https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohWV6vUkRJc Songs about heartbreak aren't all about coming out of the tunnel and dusting yourself down, there is the whole wide and wild world of unrequited love to deal with too. This song is all about that - anticipation, desire and ultimately unconditional love, so let's cue the line... "Darling, I'm waiting to greet you, come to me baby..." Lana Del Rey is a truly divisive artist, but she shouldn't be - forget the preconceptions and listen to the words and the music she's one of the best writers about the ups and downs of the heart we have. For all the accusations of sensationalism thrown at her, here is the perfect rebuttal, 'Bel Air' is one of the most understated and tender songs you'll ever hear, featuring just voice, strings and percussion and a lyric that could melt the coldest heart. It's a plea for acceptance - "Don't be afraid of me, don't be ashamed' and also at the bargaining stage of grief, praising the object of her love to the heavens, "Idol of roses, iconic soul. I know your name; lead me to war with your brilliant direction." This a song you should only play to the object of your desire if you're absolutely sure they're thinking the same way you are, otherwise you may have played your hand too quickly and shown that you're ready to be heartbroken before you've even begun. But as a plea for someone's love, this is up there with the best songs of all time.
What makes music fantastic? Star quality, amazing music, breathtaking lyrics and the ability to bring something new to the table, even if that means a new take on the classics. That's what I love to listen to and write about.
As well as writing for What Culture, I occasionally write a blog http://tedney.blogspot.co.uk and sometimes use Twitter, but sparingly @TedneyNash