Lana Del Rey – Born To Die: Album Review
January 31, 2012 § 207 Comments
Photo Courtesy of: Interscope Records
Don’t let her failed “Saturday Night Live” performances fool you; Lana Del Rey is one to watch in 2012. The singer has been the center of controversy with people questioning her plump lips to her “manufactured” image and history. The hype over Lana Del Rey was overwhelming.
Media outlets like Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Stereogum and many more pimped her for months only to frantically type hypocritical reviews that tore the album apart. But Lana Del Rey’s sophomore effort, Born To Die (released on Jan. 30) holds its own without their approval.
Unlike other aforementioned outlets that are so transfixed on the persona, this review focuses on the MUSIC and nothing else.
Here we go.
The self-proclaimed “gangsta Nancy Sinatra” has a sultry 50s vamp vibe mixed with an enigmatic aura that is reflected in her songs. This album serves as a film noir score written by the bone-chilling femme fatale. It opens up with the title track and strongest song: “Born To Die”. It sets the tone for the rest of the album – a ruthless story about dangerous love narrated by a misty-eyed coquette backed by an intense cinematic production.
Following is “Off to the Races” that is voiced by a girl with daddy issues. Her voice teases the listener with high-pitched Betty Boop squeals, begging you to “kiss me on my open mouth.” The lyrics get even more campy:
“And he grabs me, he has me by my heart.
He doesn’t mind I have a Las Vegas past.
He doesn’t mind I have a L.A crass way about me.
He loves with every beat of his cocaine heart.”
“Blue Jeans”, the first song I heard from the artist, carries on the theme of love but with a twist. Lana Del Rey fully embodies her “gangsta” side as she subtly raps over a drum-heavy beat, a perfect backing for a bloody Tarantino scene.
The song that started it all, “Video Games”, has an epic piano melody that beautifully carries the singer’s painful inflections as she reflects on a love who did not love her. The album version of fan-favorite “Diet Mountain Dew” speeds up the demo and turns into a bouncy trip-hop influenced track that refreshes the ear after the album’s heavy start.
But even with its bountiful melodies, Born To Die does takes the studio treatment too far with its overbearing production. “National Anthem” directly rips “Bittersweet Symphony” and drowns the singer’s presence.
“Radio” thankfully returns to the album’s working formula. It is a dope combination of Lana Del Rey’s sassy vocals and an immense ballad-like production. “Carmen” is one for the critics – an autobiography that hints at the transformation from the unknown Lizzy Grant to the controversial Lana Del Rey.
Most of the album has a 90s hip-hop/pop influence, but “Million Dollar Man” brings it back to the 50s. It paints a picture of a hopeless singer pouring her heart out in the back of a smoky NYC lounge. It has a nostalgic jazzy vibe that highlights the singer’s soulful voice and pairs well with a chilled glass of vintage bourbon.
Packaged or not, Lana Del Rey emulates the truth. Her voice and lyrical themes suggest her painfully honest outlook on love and life. While considered Pop, the tracks on Born To Die updates the dull formula of humorless lyrics following a booming chorus a la Adele and Beyonce. Born To Die is a haunting soundtrack dedicated to classic Americana – filled with rebellious teenage delinquents, campy prom queens, broken hearts, trailer-park escapades and youthful blues.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Songs on Repeat
Born To Die
Off to the Races
This Is What Makes Us Girls
Lolita (Deluxe Edition)
Songs to Skip
National Anthem
Dark Paradise
youthandhysteria 
Hey. I liked her album. I had Born to Die, Summertime Sadness, Off to the Races on repeat before the album released :p The songs I have on repeat now are This Is What Makes Us Girls, Lolita, Without You, even Dark Paradise, Radio… I like the album overall.. (:
Nice Post…
Thanks for reading!! I’ve loved her songs before the release as well; I couldn’t get enough of “Born To Die” and “Blue Jeans”. We actually share the same favorites, awesome! Thanks again 🙂
Cool… Yeah. The way she can sing in different voices in one song is awesome… 😛 No problem… (:
I think that Off to the Races is the best song of the album. I agree with the “Songs to Skip” of the article.
“Off to the Races” is probably my favorite too. Thanks for reading!
I HEARD HER SING LIVE ON A TV SHOW-IT WAS LIKE AMY WINEHOUSE ON METH-VERY WEAK-THE RECORDINGS ARE MUCH BETTER-BUT SHE IS OVERHYPED BY THE MEDIA-I FEAR SHE WILL CRASH AND BURN AS SHE ALREADY HAS SAID IN INTERVIEWS THAT SHE CANT HANDLE FAME WELL-
“The self-proclaimed ‘gangsta Nancy Sinatra’ has a sultry 50s vamp vibe mixed with an enigmatic aura that is reflected in her songs.”
With that line alone, I’m intrigued enough to give her a listen…
🙂
Great review!
Thank you so much for your comment! I really appreciate it 🙂 Give it a listen, I can’t stop hitting “replay”
ayo ! nice album , worth listening
Packaged or not, I dig her voice and her shtick. I don’t really understand all the backlash, as many pop stars are manufactured, aren’t they? She’s definitely one to watch this year! Obsessed with “Born to Die” and “Radio.”
I agree! What artist nowadays isn’t prepackaged? Her music speaks for itself! I can’t get enough of “Off to the Races” myself. Thanks for your comment! 🙂
If you don’t understand the backlash, maybe a closer look underneath all the bubble gum persona & imagery, will reveal a more realistic view
of what it takes to “MAKE IT” in the industry. the plastic surgery will be the least of your worries, I assure you. I’m not a hater but an Educator.
PEACE. LOVE. & ENLIGHTENMENT MY FRIENDS
http://924collective.wordpress.com/2012/01/08/2012/lizzie-grant/
Loved this album!
I heard her song Blue Jeans recently and couldn’t decide if i loved it or hated it./ i now have it on repeat on my ipod! 😀 Great post!
“Blue Jeans” was the first song I heard from her and I still can’t get enough of her music! Thanks for your comment!! 🙂
Same here… I am in love with her…LOL..
I can’t get over her voice on Million Dollar Man she is so full of emotion it is overwhelming at times. This is a totally brilliant album, and her songs are art.
I totally agree! I love that she is bringing back that meaningful, old-school passion that is lacking in Pop music nowadays. Thanks for your comment!! 🙂
I don’t listen to much music, but an interesting article anyway…and YES—it is easy for people who don’t act or sing according to certain guidelines to be persecuted.
Thanks for reading! I appreciate your comment 🙂 Lana Del Rey does not fit the Pop norm, I guess that is why people don’t know how to react.
^^^ Love it. Dark Paradise, Off to the Races and Million Dollar Man are on repeat, they rule.
“Born to Die” and “Off to the Races” are killer; those are some of my favorites. But I dig them all! Thanks for your comment! 🙂
She’s a great talent. Deserves her acclaim. Nice write-up.
I completely agree with you, thanks for reading! 🙂
Curse you! Now I’m going to have to go back and have another listen. I didn’t dig on “Video Games”, so I never looked any further. I’ll take your recommendations and give her a second chance.
Haha, even if you take a listen and still don’t like it I’m glad that you’ll give her music another try! There are quite a few gems on Born To Die, I hope you like them! Thanks for commenting! 🙂
Nice to read a balanced review: did you read the one in the Guardian online, the review didn’t point out any particular flaws and STILL only gave her three out of five stars. I don’t get why she is the whipping boy for ‘fake’, hello, anybody heard of Gaga? Plus, I have been listening to her now for a few months, all of the above songs and a few more, and think she is wonderful. She is crazy nervous on stage which is why she sounds breathless, and I believe makes the mistake of trying to reinvent the songs for her live performances, but given her nerves, it just comes off as dodgy. I think she’ll crack that though. Have you seen any in person interviews with her on Youtube? In one, her hands were shaking and she could barely speak. I really feel for her with all the negative backlash about her.
http://www.cakesandshakes.wordpress.com
I’m happy that someone understands why I didn’t write another review that just tore her apart. She doesn’t deserve that, especially since her music speaks for itself. So many artists are packaged and stamped for the media, and no one has said anything. But when LDR does it, it becomes this crazy controversy. I don’t get it! I agree with your comment on her performances/interviews. I’ve watched a lot, and I think she is plain nervous and afraid to let people down. With practice, she’ll get better. The media needs to let her breathe and find her way, she is way too talented. She just needs to own it more.
I really appreciate your comment and I JUST followed your blog! 🙂 I’ll check out the Guardian review as well.
Thanks again!!
Alanis Morrisette was just as fake but nobody was ever nearly as fixated on ‘outing’ her at the time… So was Beck for that matter.
Most ‘authenticity’ is manufactured. The only thing that matters is, is the music any good?
I think why she is the whipping boy for being ‘fake’, is that her marketing team is positioning her outside of the traditionally contrived sugar-pop arena… LDR, the brand, is being made to look like a genuine indi artist, when in reality, her career was bought for her by her outlandishly rich parents… so it comes across as being a little cynical and contrived on behalf of her management.
That said, I actually quite like her music, contrived or not it’s well produced and a refreshing change from all the pop princesses.
She is awesome. Love Video Game. This is one to watch for sure!
This whole album and Lana Del Rey is incredible. Even the ‘songs to skip’ are not skipped for me.
Seems that it’s down to the music blogging community to do what the music press have failed to do, that being reviewing the album instead of which hunting Lana Del Rey. Really great review, brill read. I blogged about the press treatment of LDR. Here’s the link in case you’re interested. http://tinyurl.com/7j63onq
I completely agree. The way the media is treating this whole situation is ridiculous. Thanks for your comment, I’m glad you enjoyed it! Just read your post, your points were so spot on 🙂
Hi YOUTHANDHYSTERIA: Terrific review of a top talent! Congratulations on FP feature! If you’d like more of Lana Del Rey I had to have a go with some of her origins & family background and such, here http://www.squidoo.com/lana-del-rey
Thanks so much for your kind response! It means a lot 🙂 I’m becoming more of a Lana Del Rey fan as the days go by, so I will definitely take a look at your suggested link!
I’ve been a fan for a while and have actually enjoyed the brouhaha over her background (don’t care) and her face-plant on SNL (the show seems designed to make live performers look bad). None of it damages the unique nature of her music. I like what I like.
http://billchance.org/tag/lana-del-rey/
My only complaint is that “Kinda Outta Luck” isn’t on the album – it has always been one of my favorites.
Reblogged this on milyanthony and commented:
lana del rey as my new favy singer
Im obsessed with her…even since I heard video games…
I put playlists together if your ever interested or looking for new music to chill out to,my most recent one has songs of hers 🙂
“Blue Jeans” is what really did it for me 🙂 I just looked at the playlist and I love it. Thanks again!
I’m ancient, but I discovered Lana thru my son [16] here in UK. He uses ‘Video Games’ etc. as backing tracks for his YouTube video edits. Great voice, agree she will be BIG in twenty twelve.
I also did one ! http://printandpattern.wordpress.com/
Cool! I’ll check it out now. Thanks for commenting 🙂
Great review! Thank you for sharing!
…following your blog…
Shame “Kinda Outta Luck” isn’t on there – my personal favorite. It’s also very ‘Tarantinoesque’.
“Kinda Outta Luck” is so bad-ass and one of my favorites as well! As for your other comment, I agree. Music should be the thing that matters, not the “persona”.
My flat-mate has been playing Born To Die on loop. Her voice is magical and the lyrics are so dream-like. She sure is gonna be a legend.
I think she is awesome. Very individual, stylish and amazing voice. I was surprized the daily mail (co.uk) review of her album today was quite negative. 😦
have a look of an illustration of her I made: http://olesja.wordpress.com/2011/12/18/lana-del-rey/
cheers, O.
Wow, that drawing is awesome! It’s crazy how so many media are being so negative when the community loves her music!! Thanks for commenting 🙂
I’ve heard nothing but good things about this album.
I love to see how much people support Lana – So THANK YOU Bianca! I do adore her so much, too, and try to support her on my WordPress page.
My favorite song is ‘Lucky Ones’! Actually, I am addicted to the whole record, it’s a masterpiece!
I hope there will be a tour pretty soon …
I love to see it too, so I actually thank you for reading!! I was getting sick and tired of the music industry sites bashing her to a pulp. Someone had to intervene and I’m glad so many people feel the way I do. My favorite is “Off to the Races”, but then again the whole record is pretty killer. I’m hearing talks of a tour starting in October. I’ll post it on my blog when the news comes out 🙂
Oh, Thank You, that is really nice! I’ll be back then here to get informed! 😀
Great review! I love the forelorn quality of Lana’s voice. Beautiful girl, beautiful album.
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Great review! My only exposure to Lana was her awful SNL performance, so I completely wrote her off. But, I will definitely give her a second chance now and start with the tracks you recommended.
Thank you! Even if you still don’t like it after listening to the songs I recommended, it’s cool that you’re willing to give the music another try 🙂
I did a review also of this artist, you should look at my post and see the similarites and differences between this post: http://wp.me/p1Jn8q-cL
Cool, I’ll check it out! 🙂
Just checked out her website and love the sultry sound of her voice. Interesting style, she’s unique and definitely has a theme to her writing like you said. I’ll keep her on my radar; I’m always looking for new female artists to share with my girlfriends. Thanks!
Awesome, I’m glad you enjoyed my post! Lana Del Rey is definitely one to watch 🙂
I spent as much time with Born To Die as I could, and the end result was that I hated it. Video Games — on it’s own — is a stellar song. Quirky, one-of-a-kind, catchy. That’s why it hit so hard and fast. The rest of it is rushed-to-market drivel. Her lyrics, in the grander sense, are silly scribblings of a girl desperately trying to be taken seriously and her inability to carry a tune leaves me reaching for the “STOP” button. There’s so much more out there to fill my ears. Skip.
Ahh, the first comment where someone didn’t like the record. I’m happy to see it; it brings a different point of view. I respect your comment 🙂
Saw her live on Later with Jools Holland singing Video Games. Loved it… intriguing, quirky and powerful! Nice review!
Glad you liked it! Thanks 🙂
I really loved the demos she’d done, some of the really raw cuts – but I found her album a little over-processed. It didn’t deliver as much as I’d hoped.
She’s got a gorgeous voice though, I definitely have a soft-spot for Blue Jeans xx
I love the album but I definitely agree with you. At times the production of “Born To Die” can be overwhelming. Hopefully in the future she will revert back to that raw style of her demos. Thanks for your comment! 🙂
It’s so awesome to see a positive review of her. I’ve been hooked ever since my daughter posted the video for “Born to Die” on my wall. I love her. Thanks!
Thank you for reading! I felt like the other reviews were so unfair, so I made one that talked about the music alone. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I’ve listened to the album one time so far, and so far so good! I reckon it will only grow on me more!
I like your review! I did one as well http://thickskinnedrobot.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/album-review-born-to-die-by-lana-del-rey/
Cool! I just read yours and I like it as well 🙂
A buddy told me about Lana a while ago, then I heard about the other stuff. I didn’t care about where she came from, or who she was before. I liked her sound. My wife doesn’t care for her sound very much but I really like it. Great post. Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
I never cared for the background story/hype either, I just fell in love with her music. Thanks for your kind response! Happy you enjoyed it 🙂
Lana Del Rey is my new girl crush and I’m not ashamed. Love everything I’ve heard from her so far!
I’ve heard a lot about Lana Del Rey and much of it has been good. I’ll give her a listen.
I’m definitely pumped to get this album!
I don’t think there is anything wrong with creating an image and self-promotion. Lady GaGa is the queen of it and she wouldn’t be where she is today without marketing with a little artistic flair.
But ignoring the marketing machine, Lana Del Rey is the real deal. Her voice is haunting and her lyrics are so visceral.
Blue Jeans is my favourite.
Great post.
I agree, Gaga has mastered her marketed image yet did not receive any backlash for it. So what makes Lana Del Rey any different? There is something special about her music that I feel will become timeless. Thanks so much for reading 🙂
Wow, one of the only positive reviews out there. I love her, people stop hating.
I liked every song, but ‘Lolita’ is my fave!!!
Check out the demo version of “Lolita”! It’s completely different and so good!
Thank you! I will! Trying to write my own blog about the album. I’ve read yours for inspiration. I’ve written, only one other album review before. I am nervous, but its been fun. Have to let you read mine when I finish?
Don’t be nervous, just go with the flow and I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’d love to read it when you’re done!
Love her 🙂
Reblogged this on dearestkey.
Nice. Cool. Pretty.
Reblogged this on reinaldobanh and commented:
Born To Die. More? Born or Die?
[…] Lana Del Rey – “Born To Die”: Album Review […]
This is the first album I’ve ever pre-ordered 🙂 Off to the Races is my absolute favorite, with Video Games at a close second.
Thanks for turning me on to more of her songs, she’s growing on me very quickly! She actually kind of reminds me of a cross between Nancy Sinatra, Shirley Manson, and Fiona Apple.
I’m glad you enjoy it! I agree with your comment, I can see bits of those singers in Lana Del Rey 🙂
nice review. much more in depth than how i write them.
-http://embraceyoumag.com
awesome review, i love the album she has alot of of bad press lately for her SNL performance and her past as lizzy grant than lana del rey but besides all that the album is pure soild And summer time saddness has been on repeat all day.
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’m actually listening to “Diet Mountain Dew” right now, can’t get enough 😉
Such a great album!! I LOVE Lana
I have not had a chance to hear her music yet, but you did a great job in regards to writing a review for it! you begin with a background story and then provide such an intricate explanation about each song on the album. Thank you for being so informative!
What seems so intriguing about her work is that each song has a story to tell. Unlike most tracks that are filled with a bunch of wordless and worthless lyrics, at least this collection has some substance. I would really like to take a listen and see what she has to bring to the music world. Hopefully she can make it big!
Thank you for your post!
If it’s alright with you, I started a blog of my own not too long ago and I would like to invite you and your readers to please check out my posts, comment, and subscribe! I would really appreciate any feedback as well as your support by signing up! The link is http://www.logicmeetsreason.wordpress.com Thank you so much!
Thanks for your kind response, it means a lot! I agree with your comments. The main reason that I am so drawn to her music is because there is so much meaning, thought and emotion behind every song. It is truly beautiful. I would suggest listening to her Lizzy Grant demos as well! 2012 may just be Lana Del Rey’s year.
I’ll definitely check out your blog and subscribe. If I see a post I like, I will definitely reblog and comment. All the best with your new blog! 🙂
Thank you so much Bianca! I really appreciate your support and please keep up the great work! 😀
this what I call perfect artist!
I heard “Blue Jeans” a while back, but it sort of faded out of my mind. After reading this review, I gave a listen to “Born to Die” and had to buy it. Stellar! Thanks for the review, and thanks to WP for your being freshly pressed so I could discover this amazing artist.
I’m so happy that my review was able to guide you into buying “Born To Die”. “Blue Jeans” was actually the first song I heard from Lana Del Rey and I couldn’t get enough from then on. Enjoy the album and thanks again! 🙂
It’s Interesting the amount of attention she is getting.
I would like to show you another side of the “manufactured” star
we did a bit more research, & went beyond the production.
http://924collective.wordpress.com/2012/01/08/2012/lizzie-grant/
Much Love!
That is just the kind of stuff I love to read about! Checking it out now, thanks!
That’s very insightful! Have always loved Lana, especially ‘Blue Jeans’.
Now that’s what I call a song on repeat, because it literally is on my stereos! Nothing comes close to dear Lana.
I love her voice and style! Mine definitely favorite is “Blue Jeans”.
“Blue Jeans” was the first song I heard from her months ago and I still have it on replay!
Oh a great review, thank yout.
sev x
Thanks for reading!
I’ll be buying this!
Good luck on your walks!Thank you for being so informative!
Reblogged this on youarenotlostyouarehere and commented:
I haven’t been totally convinced to buy this album yet, but I am certainly hooked by the tracks I’ve heard already. Lana Del Rey’s Video Games, Blue Jeans, and (especially) Born To Die drew me in immediately. Born To Die’s music video is sublime, retelling the story of a volatile relationship, at risk of perishing. I think this is something we can all relate to, having been sucked in by the bad guy and fast living.
Lana’s look is oh so fantastic – I’ve seen so many make-up tutorials hit YouTube for recreating her vampire glam look.
I’ve expressed my utter adoration for Lana Del Rey in previous posts, but maybe a few more listens of the iTunes previews will be needed before I jump into buying the whole album. To me, it seems a bit jumbled in terms of style – Video Games, Blue Jeans and Born To Die are all very dark and solemn, and every detail is of tip-top quality. But, the other tracks that I’ve heard snippets of, don’t quite seem to match the rest of the album. There is a sense of the tracks being rushed for completion, perhaps missing the details of the darkness of this bad-love-lifestyle. Who knows, maybe those lips can lure me into the rest of the album and persuade me to buy the lot.
“Manufactured” or not, she still has a nice voice.
nice
Thanks for the great review. I dig your style and reasoning.
Thanks for reading! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
good,I’ll back you up all the way
Nice to see some sober reflection in your review and an emphasis on the sound after the shellacking Del Ray took on SNL, although that did lead to a suspiciously well-timed Twitter defense by DanRad…no such thing as bad publicity, especially when you’re new!
she’s a great singer! i wish i had composed “Video Games” … anyway good article Bianca!
peace love rock & roll for everybody!
Stefen K
Thank you, glad you liked it! 🙂
I found her by accident a few days ago with Born To Die on youtube instead of clicking in an other artist song I click on hers. After that I kept searching for her songs on youtube to hear the entire album after hearing it fell in love with her voice. We need voices like hers regardless if it is prepackaged even with all that is still good if we compare to others that rely on auto-tune and big flashy vids.
Your comment is so spot on! Lana Del Rey is such a refreshing change for the Pop music realm.
Congrats on being freshly pressed — yay, a post about music!
I can’t wait till Lana comes to Paris and I can see her live. If you want to follow what is going on in the Paris music scene, check out my blog: http://sonicpompadour.com/
Thanks so much! I’ll definitely check out your blog. I may study in Paris in the fall, and I want to learn about their music scene!
Nice review, Here’s our take on it … complete with bizarre comment at the bottom ….
http://vonpipmusicalexpress.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/rapid-reviews-lana-del-rey-born-to-die/
Cool, I’ll definitely check yours out! 🙂
Reblogged this on The Practical Fashion Diary.
Havnt gave it a listen yet, but will definitely check it out today and get back to you! I am always checking out new music! Thanks!
Logan
http://blog.allamericanclothing.com/
I’m right from hahaped, by the way. They told me lots of useful stuff
Thanks for a great, fair review. I enjoyed the album and find it shocking how harsh the backlash has been online.
Being fair is always my intention, I look at the music and not much else. Thanks for reading! 🙂
I don’t know why critics trash it so hard. My fav is Million Dollar Man.
I too think she is the one to watch.. Every song on this album is fantastic.
I saw this on spotify but after reading your review I’m intrigued. Thanks!
[…] is a decent album but not “groundbreaking” as I was expecting. Listening to the whole album, you can tell she is more of a studio artist than live artist. Hence if you have seen her SNL […]
Love her song Blue Jeans.
Summertime Sadness is a great track too.
Have to say enjoyed her new album – good review by the way
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Great post! I loved “Blue Jeans” and “Video Games” and then saw her on SNL and got a bit confused since she looked like a hot mess. I didn’t realize her image was so controversial and now I must read! 🙂
Great review, refreshing to finally read a review not entirely influence by the current media hype of hating Lana Del Rey. I’m not a fan of her voice, its different but just not my taste.
And my opinion on the “making of the image”: I really hate people criticizing this. After all music is an expression and an art. Since when do people care about how genuine an image is. If Lana wants to express herself this way, attract to a certain target group then let her. If her intentions are to simply make money, she won’t last. These days artists are judged more and more on their ability to perform, this is where people should judge how genuine an artists is, not based on the creation of an image to express her musicality.
GREAT POST. Shared on facebook and Twitter. You hit the nail on the head. “Gangsta Nancy Sinatra” She is but completely unique to herself. Shes an amazing writer and I have no problem with her failed performance . Shes young , 23 . First time on stage. people need to give her a break. Shes a gem. Thanks for the insight.
Awesome, I’m so glad you enjoyed my review! Thank you for reading and sharing 🙂
Even during the SNL debacle, I thought her voice was good. I just think she was nervous during the SNL performance. She reminded me of Fiona Apple in a way, which I really enjoyed in the 90s.
I love BLUE JEANS It’s an amazing a epic song!!!
it is a nice album. nice review.
TechSmartLife
Great lyric!!
http://www.amiarting.wordpress.com
Good Post !!! New here come visit.
Apart from the fact I love it. She’s unique and I like that (apart from she’s hot as hell as well).
[…] youthandhysteria.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/lana-del-rey-born-to-die-album-review […]
I had blown off this album after reading it was “pop” but your review changed my mind and convinced me to give her a shot…and I’m so glad I did! You were right, this album is a real gem. Thank you!
I’m glad you gave it another chance. Don’t let the given genre make your decision 😉 Thanks for reading!
It’s nice to hear a review of this artist that doesn’t seem poisoned by popular thought. I heard one of her songs on iTunes and thought it wasn’t bad. Also, the SNL performance, while different, wasn’t as shitty as some I’ve seen. It seems like people want to jump on the hate wagon. Nice of you to think for yourself.
You hit the nail on what my whole review is trying to tell people. Thanks for your response and for reading! 🙂
I had never heard of her until I saw her on Saturday Night Live, and honestly, I had no interest in listening to her songs ever again after that. I know the stage is tricky, but she just sounded so…
But actually after all of the criticism, I went to her site and listened to a few songs. I didn’t really enjoy the videos, but the torchy sound & deep voice are usually things I go for in a singer.
I have to say, I ended up really liking “Born to Die” . At least enough not to completely discount her.
great review..i think i’m gonna listen to the Album !
x
peerlessbyabby
i love her songs, i’ve never heard anything from her before, but i listened to born to die, and i loved it!!
Nice review. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks a lot! 🙂
I just watched the Born to Die video! AMAZING.
Great review Bianca!!
I really like Lana Del Rey’s music and you have really expressed her style, sounds and imagery fantastically through your writing style. Well done!!
Check out my articles if you like http://karihill.wordpress.com
cheers
Kari
Thank you!! It makes me happy to know that you enjoyed what I wrote since I put so much passion behind it. I’ll definitely check out your blog now! 🙂
love lana del rey 😀 have posted twice about her in the lead up to the album!
http://livingisbreezy.com/2011/09/20/so-fresh-to-death/
http://livingisbreezy.com/2011/09/03/downlow-down-gritty/
I love her as well, so I’m definitely going to read your posts about her! 🙂
thanks for the like! i couldnt really put my thoughts about her into words the way you did, so i used pictures! glad i found your blog!
I honestly had never, ever heard of her until I got the song for free off iTunes. I’m happy to have discovered the song, Born to Die. I like her voice and the style of music.
That reminds me, I need to go back and see what else I can get into on iTunes. It seems free has allowed me to discover really good groups.
Smiles to you and yours,
Faith of Sundrip
I like her a lot, will be getting this album! Great insight!
Thanks for reading! 🙂
Reblogged this on ericjwebb.
A great album run-down – Although I wouldn’t think I would like the style I find Lana Del Rey rather hypnotic and your descriptions of her songs are spot on!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
I liked Blue Jeans but haven’t really listened to the album with all the hype, I think it would be much more interesting if people stopped going on about it in all honesty! But this review was great, and after reading this i’m definitel going to check out the songs! Thanks!
Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
Reblogged this on semicartermatics and commented:
Awe
Damn I gotta try these songs out ASAP!
I was anxiously anticipating the debut of “born to die”, I pre-ordered it on Itunes minutes before midnight on the 29th, I’ve never been anticipating a release as I did for her album( not even for Queen Madonna’s album[whom I LOVE) mind you she is a new/kinda musician. I admire her original style the 40’s/50’s style which I rarely see embodied these days as compared to the 60’s and 70’s that are more common nowadays. The album is dark themed with hints of sunshine[summer sadness]. There isn’t a track on the LP I would skip, the album is impeccable. Songs such as: “national anthem, summer sadness, radio, born to die, blue jeans, video games, Carmen, this is what makes us girls”. send chills down your spine (but in the most authentic way; empirical experiences; life isn’t always sunny, she embodies life in its ENTIRETY. She has my respect.
Your entire comment = SPOT ON!!
I really like a remix of her Video Games http://alifeofmanyfaces.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/video-games/
Definitely a talent to watch.
Reblogged this on Amber Mind and commented:
The moment I heard “Video Games”, I was hooked. It was the first one I heard and I couldn’t get enough. “Born to Die” is a new main stay in my playlist.
great review, i am so in love with her. her voice and style, the lyrics. i think she’s amazing.
I’ll have to have a listen right through. Thanks for the review
Yeah, I hear This Album Is Crack, Gotta Check This Our Foreal 🙂
Here’s my take:
Why Lana Del Rey’s image is actually more powerful than her sound…
http://ludditestereo.net/2012/02/02/born-to-die-lana-del-rey-album-review/
The simple beauty of her video games performance
(live at the corinthia hotel london) would have made
her a super star torch singer in any decade back through
the 1930s.
[…] Lana Del Rey – “Born To Die”: Album Review (youthandhysteria.wordpress.com) […]
I first heard of her when she performed Video Games on Jools Holland. I thought she sounded good but wasn’t drawn in by the song. I’ve given her album a chance and I do like it and I feel 4/5 is pretty spot on to where it should be rated. My favourite would have to be ‘Radio’ but I am a fan of all of the songs. Except for Carmen and even that one is ok.
I have to say though that I don’t think National Anthem directly rips off Bittersweet Symphony. Yes the beginning is similar but not directly lifted like Lady Gaga did for Born this Way. However I would say that the beat to Diet Mountain Dew is basically the beat from ‘If I ruled the world’ Nas and Lauryn Hill, take a listen and compare.
[…] Be sure to check out my review of Born To Die here! […]
[…] Del Rey has released the official video (click her to see her amateur footage version) for my favorite track off Born To Die, “Blue […]
[…] Off her debut album Born To Die, “Carmen” is a tragic and possibly autobiographical track. The video reflects this through old-school clips (in classic LDR style) intermixed with stunning imagery of the artist. […]
[…] you read this blog, it should be quite obvious that I’m a huge fan of Lana Del Rey. I love her album and all the remixes that various producers created from […]
[…] youthandhysteria.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/lana-del-rey-born-to-die-album-review […]
[…] soulful singer plans to drop the re-release of her much-critiqued debut album Born To Die, along with some bonus tracks on November […]
Does Jillette Johnson remind anyone a bit of Lana?? http://open.spotify.com/album/4JzS4uHFuyJ4gR5TVhM2hP
[…] Del Rey’s debut project Born To Die set the music industry in a frenzy when it was released last January. After the controversy died down, the singer proved herself and made people want to hear more. […]
[…] 2. Lana Del Rey – Born To Die […]
[…] was spotted in Santa Monica leaving a recording studio, as well as inside working with previous Born To Die collaborator Rick Nowels. Being a fan of Del Rey, I’m excited to see what she comes up with. […]
She’s too amazing! Check out my Cover of “Born to Die” here!
https://soundcloud.com/p-ryan/lana-de
Awesome! I’ll definitely take a listen 🙂
Thank you!
I comment when I appreciate a article on a
site or if I have something to add to the conversation.
It’s triggered by the sincerness displayed in the post I looked at. And on this article Lana Del Rey – Born To Die: Album Review | youthandhysteria. I was actually moved enough to leave a comment 🙂 I do have a couple of questions for you if you tend not to mind. Could it be simply me or does it look as if like some of these responses appear like left by brain dead folks? 😛 And, if you are writing on other social sites, I’d like to follow you.
Could you make a list every one of all your shared pages like your linkedin profile, Facebook
page or twitter feed?
Hi Mike! Thanks so much for your comment, I really appreciate it and I’m happy that you enjoyed my review 🙂 As for the other comments, there is a lot of variety in them haha
I don’t have a Facebook page for this blog as of yet, but find me on LinkedIn at “Bianca Gracie” http://www.linkedin.com/in/bgracie/ and on Twitter: https://twitter.com/YouthHysteria 🙂
[…] melancholy found during her Lizzy Grant demo days rather than the bombastic production a la Born To Die – thanks to the ethereal bassline and lyrics: “Oh, what can I do / Life is beautiful, but […]
Didn’t mean to post that comment meant to post this:
[…] the title of her forthcoming sophomore album – Ultraviolence. With her debut record Born To Die shattering sonic boundaries, there’s no doubt that the Coney Island Queen will reign again […]
[…] 2. Justin Timberlake – The 20/20 Experience (Part One) […]
[…] the sultry singer’s official sophomore follow-up to her 2012 breakout stunner – Born To Die. Between her debut album and the Paradise Edition EP, this forthcoming record is bound to become […]
[…] 2. Jessie Ware — Tough Love […]