[2] Marking a return to the "hip-hop inspired" sound of her major-label debut, Lust for Life features production from past collaborators Rick Nowels, Kieron Menzies and Emile Haynie, while also working for the first time with producers Boi-1da, Max Martin, Benny Blanco and Metro Boomin.

It also features guest appearances from The Weeknd, ASAP Rocky, Stevie Nicks, Sean Lennon, and Playboi Carti.

"[7] In February 2016, during Clive Davis's Pre-Grammy Gala, Del Rey told Billboard that her upcoming record would be a different direction from Honeymoon, while retaining the same aesthetic.

It was described by Stereogum as "Lana Del Rey’s version of an A-list pop album, with a big budget and big-name contributors.

[17] The record features recurring trap rhythms, classic rock references, "sepia-toned" orchestral backings, and Del Rey singing with a "hip-hop affectation".

[18] The Daily Telegraph stated that the album "lets a bit of light into the darkness of Del Rey's moody past works," noting that "there's a sense of heightened drama in punchy Phil Spector style sixties back beats and the way the heavy timpani criss-crosses with echoing digital trap beats, all swathed in a gauzy haze of Shangri Las style girl group harmonies.

Club praised its modern simplicity, noting that "its beats are subtle hip-hop twitches or electro-pop swells, with percussion redolent of faraway fireworks booms or mellifluous melodic washes.

[23] Fans began the speculate that the song would be featured on Del Rey's upcoming record, and on February 17, 2017, promotional posters for the "Love" music video directed by Rich Lee were put on display across Los Angeles.

[27][28] On April 19, BBC Radio 1 premiered Del Rey's new song, "Lust for Life", featuring singer the Weeknd.

[30] "Summer Bummer" featuring ASAP Rocky and Playboi Carti was released to UK radio as the third single from the album on July 28, 2017.

[43][52] Neil McCormick of The Daily Telegraph said the album is a "welcome throwback to the hip hop swagger that pushed through her fantastic 2012 debut Born to Die".

[45] Jon Pareles of The New York Times wrote a favorable review, saying the album "in rare moments, hints at a wink behind Ms. Del Rey's somber lullabies.

"[53] In a very positive review from GQ Magazine, Kevin Long wrote that "Like Lorde's Melodrama, Lust for Life is an accomplished piece of art, an antidote to the banal tunes permeating the charts and one of the best albums released this year so far.

"[54] Billboard named Lust for Life their album of the week, writing "In a 2017 pop game riddled with thirst, trend-hops and burn-outs, Lana Del Rey has earned a remarkable, singular consistency.