One-Word Rating: “SERVE!”
To ring in the brand new year, what better than throwing it back to a somewhat-underappreciated gem of Lana Del Rey’s that will soon be turning eleven years old. Crazy. I may not have been listening to Blue Jeans the day it was originally released, but when I first dove into the complex and beautiful discography of Lana in 2019 (coincidentally, my first bouts of depression happened around the same time) it was the first one to catch my eye/ear/whatever. The opening of the track is soooooo iconic, even more when my brain remembers the equally iconic SNL performance that is linked below. the heavily used “SERVE!” sample that plays throughout Blue Jeans constantly finds its way into my brain and repeats as if I was living through the song itself. In fact, the whole song is filled with quotable lines and an unnervingly catchy hook. Her singing cadence is so easily imitated, with occasional Brooklyn-esque pronunciations and a labored breathy drawl that you can’t help but butcher as you scream along to the lyrics. Said lyrics are typical Lana: a broken relationship, an unfaithful partner, abandonment, the American experience. It’s truly perfect. So remember, when you’re picking out tomorrow’s clothes, mumble to yourself “Blue Jeans, White Shirt!” and then pick something that is neither blue jeans or a white shirt. I do it basically everyday.
Editor’s Note: Turns out, the sample mentioned above is from a Rick James’ concert from the 80s. He is saying “SING!” not “SERVE!” which is kinda disappointing. Just ignore this information. “SERVE!” is ten times better. He said “SERVE!” for sure. Must be the Mandela Effect or something.