Pop Sheet Music: New Lana Del Rey Singles

Fresh piano solo arrangements by Jennifer Eklund of two tracks from Lana Del Rey's 2019 album "Norman F**king Rockwell!" The featured songs are "California" and "Mariners Apartment Complex."

This post is part two of the Sonic Surprises Sheet Music Series.
Pop Sheet Music: New Lana Del Rey Singles

About the Album

Lana Del Rey’s sixth studio album, “Norman F**king Rockwell!” (often abbreviated NFR!), was released on August 30, 2019 and marks a significant milestone in the artist’s career. Co-produced by Del Rey and Jack Antonoff, the album presents a captivating soft rock sound that blends psych-rock tunes and soulful piano ballads, paying homage to classic rock artists. The title of the album itself is a nod to the renowned painter and illustrator, Norman Rockwell.

Critics universally praised “NFR!” for its musical progression, refined and poetic lyricism, and exceptional production. Debuting at number one in seven countries, including the UK, and reaching the top 5 in over twenty countries, including the US, where it peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, the album solidified Del Rey’s position as a prominent force in the music industry.

Notably, “NFR!” earned Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Song of the Year for the title track. The album’s immense critical acclaim and numerous top rankings in year-end lists, along with recognition from Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, solidified its place as one of the most revered albums of the decade and beyond.


About “California”

In “California,” Lana Del Rey sings a love song directed at a romantic interest who appears to be a foreigner and is currently separated from her. She urges him to get in touch with her when he returns to America, particularly to California, and she is ready to celebrate with him by going to places he desires, hanging out with his friends, and indulging in partying and drinking. The motivation behind her reaching out to him is not necessarily romantic love, but rather her discovery that he is dealing with some form of depression.


“California” Advanced Piano Solo

I arranged this after a customer requested to hear my “take” on the tune. It has a breathy bluesy relaxed vibe, and is well-suited for the piano. I raised the vocal line up an octave to give it a bit more “sparkle” and to utilize a wider range of the keyboard. This arrangement contains all sections of the recorded version.


“California” Intermediate Piano Solo

This intermediate solo of “California” also contains all sections of the recorded version. The reading is easier in this version as I didn’t change the range of the vocals (so there are less ledger lines).


About “Mariners Apartment Complex”

“Mariners Apartment Complex” was the lead single from “NFR!” and was released in September 12, 2018 ahead of the album. She wrote the song after a late night walk with her then partner, while they were reaching an “apartment complex”. Produced by Del Rey and co-writer Jack Antonoff, it combines country, psychedelic folk, and soft rock over a balladic production. Lyrically, the narrator assures her lover of constant support and guidance in their beautiful yet problematic relationship.


“Mariners Apartment Complex” Advanced Piano Solo

This was another customer request that I ended up really enjoying after I got to know the song! For the advanced version I played around with the octave placements throughout the arrangement to give it lots of sparkle. For the “breathy” talking sections in the two verses I adapted the melody line to make those parts a bit more pianistic. This arrangement contains all sections of the recorded version.


“Mariners Apartment Complex” Intermediate Piano Solo

This intermediate solo of “California” also contains all sections of the recorded version. The reading is easier in this version as I didn’t change the range of the vocals (so there are less ledger lines).


Looking for more Lana Del Rey Sheet Music?

Before I got to know these two gems, I had already arranged “Doin’ Time” from “NFR!” a couple years back. So if you’re looking for that, here you go! And just in case you’re longing for more Lana, I included some other favorites, including “Gods and Monsters,” “Summertime Sadness,” and “Chemtrails Over the Country Club.”


Hit me up with some of your Lana Del Rey faves in the comments! I’ll certainly consider arranging some more of her songs.



Jennifer Eklund
Written by Jennifer Eklund
Jennifer Eklund holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in music from California State University, Long Beach. She is an avid arranger, composer, and author of the Piano Pronto® method books series as well as a wide variety of supplemental songbooks. She is also a Signature Artist with Musicnotes.com with a large catalog of popular music titles for musicians of all levels.

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