“The Next Best American Record” by Lana Del Rey

In “The Next Best American Record” Lana Del Rey is talking about a certain relationship she was engaged in while at times using very-symbolic language. But there are a few facts scattered throughout which can give us a better idea of the specifics of their union.

First of all, this would have been someone whom, like herself, was highly committed to “writing the next best American record”. That would likely mean they were trying to compose a hit song together. And she seems supremely confident that they are actually able to achieve this task.

Outside of that, we can gather from the chorus that this was someone she was sensually involved with. In fact Lana is indeed in love. And her reference to him being “underneath her architecture” seemingly alludes to the idea of him being subject to her love. So succinctly put, she and the addressee are in love with each other.

Then in the bridge it would appear that his name is revealed as “Bill”. He is once again portrayed as a musician, specifically as one who “plays guitar”.  And Bill, actually, is a romantic interest of Lana’s whom she has brought up in some of her previous songs.

So while fans try to piece together who “Bill” actually is, we can say that this song serves as another chapter in the story of his relationships with Lana. At one point during their union, they were both devoted to writing “the next best American record”. And that particular period of time was an exciting era in general, as they seemingly enjoyed nurturing moments together even outside of their professional aspirations.

Writing Credits for “The Next Best American Record”

Lana co-penned this tune with songwriter/music producer Rick Nowels. Nowels then teamed up with fellow producers Kieron Menzies and Dean Reid to produce the track.

Release Date

August 30, 2019 was the date Lana’s management made this tune commercially available. They released the track as part of Lana’s Norman F Rockwell (her sixth studio album). Other well-known tunes from this album include:

• “Cinnamon Girl”
• “Doin’ Time”
• “Love Song”
• “California”
• “Happiness Is a Butterfly“