Album: Born To Die
Record label: Interscope
Genre: Indie-Pop
For fans of: Ellie Goulding, Marina & The Diamonds
Best Song: Born To Die
Rating: 8/10
Since Video Games emerged on the internet last June, the mammoth amount of column inches would have been enough to cause anyone to break down under the pressure of creating perhaps THE album of the decade. With speculations on her millionaire/trailer park background, rather inflated lips, and that Saturday Night Live performance, it's no wonder that there have been mixed reactions to Lana Del Rey's new album, Born To Die. The many comments on her appearance and authenticity seem to somewhat detract from what the most important thing is - the music.
Many have critiscised LDR for her apparent sugar-sweet innocence, but on the album, her sweet breathy voice seems to sing with a certain wisdom normally reserved for singers with careers spanning whole lifetimes. However we mustn't forget that despite having only been thrown into the public eye in the past year, Lizzy Grant (actual name), has been around on the music scene for a fair while longer, releasing a full length studio album back in January 2010. Born To Die, certainly seems to suggest a hidden past. Del Rey relates that the title track is about her wilder youth, singing 'come and take a walk on the wild side'. The haunting melancholy alongside soaring violins and a driving drum beat sends shivers up your spine, and the gentle power of the song really stands out on the album.
Diet Mountain Dew, on the other hand is a far more up tempo track and almost seems reminiscent of Sleigh Bells' Rill Rill, whilst National Anthem sparkles with visions of living the American Dream. Although LDR will most likely never win an award for most inspired lyrics, (yes, 'Money is the reason, we exists. Everybody knows it, it's a fact. Kiss, kiss', I'm looking at you), the beautiful simplicity of the melodies, combined with such a dulcet voice makes for a stunning album.
Recent reports state that this could be Lana Del Rey's first and only album (as she's so pleased with it), however I sure hope that in the future we see more of her, and perhaps next time her critics won't be so harsh.
Many have critiscised LDR for her apparent sugar-sweet innocence, but on the album, her sweet breathy voice seems to sing with a certain wisdom normally reserved for singers with careers spanning whole lifetimes. However we mustn't forget that despite having only been thrown into the public eye in the past year, Lizzy Grant (actual name), has been around on the music scene for a fair while longer, releasing a full length studio album back in January 2010. Born To Die, certainly seems to suggest a hidden past. Del Rey relates that the title track is about her wilder youth, singing 'come and take a walk on the wild side'. The haunting melancholy alongside soaring violins and a driving drum beat sends shivers up your spine, and the gentle power of the song really stands out on the album.
Diet Mountain Dew, on the other hand is a far more up tempo track and almost seems reminiscent of Sleigh Bells' Rill Rill, whilst National Anthem sparkles with visions of living the American Dream. Although LDR will most likely never win an award for most inspired lyrics, (yes, 'Money is the reason, we exists. Everybody knows it, it's a fact. Kiss, kiss', I'm looking at you), the beautiful simplicity of the melodies, combined with such a dulcet voice makes for a stunning album.
Recent reports state that this could be Lana Del Rey's first and only album (as she's so pleased with it), however I sure hope that in the future we see more of her, and perhaps next time her critics won't be so harsh.
Born To Die is out now on Interscope and Polydor, and for more information, visit: www.lanadelrey.com
Over a year on and following your blog is still a very costly business, because your song choices are always perfect....and itunes enjoys swallowing my hard earned salary! A friend of mine just introduced me to Devendre Banhart. If you haven't heard of this, you might like....
ReplyDeleteHad a listen, and he has such a beautiful voice - perfect for a cold wintery evening. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteFlora x
Wonderfully written, I love your blog as always!
ReplyDeleteBeth :-)
thank you! glad you enjoyed it xx
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