Lana Del Rey has captivated the world with her hauntingly beautiful voice, cinematic storytelling, and a nostalgic sound that transports listeners to a dreamy, melancholic universe. Since breaking onto the scene in 2011 with her viral hit “Video Games,” Lana has cemented herself as one of the most enigmatic and influential artists of the 21st century, constantly pushing the boundaries of modern pop with her evocative lyrics and sultry, old-Hollywood glamour. Her songs are more than just music — they are experiences, each one dripping with emotion and laced with themes of love, heartbreak, Americana, and existential longing.
In this article, we’ll take a journey through the top 10 most popular Lana Del Rey songs of all time. From chart-topping anthems to cult classics beloved by her most devoted fans, these tracks showcase the best of Lana’s unparalleled artistry. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her intoxicating sound, this list will remind you why Lana Del Rey continues to mesmerize millions around the globe. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the musical world of one of pop’s most mysterious and talented stars.
1. Video Games (2011)
Lana Del Rey’s breakout hit, “Video Games,” released in 2011, introduced the world to her unique brand of cinematic pop. This melancholic ballad, with its sweeping strings and hushed vocals, tells the story of a woman lost in the nostalgia of a love that feels both distant and all-consuming. The song’s slow, deliberate pace pairs perfectly with Lana’s yearning delivery, evoking a sense of timeless longing. The lyrics paint vivid pictures of Americana, blending modern love with vintage imagery, themes that would become quintessential to her later work. “Video Games” wasn’t just a song, it was a statement — a haunting debut that set the stage for Lana’s incredible career.
2. Summertime Sadness (2012)
“Summertime Sadness” is arguably one of Lana Del Rey’s most iconic tracks, released in 2012 as part of her Born to Die album. The song is a bittersweet ode to fleeting love and the inevitable sadness that accompanies summer’s end. With its booming production and Lana’s hypnotic vocals, “Summertime Sadness” is drenched in a sense of loss and yearning. The song became a massive success, especially after its remix by Cedric Gervais catapulted it to even greater heights. However, even the original version stands as a powerful anthem of melancholy, with Lana’s signature retro vibes and cinematic storytelling.
3. Born to Die (2011)
“Born to Die,” the title track from Lana’s 2011 album, is a lush, orchestral masterpiece that juxtaposes themes of love, danger, and inevitable loss. With its grandiose instrumentation and Lana’s sultry, breathy vocals, “Born to Die” feels like a tragic love story unfolding in slow motion. The song’s lyrics explore the fragility of life and love, with Lana embracing both passion and despair in equal measure. This track, with its cinematic production and haunting chorus, helped cement Lana’s place as a pop icon with a sound all her own. It remains one of her most defining songs.
4. Young and Beautiful (2013)
Released in 2013 as part of The Great Gatsby soundtrack, “Young and Beautiful” is a haunting ballad that perfectly captures the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. The song’s orchestral arrangement, combined with Lana’s plaintive vocals, creates a sense of timeless yearning. In the track, she questions whether love will last once beauty fades, a theme that resonates deeply in both the context of the film and Lana’s broader body of work. “Young and Beautiful” is a poignant, introspective song that showcases Lana’s ability to tap into universal emotions with a cinematic flair.
5. Blue Jeans (2011)
“Blue Jeans,” released in 2011, is a sultry, nostalgic track that blends old-school romance with a darker, more dangerous edge. The song’s twangy guitar riffs and atmospheric production create a moody backdrop for Lana’s tale of a love that’s both passionate and destructive. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, from James Dean references to the sun setting on a doomed relationship. “Blue Jeans” is a perfect example of Lana’s ability to merge classic Americana aesthetics with modern pop sensibilities, resulting in a song that feels both timeless and fresh.
6. West Coast (2014)
“West Coast,” released in 2014 as part of Ultraviolence, marked a shift in Lana Del Rey’s sound, moving away from the lush orchestration of her earlier work to a more stripped-down, psychedelic rock vibe. The song’s hypnotic rhythm, with its shifting tempo and sultry vocals, captures the laid-back yet dangerous allure of the West Coast. Lana sings about a love that’s as fleeting and unpredictable as the California waves, blending themes of desire, uncertainty, and the pull of fame. “West Coast” is a standout track in Lana’s discography, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
7. Ride (2012)
“Ride,” released in 2012, is a sweeping, emotional anthem that delves into themes of freedom, rebellion, and existential longing. The song’s powerful chorus, combined with Lana’s raw, emotive delivery, makes it one of her most compelling tracks. In “Ride,” Lana sings about the desire to escape, to live life on the edge, and to embrace the chaos of existence. The song’s cinematic production and poignant lyrics create an atmosphere of both beauty and despair, making it a quintessential Lana Del Rey song. The accompanying music video, with its sweeping desert landscapes and themes of freedom, further solidifies “Ride” as a Lana classic.
8. Doin’ Time (2019)
Lana Del Rey’s cover of Sublime’s “Doin’ Time,” released in 2019, brings her signature dreamy, melancholic sound to the iconic track. Lana transforms the laid-back, reggae-infused original into a sultry, atmospheric version that fits seamlessly within her discography. Her velvety vocals float over the hazy instrumentation, creating a sense of languid, sun-soaked bliss. The song’s themes of love and longing are perfectly suited to Lana’s style, and her rendition of “Doin’ Time” became an instant fan favorite. It’s a perfect example of how Lana can take a classic song and make it undeniably her own.
9. Love (2017)
“Love,” released in 2017, is a soaring, romantic anthem that celebrates the beauty and innocence of young love. The song’s lush production and Lana’s ethereal vocals create a dreamlike atmosphere, making it one of her most uplifting and hopeful tracks. In “Love,” Lana sings about the joy and freedom of being in love, capturing the feeling of being young and invincible. The song’s message is simple yet powerful, reminding listeners of the importance of love in a world that can often feel dark and uncertain. “Love” is a standout track in Lana’s discography, offering a rare glimpse of optimism.
10. Lust for Life (2017)
“Lust for Life,” the title track from Lana’s 2017 album, sees her teaming up with The Weeknd for a sultry, slow-burning duet. The song is a celebration of living in the moment, embracing love, and seeking pleasure, all while acknowledging the darker undertones that often accompany such pursuits. With its retro production and dreamy vocals, “Lust for Life” feels like a modern-day love letter to the 1960s, full of poetic imagery and emotional depth. The collaboration with The Weeknd adds an extra layer of allure, making “Lust for Life” one of Lana’s most popular and captivating songs.