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Mythology is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Lena, released on September 27, 2030, through Deep End Records via Republic Records. The album features a unique blend of alternative pop, synth pop, indie rock, grunge, and trap, with a strong focus on a Greek mythology theme.

Lena drew inspiration from various Greek gods and goddesses to assign each track a specific deity, with each song embodying the personality and characteristics of their respective mythological figure. Despite the initial confusion regarding the lyrical content, Lena clarified that the Greek mythology theme was used merely as a creative framework for the album, and the lyrics did not necessarily revolve around the deities themselves.

The album was produced by Lena's long-time collaborator, Chipp, and features guest appearances from artists such as SZA and Lucy Dacus. The album's lead single, "Aphrodite," was released on August 23, 2030, to critical acclaim, with many praising Lena's return to the pop genre.

Background
Lena and her longtime collaborator, producer Chipp, began working on the album in early 2029. Lena had the idea to assign a Greek god to each song on the album as a fun concept and theme. While the lyrics did not necessarily relate to the gods, Lena thought it would add an interesting layer to the album.

The album was recorded primarily in Chipp's home studio in Los Angeles, California. Lena and Chipp experimented with a variety of sounds and genres to create a cohesive but eclectic album. They drew inspiration from artists such as Caroline Polachek, Taylor Swift, Nirvana, and Billie Eilish.

The album features collaborations with several notable artists, including SZA on the track "Ghost" and Lucy Dacus on "Limbo". Lena and Chipp also sampled various artists, such as Caroline Polachek's "Welcome to My Island" in the track "Desire" and Taylor Swift's "Death by a Thousand Cuts" in "Death".

Writing and production
Lena primarily worked on the album with her longtime collaborator and producer, Chipp. Together, they experimented with blending different genres, including alternative pop, synth pop, indie rock, grunge, and trap, to create a unique sound for each song on the album.

The writing and recording process for Mythology took over a year, with Lena and Chipp working on each song individually and then bringing them together to create a cohesive album. Lena drew inspiration from various Greek myths and legends, but emphasized that the lyrics did not necessarily have a direct connection to the gods they were named after.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Lena described the process of writing and producing the album as "a journey of exploration and experimentation". She explained that each song on the album was like a different puzzle piece, and that it was a challenge to bring them all together into a cohesive whole.

Mythology features collaborations with several other artists, including SZA and Lucy Dacus. Lena has spoken highly of working with these artists and the unique elements they brought to the album.

Side A
Aphrodite - "Aphrodite" is a synth-pop track with influences from R&B and alternative pop. The lyrics of the song are about the concepts of love and beauty, with Lena singing about the struggles of trying to impress a lover and feeling the pressure to be perfect. The song is represented by the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite.

Smoke - "Smoke" is an alternative pop song with trap influences. The lyrics of the song deal with the concept of addiction, with Lena singing about how she is "addicted to the smoke" of a past relationship. The track features a catchy chorus and a driving beat, and explores the feeling of being stuck in a toxic relationship. The song is represented by the Greek god of fire, Hephaestus.

Arrows - "Arrows" is an alt-pop song with synth influences that talks about how Lena has dealt with bad things in her life. The lyrics are about the idea that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and Lena sings about using her struggles as a source of strength. The song features a driving beat and a catchy chorus. The song is represented by the Greek goddess of archery and hunting, Artemis.

Ghost (feat. SZA) - "Ghost" is an R&B styled pop track featuring vocals from SZA. The lyrics of the song explore the concept of feeling like a ghost, invisible to the world and feeling lost in life. Lena and SZA trade off verses in the song, creating a haunting atmosphere that perfectly matches the lyrics. The song is represented by the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene.

Desire - "Desire" is a pop song that samples "Welcome to My Island" by Caroline Polachek. The lyrics of the song are about the intense feeling of desire, with Lena singing about wanting something so badly that it hurts. The track features a catchy chorus and a driving beat, with Lena's vocals shining throughout. The song is represented by the Greek god of desire and attraction, Eros.

Mythology - "Mythology" is the title track. It is a mid-tempo melancholic alt pop song that explores the concept of feeling lost and alone in the world. The lyrics of the song are about trying to find oneself and not feeling like one belongs anywhere. The song features a beautiful melody and a dreamy atmosphere that perfectly matches the introspective lyrics. The song is represented by the Greek god of music and poetry, Apollo.

Side B
Thrills - "Thrills" is a grunge-influenced alternative pop track that opens Side B of "Mythology". The song's lyrics are about the excitement of taking risks and experiencing thrills, even if they may lead to negative consequences. The track features heavy use of distorted guitars, drums, and bass, blended with a trap beat and autotuned vocals on the bridge. The song is represented by the Greek god of wine and pleasure, Dionysus.

My Pleasure - "My Pleasure" is an ironic indie rock song that combines a playful melody with tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The song's chorus features the refrain "It's my pleasure to hate everything that I do," highlighting the struggles of balancing creative passion with personal enjoyment. The track also features synth-pop elements in its production. The song is represented by the Greek god of satire, Momus.

Cruelty - "Cruelty" is a grungy ballad track with elements of autotune and trap. The song's lyrics explore the concept of emotional pain and how it can be self-inflicted, with the chorus declaring "I don't need you to be cruel, I'm doing that all on my own." The track features a slow, melancholic melody and distorted guitars. The song is represented by the Greek god of war, Ares.

Limbo (feat. Lucy Dacus) - "Limbo" is a grungy indie rock track featuring vocals from Lucy Dacus. The song's lyrics focus on the feeling of being stuck in a state of limbo, unsure of where to go or what to do. The track features heavy guitar riffs and a driving drum beat, with a haunting synth melody layered on top. The song is represented by the Greek god of boundaries, Hermes.

Death - "Death" is an experimental track that samples "Death By A Thousand Cuts" by Taylor Swift. The verses are very grungy, with distorted guitars and a heavy drum beat, while the chorus explodes into sparkly synth-pop. The song's lyrics explore the concept of loss and how it can feel like a thousand cuts. The song was originally going to feature a rap verse from Ice Spice, but it was ultimately removed. The song is represented by the Greek god of the dead, Hades.

Valley - "Valley" is the final track on "Mythology", and it's an alternative pop song with grunge influence that blends with a trap beat. The song's lyrics are about finding comfort in difficult times and knowing that you will eventually make it through. The track features a dreamy melody with atmospheric synths and distorted guitars, creating a feeling of floating on a cloud. The song is represented by the Greek goddess of the harvest, Demeter.

Deluxe Tracks
"Siren Song" is a haunting track that tells the story of a sailor who is lured by the Sirens, mythological creatures who sing beautiful songs that enchant and trap sailors. Lena's vocals are ethereal and haunting, and the production features ominous synthesizers and a pulsating beat that intensifies the song's sense of danger. The lyrics describe the sailor's struggle to resist the Sirens' call and his eventual surrender to their power. The song's chorus repeats the phrase "Siren Song" as if warning the listener of the dangers of being lured in by temptation.

"Olympus" is a powerful track that features a heavy beat and soaring vocals from Lena. The song's lyrics describe the power and majesty of the gods who reside on Mount Olympus. Lena sings about the gods' ability to control the elements and their immortality, and the chorus repeats the phrase "we are the gods of Olympus" as if asserting their dominance. The production features atmospheric synthesizers and a driving beat that creates a sense of grandeur and power.

Art direction
The art direction and album design for Lena's fifth studio album, "Mythology," was a collaborative effort between Lena and her creative team. The album art features a striking image of Lena in a flowing white dress, standing on a mountaintop with a stormy sky behind her. Her arms are outstretched, and she appears to be summoning a powerful force from the heavens.

The cover art was created by renowned visual artist and designer, Jonathan Barnbrook, who has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, and Placebo. Lena and Barnbrook worked closely together to develop the concept for the album art, drawing inspiration from the Greek mythological themes of the album.

The inside of the album features a series of stunning illustrations, each one depicting one of the Greek gods or goddesses that inspired the songs on the album. The illustrations were created by artist and illustrator, Alice Zhang, who is known for her work in the entertainment industry, including designs for popular TV shows like "Stranger Things" and "The Umbrella Academy."

The album's tracklist and lyrics are presented in a sleek and minimalistic design, with each song accompanied by its corresponding Greek god or goddess. The overall design of the album was intended to be both visually striking and thematically cohesive, with the imagery and typography working together to create a cohesive visual narrative.

Visual album and film
"Mythology" is a musical film co-directed by Lena and Greta Gerwig, released on March 10, 2031. The movie serves as a visual companion to Lena's 2030 album of the same name, and features a star-studded cast including Lena herself, Margot Robbie, Oscar Isaac, Ana De Armas, SZA, Timothée Chalamet, Conan Gray, and more.

Upon its release, "Mythology" was met with critical acclaim and commercial success. The film was praised for its striking visuals, imaginative storytelling, and its ability to bring Lena's album to life in a stunning and unforgettable way. Many critics also praised the performances of the film's cast, particularly Lena's own performance as the film's protagonist.

The film was a box office success, earning over $150 million worldwide on a budget of $30 million. It also did well on streaming services, with many fans praising the ability to experience the film's stunning visuals and immersive story from the comfort of their own homes.

The movie incorporates scenes that visually represent each track from the album, making it a unique visual companion to the music. The film showcases Lena's creativity as an artist, with stunning visuals, choreography, and cinematography that bring the Greek mythology theme to life.

Plot
Part 1: Lena, a young woman, and her boyfriend Chipp stumble upon an old temple dedicated to Aphrodite and Lena is transported to the realm of the gods in Greece. She encounters various gods, including Hephaestus, Artemis, Selene, and Eros, who guide her on a journey of self-discovery and help her understand the meaning of true love. Lena eventually meets Apollo, the god of music and poetry, who explains what has happened and sings with her about feeling lost and alone in the world.

Part 2: Lena attends a banquet hosted by Dionysus and sings about the thrill of taking risks and chasing pleasures while witnessing the party become increasingly wild and destructive. She encounters various gods, including Momus, Ares, and Medusa, who challenge her and take her on a journey through the underworld guided by Hades. Lena ultimately finds closure and a sense of peace with the help of Demeter and reunites with Chipp to explore the beauty of Mount Olympus.

Cast

 * Lena Sanders as Lena
 * Tyler Chipperfield as Chipp
 * Margot Robbie as Aphrodite
 * Oscar Isaac as Hephaestus
 * Ana De Armas as Artemis
 * SZA as Selene
 * Timothée Chalamet as Eros
 * Conan Gray as Apollo
 * Paul Mescal as Poseidon
 * Kevin Chamberlain as Dionysus
 * Aubrey Plaza as Momus
 * Dwayne Johnson as Ares
 * Zendaya as Athena
 * Lucy Dacus as Medusa
 * Tom Holland as Hermes
 * Tom Hiddleston as Hades
 * Camila Mendes as Persephone
 * Lupita Nyong'o as Demeter

Release and promotion
The album's lead single, "Aphrodite," was released on August 23, 2030, to widespread anticipation from fans. The song quickly climbed the charts, debuting at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying in the top ten for several weeks. The accompanying music video, which featured Lena in a series of striking and visually stunning tableaux, was similarly well-received and garnered millions of views within the first few days of its release.

The album's second single, "Ghost," featuring SZA, was released on September 27, 2030. The song, which showcased Lena's dynamic vocal range and emotive delivery, was a departure from the upbeat pop anthems of "Aphrodite," instead offering a haunting and introspective meditation on love and loss. The accompanying music video, directed by visionary filmmaker Hiro Murai, was similarly striking and visually arresting, featuring Lena and SZA in a series of surreal and dreamlike landscapes.

Leading up to the album's release, Lena engaged in an extensive promotional campaign, including numerous interviews with media outlets and a live stream with her fans. In these interviews, Lena spoke candidly about the creative process behind the album, citing her love of Greek mythology and her desire to explore themes of love, loss, and redemption.

Throughout these interviews, Lena emphasized the collaborative nature of the album, highlighting the contributions of her creative team and the many artists and musicians who helped bring her vision to life. Lena also spoke at length about her growth and evolution as an artist, noting that "Mythology" represented a significant departure from her earlier work.

Despite these changes, however, Lena's fans embraced the album with open arms, praising its bold and visionary approach to pop music and hailing it as a new high-water mark in the singer's already impressive career. With its stunning visuals, powerful vocals, and masterful songcraft, "Mythology" is sure to go down as one of Lena's most enduring and beloved works.

In the weeks leading up to the album's release, Lena also teased fans with snippets of the album's tracks on social media, generating further excitement and anticipation for the album's release. She also performed several live shows, including a highly-publicized appearance on "Saturday Night Live" in which she performed "Aphrodite" and "Ghost" to thunderous applause.

In addition to traditional promotion, Lena also took advantage of new and innovative marketing strategies to promote the album. She created interactive experiences on social media, including Instagram filters that allowed fans to take on the appearance of their favorite Greek gods and goddesses. Lena also launched a series of limited-edition merchandise and pop-up shops, featuring clothing and accessories inspired by the album's artwork and themes.

Critical response
Lena's fifth studio album, "Mythology," released on September 27, 2030, received mixed critical reviews upon its release. The album marked Lena's return to pop music after exploring the indie rock genre in her previous album.

On Metacritic, which aggregates reviews from music critics, the album received an average score of 73 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews." Many critics praised Lena's ability to seamlessly incorporate Greek mythology themes into her pop sound, while others found the album to be a step back from her previous work in the indie rock genre.

In a review for Rolling Stone, critic David Fricke praised Lena's return to pop music, saying, "Lena proves that she still knows how to write an infectious pop hook." However, in a review for Pitchfork, critic Jillian Mapes found the album to be lacking in originality, stating, "While the concept of tying each song to a Greek god or goddess is interesting, the execution falls flat at times."

Other critics praised the album's production and collaborations with other artists. In a review for NME, critic Rhian Daly called the album "a masterclass in slick production and catchy hooks," while highlighting Lena's collaboration with SZA on "Ghost" as a standout track.

However, some critics found Lena's return to pop music to be disappointing compared to her previous work in the indie rock genre. In a review for Consequence, critic Wren Graves stated, "While Lena's pop sound is enjoyable, it pales in comparison to her previous work in the indie rock genre, where she truly shines."

Despite mixed reviews, "Mythology" proved to be a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's lead single, "Aphrodite," also proved to be a hit, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.