyrics than in the music itself. This approach works well—Lana’s knack for storytelling in a few carefully chosen words sets her apart from her contemporaries, as she weaves intricate narratives into concise pop songs.
Set against a backdrop of a Western twilight—a narrative of love and loss with the line “tell him that his cowgirl is gone”—‘Henry, come on’ explores themes of gender dynamics, patriarchal religious expectations, and the blend of myth with personal choice. Lana’s sensuality pervades the song, from her breathy vocals to clever wordplay—her reference to “soft leather / blue jeans” is so characteristic that it feels almost as if it bears her signature.
While the track's yearning to embrace Western myth can occasionally feel generalized, as in the line “it struck me just like lightning,” Lana’s songwriting shines with authority. Echoing the femininity found in the works of Emmylou Harris, she cuts to the heart of the matter with lines like “All these country singers / And their lonely rides to Houston / Don’t really make for the best / Y’know, settle-down type…”
Having been teased for a year—most recently via a billboard in Palm Springs—‘Henry, come on’ represents a subtle return that sidesteps the Major Pop Moment some fans may have anticipated. Nevertheless, its immersive world-building captivates listeners from the start, with an aura akin to perfume wafting through the speakers and creating a distinctive atmosphere. As always, the combination of light and dark, ethereal beauty and unmistakable menace, is quintessentially Lana. More than just a tribute to country music, ‘Henry, come on’ offers a complex perspective on pervasive American mythology, emerging both battered and brave. As Lana herself states: “It’s not because of you / That I turned out so dangerous…”
Rating: 8/10
By: Robin Murray
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Lana Del Rey's country influences have been capturing attention for months, even before music was actually heard. It appears she is set to release it in May.