Lana Del Rey, whose real name is Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, is an American singer-songwriter known for her dreamy, cinematic sound and evocative lyrics. Born on June 21, 1985, in New York City, Del Rey began her music career in the early 2000s, initially performing under her given name, Lizzy Grant.
Del Rey gained widespread attention with the release of her single “Video Games” in 2011, which garnered critical acclaim for its moody atmosphere and nostalgic sound. The song was included on her debut studio album, “Born to Die,” released in 2012. The album was a commercial success, topping charts worldwide and earning Del Rey a dedicated fanbase.
Throughout her career, Del Rey has continued to release acclaimed albums and singles, including “Ultraviolence” (2014), “Honeymoon” (2015), and “Lust for Life” (2017). Her music is often characterized by its lush production, vintage aesthetic, and themes of love, longing, and Americana.
In addition to her music, Del Rey has also pursued other creative endeavors, including acting and poetry. She has appeared in films such as “The Great Gatsby” (2013) and “Big Eyes” (2014), and has published collections of poetry, further showcasing her artistic versatility.
Lana Del Rey’s distinctive style and evocative storytelling have made her one of the most iconic and influential artists of her generation. Her music continues to resonate with audiences around the world, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
1. Video Games
“Video Games” is a song by Lana Del Rey, released as her debut single in 2011. It served as the lead single from her second studio album, “Born to Die,” and gained widespread acclaim for its unique sound and poignant lyrics.
Lyrically, “Video Games” is a melancholic ballad that reflects on themes of love, longing, and nostalgia. Del Rey’s lyrics depict a complicated relationship in which the protagonist expresses devotion to her partner despite their indifference. The song’s title refers to the metaphor of “playing” emotional games, as well as the imagery of spending time together playing video games.
Musically, “Video Games” features a haunting and atmospheric production, with sparse instrumentation consisting of piano, strings, and subtle electronic elements. Del Rey’s smoky vocals and emotive delivery add to the song’s ethereal quality, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
The accompanying music video for “Video Games” features Del Rey in vintage-inspired footage, interspersed with scenes of various landscapes and vintage video game imagery. The video’s nostalgic visuals complement the song’s themes of longing and escapism, adding depth and dimension to its narrative.
“Video Games” was a critical and commercial success, earning Del Rey widespread acclaim and establishing her as a breakout artist. The song’s unique sound and evocative lyrics resonated with audiences worldwide, earning it a place as one of Del Rey’s signature tracks and a standout moment in her discography.
2. Summertime Sadness
“Summertime Sadness” is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released in 2012 as the fourth single from her debut studio album, “Born to Die.” The song gained significant popularity and recognition, particularly with its remix by Cedric Gervais, which helped propel it to mainstream success.
Lyrically, “Summertime Sadness” explores themes of melancholy, nostalgia, and the bittersweet emotions associated with lost love. The lyrics depict the narrator reflecting on a past relationship and longing for the carefree days of summer, despite feeling sadness and heartache. Lines like “Kiss me hard before you go, summertime sadness” evoke a sense of longing and wistfulness.
The production of “Summertime Sadness” features atmospheric synths, dreamy melodies, and Del Rey’s signature sultry vocals, creating a haunting and atmospheric sound. The remix by Cedric Gervais adds electronic dance elements, giving the song a more upbeat and club-friendly vibe while still retaining the original’s emotional depth.
“Summertime Sadness” received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, praised for its atmospheric production, evocative lyrics, and Del Rey’s captivating vocal performance. The song became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and earning Del Rey numerous award nominations.
The accompanying music video for “Summertime Sadness” features Del Rey in various dreamlike and cinematic settings, reflecting the song’s themes of nostalgia and longing. The video’s moody visuals and artistic direction further enhance the song’s emotional impact, solidifying its status as one of Del Rey’s most iconic tracks.
3. Born to Die
“Born to Die” is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released in 2011 as the title track and second single from her debut studio album of the same name. The song serves as an introduction to Del Rey’s distinctive style, characterized by its haunting melody, cinematic production, and melancholic lyrics.
Lyrically, “Born to Die” explores themes of love, mortality, and existentialism. The lyrics depict the narrator grappling with the complexities of life and relationships, with lines like “Choose your last words, this is the last time” and “Feet don’t fail me now, take me to the finish line” conveying a sense of urgency and fatalism. The chorus, with lines like “We were born to die,” captures the song’s themes of inevitability and the transient nature of existence.
The production of “Born to Die” features lush orchestration, dramatic strings, and Del Rey’s signature smoky vocals, creating a cinematic and atmospheric sound. The song’s haunting melody and emotive delivery contribute to its emotional depth and impact.
“Born to Die” received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, praised for its lush production, evocative lyrics, and Del Rey’s captivating vocal performance. The song became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and earning Del Rey numerous award nominations.
The accompanying music video for “Born to Die” features Del Rey in various surreal and cinematic settings, including a grand mansion and a crashing car, reflecting the song’s themes of love and mortality. The video’s moody visuals and artistic direction further enhance the song’s emotional impact, solidifying its status as one of Del Rey’s most iconic tracks.
4. Blue Jeans
“Blue Jeans” is a song by Lana Del Rey, released as the third single from her debut studio album, “Born to Die,” in 2012. The track is known for its sultry sound, nostalgic vibe, and evocative lyrics.
Lyrically, “Blue Jeans” tells the story of a tumultuous relationship characterized by passion and intensity. Del Rey’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love affair filled with longing, desire, and a sense of danger. The song’s title refers to the iconic denim garment, which serves as a symbol of Americana and timeless style.
Musically, “Blue Jeans” features a moody and atmospheric production, with a hypnotic beat, haunting melodies, and Del Rey’s signature smoky vocals. The song’s instrumentation includes elements of trip-hop, indie pop, and vintage rock, creating a cinematic and immersive listening experience.
The accompanying music video for “Blue Jeans” further enhances the song’s themes, featuring Del Rey in various scenes of passion and drama. The video’s stylized visuals and dreamy aesthetic add depth and dimension to the song’s narrative, capturing the essence of its romantic and nostalgic appeal.
“Blue Jeans” was a commercial success, earning critical acclaim and solidifying Lana Del Rey’s status as a rising star in the music industry. The song remains a fan favorite and a staple in Del Rey’s live performances, beloved for its haunting melody and evocative storytelling.
5. Young and Beautiful
“Young and Beautiful” is a song by Lana Del Rey, released in 2013 as the soundtrack for the film “The Great Gatsby.” The track, which was co-written with Rick Nowels, is known for its haunting melody, lush orchestration, and emotive vocals.
Lyrically, “Young and Beautiful” reflects on the fleeting nature of youth and beauty, as well as the desire for eternal love and devotion. Del Rey’s lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and longing, as she questions whether her love will remain strong and true as she grows older. The song’s title serves as a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of youth and the fear of losing it.
Musically, “Young and Beautiful” features a sweeping orchestral arrangement, with delicate strings, piano, and cinematic production. Del Rey’s ethereal vocals soar over the lush instrumentation, creating a sense of grandeur and melancholy. The song’s atmospheric soundscapes and emotive melody capture the opulence and tragedy of “The Great Gatsby” narrative.
The accompanying music video for “Young and Beautiful” features scenes from “The Great Gatsby” film, intercut with footage of Del Rey performing the song. The video’s vintage aesthetic and dreamy visuals add depth and dimension to the song’s themes, enhancing its emotional impact.
“Young and Beautiful” was a critical and commercial success, earning Del Rey widespread acclaim and reaching the top 10 in several countries’ music charts. The song remains one of her most iconic and beloved tracks, praised for its haunting beauty and emotional resonance.
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 is characterized by its moody and atmospheric sound, featuring elements of rock, psychedelic, and indie music.
Lyrically, “West Coast” explores themes of love, desire, and longing, with a focus on the allure and mystique of the American West Coast. The lyrics depict the narrator’s intense emotional connection to a lover, with lines like “Down on the West Coast, they got a saying, if you’re not drinking, then you’re not playing” conveying a sense of hedonism and recklessness. The chorus, with its hypnotic repetition of “Down on the West Coast, I get this feeling like it all could happen,” captures the song’s dreamy and intoxicating vibe.
The production of “West Coast” features atmospheric guitars, swirling synths, and Del Rey’s smoky vocals, creating a lush and immersive sonic landscape. The song’s slow tempo and hypnotic groove contribute to its hypnotic and captivating feel.
“West Coast” received positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmospheric production, evocative lyrics, and Del Rey’s sultry vocal delivery. The song became a commercial success, reaching the top 40 in multiple countries and earning Del Rey numerous award nominations.
The accompanying music video for “West Coast” features Del Rey in various cinematic and surreal settings, including a beach and a vintage car, reflecting the song’s themes of escapism and longing. The video’s moody visuals and artistic direction further enhance the song’s emotional impact, solidifying its status as one of Del Rey’s most iconic tracks.
7. National Anthem
“National Anthem” is a song by Lana Del Rey, released as a single from her debut studio album, “Born to Die,” in 2012. The track is known for its cinematic sound, provocative lyrics, and bold imagery.
Lyrically, “National Anthem” explores themes of power, wealth, and celebrity culture. Del Rey’s lyrics depict a complex relationship between two lovers, with references to American icons such as Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy. The song’s title serves as a metaphor for the intensity and grandeur of the relationship, as well as the larger-than-life personas of the protagonists.
Musically, “National Anthem” features a lush and atmospheric production, with dramatic orchestration, hip-hop beats, and Del Rey’s sultry vocals. The song’s instrumentation combines elements of pop, hip-hop, and indie rock, creating a dynamic and immersive listening experience. The chorus of “Money is the anthem of success” reinforces the song’s themes of materialism and ambition.
The accompanying music video for “National Anthem” features Del Rey portraying Jacqueline Kennedy and rapper A$AP Rocky as John F. Kennedy, reimagining the iconic couple in a modern context. The video’s stylized visuals and provocative imagery explore themes of power, wealth, and celebrity, adding depth and dimension to the song’s narrative.
“National Anthem” received positive reviews from critics, who praised its bold lyrics, inventive production, and cinematic quality. The song remains a fan favorite and a standout track on “Born to Die,” showcasing Lana Del Rey’s unique artistic vision and storytelling prowess.
8. Ride
“Ride” is a song by Lana Del Rey, released as a single from her third EP, “Paradise,” and later included in the re-release of her second studio album, “Born to Die: The Paradise Edition,” both in 2012. The track is notable for its atmospheric production, introspective lyrics, and cinematic quality.
Lyrically, “Ride” delves into themes of freedom, independence, and self-discovery. Del Rey’s lyrics depict a protagonist who embraces a nomadic lifestyle, finding solace and liberation in the open road. The song’s narrative explores the complexities of love, longing, and existentialism, as the protagonist grapples with her past and searches for meaning in her experiences.
Musically, “Ride” features a lush and expansive production, with dreamy instrumentation, sweeping strings, and Del Rey’s smoky vocals. The song’s slow tempo and atmospheric soundscapes create a sense of introspection and melancholy, evoking a feeling of longing and nostalgia.
The accompanying music video for “Ride” further enhances the song’s themes, featuring Del Rey in various cinematic vignettes that depict her journey on the open road. The video’s evocative imagery and striking visuals add depth and dimension to the song’s narrative, capturing the essence of freedom and self-discovery.
“Ride” received widespread acclaim from critics, who praised its introspective lyrics, atmospheric production, and Del Rey’s emotive performance. The song remains a fan favorite and a standout track in Del Rey’s discography, showcasing her unique blend of dream pop, indie rock, and baroque pop influences.
9. Ultraviolence
“Ultraviolence” is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released in 2014 as the title track and third single from her third studio album of the same name. The song is characterized by its dark and atmospheric sound, featuring elements of rock, psychedelic, and dream pop music.
Lyrically, “Ultraviolence” explores themes of love, power, and violence, with a focus on the complexities and contradictions of romantic relationships. The lyrics depict the narrator’s tumultuous and sometimes destructive love affair, with lines like “He hit me and it felt like a kiss” and “He hurt me, but it felt like true love” conveying a sense of intensity and ambiguity. The chorus, with its repetition of “Heaven is on Earth, I will do anything for you, babe,” captures the song’s themes of devotion and obsession.
The production of “Ultraviolence” features atmospheric guitars, haunting strings, and Del Rey’s smoky vocals, creating a brooding and immersive sonic landscape. The song’s slow tempo and melancholic melody contribute to its hypnotic and haunting feel.
“Ultraviolence” received positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmospheric production, evocative lyrics, and Del Rey’s emotive vocal delivery. The song became a commercial success, reaching the top 40 in multiple countries and earning Del Rey numerous award nominations.
The accompanying music video for “Ultraviolence” features Del Rey in various cinematic and surreal settings, including a beach and a vintage car, reflecting the song’s themes of love and violence. The video’s moody visuals and artistic direction further enhance the song’s emotional impact, solidifying its status as one of Del Rey’s most iconic tracks.
10. Love
“Love” is a song by Lana Del Rey, released as the lead single from her fifth studio album, “Lust for Life,” in 2017. The track is known for its dreamy atmosphere, nostalgic vibe, and romantic themes.
Lyrically, “Love” explores the timeless theme of love in all its forms. Del Rey’s lyrics depict a sense of longing and yearning for connection, as she sings about the universal desire to experience love and companionship. The song’s lyrics also touch upon themes of youth, innocence, and the passage of time, evoking a sense of nostalgia for lost moments and fleeting emotions.
Musically, “Love” features a lush and ethereal production, with shimmering synths, atmospheric instrumentation, and Del Rey’s trademark smoky vocals. The song’s dreamy melodies and hazy soundscapes create a sense of escapism and reverie, transporting listeners to a world of romance and fantasy.
The accompanying music video for “Love” further enhances the song’s themes, featuring Del Rey in various surreal and cinematic vignettes that evoke the mood and atmosphere of the song. The video’s dreamlike visuals and nostalgic imagery add depth and dimension to the song’s narrative, capturing the essence of love as a transcendent and transformative experience.
“Love” was met with critical acclaim upon its release, with praise for its lush production, evocative lyrics, and Del Rey’s emotive vocals. The song remains a fan favorite and a standout track in Del Rey’s discography, celebrated for its timeless appeal and romantic sentiment.
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.
