Lana Del Rey, born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant on June 21, 1985, is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for her distinctive voice, cinematic sound, and nostalgic aesthetic.
Del Rey began her music career in the early 2000s, initially performing under her real name Lizzy Grant. She gained attention with her debut studio album, “Lana Del Ray A.K.A. Lizzy Grant,” released in 2010. However, it was her second studio album, “Born to Die” (2012), that propelled her to mainstream success. The album featured hit singles like “Video Games” and “Summertime Sadness” and showcased Del Rey’s unique blend of pop, indie, and retro influences.
Since then, Del Rey has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Ultraviolence” (2014), “Honeymoon” (2015), “Lust for Life” (2017), and “Norman Fucking Rockwell!” (2019). Her music often explores themes of love, melancholy, Americana, and the dark side of fame, with lush production and evocative lyrics.
Del Rey is also known for her visual storytelling and cinematic music videos, which often feature vintage aesthetics, Hollywood imagery, and nostalgic references. Her style and persona have earned her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim, establishing her as one of the most influential and iconic figures in contemporary pop music.
Beyond music, Del Rey has ventured into other artistic endeavors, including poetry, acting, and fashion. She has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career and continues to push creative boundaries with her music and artistry.
1. Video Games
“Video Games” is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released in 2011 as her debut single. The song was featured on her second studio album, “Born to Die” (2012).
“Video Games” is a dreamy and melancholic ballad characterized by its lush orchestration, haunting vocals, and nostalgic lyrics. The song’s lyrics depict themes of love, longing, and escapism, with Del Rey singing about the allure of a romantic relationship and the desire for connection in a digital age.
Musically, “Video Games” features a cinematic and atmospheric sound, with elements of trip-hop and baroque pop. The song’s production incorporates lush strings, moody piano chords, and subtle electronic elements, creating a hypnotic and immersive listening experience.
“Video Games” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with praise for Del Rey’s evocative songwriting and captivating vocal performance. The song was hailed as a standout track and a promising debut for Del Rey, earning her comparisons to iconic singers such as Nancy Sinatra and Mazzy Star.
The music video for “Video Games” features vintage footage of Del Rey interspersed with scenes of everyday life, creating a nostalgic and intimate atmosphere. The video’s DIY aesthetic and retro-inspired visuals further enhance the song’s evocative quality.
“Video Games” became a commercial success, charting in multiple countries and earning Del Rey widespread recognition as a talented and unique artist. The song remains one of her most iconic and beloved tracks, celebrated for its timeless sound and emotional depth.
2. Summertime Sadness
“Summertime Sadness” is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. Originally released as a single in 2012, it gained significant popularity after the release of a remix by Cedric Gervais in 2013. The remix version became a commercial success, reaching high chart positions internationally and earning critical acclaim.
The song itself, in both its original and remixed forms, is a dreamy and melancholic pop ballad characterized by its haunting melody and evocative lyrics. “Summertime Sadness” explores themes of longing, nostalgia, and the bittersweet emotions associated with summer romance.
In the lyrics, Lana Del Rey reflects on a past relationship and the sadness that lingers even during the carefree days of summer. The juxtaposition of the upbeat tempo and the wistful lyrics creates a poignant and memorable listening experience.
The Cedric Gervais remix of “Summertime Sadness” adds a danceable electronic beat to the original song, giving it a more club-friendly sound while retaining the emotional depth of the original. The remix’s infectious rhythm and catchy hooks contributed to its widespread popularity and commercial success.
“Summertime Sadness” remains one of Lana Del Rey’s most iconic and beloved songs, celebrated for its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and timeless appeal.
3. Born to Die
“Born to Die” is a song by Lana Del Rey, serving as the title track and the lead single from her debut studio album, “Born to Die,” released in 2012. The song was written by Lana Del Rey and Justin Parker, with production handled by Emile Haynie.
“Born to Die” is a haunting and atmospheric ballad that explores themes of love, mortality, and the darker aspects of life. The song’s lyrics depict a tumultuous and destructive relationship, with Del Rey singing about the complexities of love and the inevitability of death. The chorus features the repeated refrain, “Don’t make me sad, don’t make me cry, sometimes love is not enough and the road gets tough, I don’t know why.”
Musically, “Born to Die” features a dramatic orchestral arrangement, with lush strings, cinematic production, and Del Rey’s sultry vocals. The song’s grandiose sound and melancholic atmosphere contributed to its widespread acclaim and commercial success.
The accompanying music video for “Born to Die” features Del Rey in various cinematic settings, including a glamorous mansion and a desert landscape, interspersed with scenes of violence and passion. The video adds to the song’s themes of love, death, and existentialism, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant viewing experience.
“Born to Die” became one of Lana Del Rey’s signature songs and helped to establish her as a unique and influential voice in contemporary pop music. The song’s success paved the way for the widespread acclaim and commercial success of her debut album, solidifying her status as an iconic figure in the music industry.
4. Blue Jeans
“Blue Jeans” is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released in 2012 as the third single from her debut studio album, “Born to Die.” The song was written by Del Rey and Emile Haynie.
“Blue Jeans” is a dreamy and atmospheric ballad characterized by its haunting melody, lush instrumentation, and nostalgic lyrics. The song’s lyrics depict themes of love, longing, and devotion, with Del Rey singing about a tumultuous relationship and the enduring bond she shares with her partner.
Musically, “Blue Jeans” features a cinematic and retro-inspired sound, with elements of trip-hop, pop, and indie rock. The song’s production incorporates lush strings, moody guitar chords, and Del Rey’s signature husky vocals, creating a hypnotic and immersive listening experience.
“Blue Jeans” received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its evocative songwriting, atmospheric production, and Del Rey’s captivating vocal performance. The song became a commercial success, charting in multiple countries and earning Del Rey widespread recognition as a rising star in the music industry.
The music video for “Blue Jeans” features vintage-inspired visuals, including scenes of Del Rey lounging by a poolside and engaging in a passionate romance with a motorcycle-riding lover. The video’s stylized aesthetic and cinematic quality further enhance the song’s nostalgic appeal.
“Blue Jeans” remains one of Lana Del Rey’s most beloved and enduring songs, celebrated for its timeless sound, emotional depth, and evocative storytelling.
5. Young and Beautiful
“Young and Beautiful” is a song by Lana Del Rey, featured on the soundtrack for the 2013 film “The Great Gatsby.” The song was written by Lana Del Rey and Rick Nowels, with production by Rick Nowels.
“Young and Beautiful” is a haunting and melancholic ballad that explores themes of love, beauty, and mortality. The song’s lyrics depict the insecurities and fears of a young woman who questions whether her beauty will fade with time and whether her lover will still find her attractive as she grows older. Del Rey sings about the fleeting nature of youth and the desire to be loved unconditionally, despite the inevitability of aging and change.
Musically, “Young and Beautiful” features a lush orchestral arrangement, with sweeping strings, delicate piano, and Del Rey’s ethereal vocals. The song’s cinematic production and emotional depth contributed to its widespread acclaim and commercial success.
The accompanying music video for “Young and Beautiful” features Del Rey in various cinematic settings, including a grand mansion and a forest, interspersed with scenes from “The Great Gatsby” film. The video adds to the song’s themes of beauty, longing, and romanticism, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant viewing experience.
“Young and Beautiful” received positive reviews from music critics and became one of Lana Del Rey’s most successful songs. It reached the top 10 in several countries and earned critical acclaim for its evocative lyrics and atmospheric production. The song’s inclusion on “The Great Gatsby” soundtrack further boosted its popularity and solidified its status as an iconic piece of Del Rey’s discography.
6. West Coast
“West Coast” is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released in 2014 as the lead single from her third studio album, “Ultraviolence.” The song was written by Del Rey, Rick Nowels, and Dan Auerbach.
“West Coast” is a mid-tempo rock ballad characterized by its moody atmosphere, gritty guitars, and hypnotic melody. The song’s lyrics explore themes of love, desire, and the allure of the West Coast of the United States. Del Rey sings about the excitement and danger of living on the edge and embracing a life of spontaneity and adventure.
Musically, “West Coast” features a darker and more experimental sound compared to some of Del Rey’s previous work, with elements of alternative rock and psychedelic pop. The song’s production incorporates swirling guitars, swirling synths, and Del Rey’s signature sultry vocals, creating a hypnotic and immersive listening experience.
“West Coast” received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its atmospheric production, evocative lyrics, and Del Rey’s captivating vocal performance. The song became a commercial success, charting in multiple countries and earning Del Rey widespread acclaim as a boundary-pushing artist.
The music video for “West Coast” features Del Rey wandering along the beach and engaging in a passionate romance with a tattooed lover. The video’s dreamy visuals and cinematic quality further enhance the song’s atmospheric vibe.
“West Coast” remains one of Lana Del Rey’s most iconic and beloved songs, celebrated for its atmospheric sound, emotional depth, and evocative storytelling.
7. National Anthem
“National Anthem” is a song by Lana Del Rey from her debut studio album, “Born to Die,” released in 2012. The song was written by Lana Del Rey, Justin Parker, and The Nexus, with production handled by Emile Haynie and Jeff Bhasker.
“National Anthem” is an atmospheric and seductive track that blends elements of pop, hip hop, and alternative rock. Lyrically, the song explores themes of love, power, and Americana, with Del Rey singing about the complexities of a passionate and tumultuous relationship. The chorus features the repeated refrain, “Money is the anthem of success, so put on mascara and your party dress.”
Musically, “National Anthem” features a lush and cinematic production, with orchestral strings, booming drums, and Del Rey’s sultry vocals. The song’s grandiose sound and hypnotic melody contributed to its widespread acclaim and commercial success.
The accompanying music video for “National Anthem” features Del Rey portraying Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, with rapper A$AP Rocky portraying John F. Kennedy. The video reimagines iconic moments from the Kennedy era, including their wedding and Kennedy’s assassination, with Del Rey adding her signature retro aesthetic and glamorous style to the proceedings. The video received praise for its creativity and visual storytelling.
“National Anthem” became one of Lana Del Rey’s signature songs and helped to establish her as a unique and influential voice in contemporary pop music. The song’s success further solidified Del Rey’s status as an iconic figure in the music industry, known for her distinctive sound and artistic vision.
8. Ride
“Ride” is a song by Lana Del Rey, released as a single in 2012 and later included on her third EP, “Paradise.” The song was written by Lana Del Rey and Justin Parker, with production by Rick Rubin.
“Ride” is a slow-burning ballad that explores themes of freedom, independence, and self-discovery. The song’s lyrics depict Del Rey reflecting on her life experiences, embracing her wild and rebellious nature, and finding solace in the open road. She sings about the thrill of adventure and the desire to escape from the confines of society, expressing sentiments like “I’m tired of feeling like I’m fucking crazy, I’m tired of driving ’til I see stars in my eyes.”
Musically, “Ride” features a moody and atmospheric production, with haunting guitar melodies, atmospheric synths, and Del Rey’s emotive vocals. The song’s cinematic sound and introspective lyrics contributed to its critical acclaim and commercial success.
The accompanying music video for “Ride” features Del Rey as a free-spirited and fearless biker chick, riding through the desert and interacting with various characters along the way. The video adds to the song’s themes of freedom and rebellion, capturing the essence of Del Rey’s persona and aesthetic.
“Ride” became one of Lana Del Rey’s most acclaimed songs and helped to solidify her reputation as a unique and influential voice in contemporary pop music. The song’s success further established Del Rey as an artist known for her cinematic storytelling and evocative songwriting.
9. Ultraviolence
“Ultraviolence” is a song by Lana Del Rey, serving as the title track from her third studio album, “Ultraviolence,” released in 2014. The song was written by Lana Del Rey and Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, with production by Auerbach.
“Ultraviolence” is a haunting and atmospheric track that explores themes of love, obsession, and darkness. The song’s lyrics depict a tumultuous and destructive relationship, with Del Rey singing about the intoxicating allure of danger and violence in the name of love. The chorus features the repeated refrain, “He hit me and it felt like a kiss,” reflecting the complex and controversial nature of the song’s subject matter.
Musically, “Ultraviolence” features a stripped-back and brooding production, with sparse instrumentation and Del Rey’s haunting vocals taking center stage. The song’s moody atmosphere and emotive delivery contributed to its critical acclaim and commercial success.
The accompanying music video for “Ultraviolence” features Del Rey in various cinematic settings, including a dilapidated mansion and a surreal dream sequence. The video adds to the song’s themes of darkness and obsession, capturing the intensity and emotional turmoil of the song’s lyrics.
“Ultraviolence” became one of the standout tracks from Lana Del Rey’s album of the same name and helped to establish her as an artist known for her bold and provocative storytelling. The song’s success further solidified Del Rey’s reputation as a unique and influential voice in contemporary pop music.
10. Love
“Love” is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released in 2017 as the lead single from her fifth studio album, “Lust for Life.” The song was written by Del Rey, Rick Nowels, Benny Blanco, and Emile Haynie.
“Love” is a dreamy and atmospheric pop ballad characterized by its lush production, ethereal vocals, and nostalgic lyrics. The song’s lyrics explore themes of youth, romance, and escapism, with Del Rey singing about the transformative power of love and the desire to break free from the constraints of everyday life.
Musically, “Love” features a cinematic and retro-inspired sound, with elements of dream pop and indie rock. The song’s production incorporates lush orchestration, shimmering synths, and Del Rey’s signature breathy vocals, creating a hypnotic and immersive listening experience.
“Love” received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its evocative songwriting, atmospheric production, and Del Rey’s captivating vocal performance. The song became a commercial success, charting in multiple countries and earning Del Rey widespread acclaim as a gifted storyteller and songwriter.
The music video for “Love” features Del Rey performing the song against a backdrop of vintage-inspired visuals, including scenes of young lovers embracing and exploring the world around them. The video’s nostalgic aesthetic and cinematic quality further enhance the song’s dreamy vibe.
“Love” remains one of Lana Del Rey’s most beloved and enduring songs, celebrated for its timeless sound, emotional depth, and evocative storytelling.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
