Lana Del Rey, born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant on June 21, 1985, is an American singer-songwriter known for her distinctive voice, cinematic music style, and nostalgic aesthetic. She first gained widespread attention with her debut single “Video Games” in 2011, which quickly went viral and garnered critical acclaim.
Del Rey’s music is characterized by its dreamy and atmospheric sound, often featuring lush orchestration, vintage-inspired production, and introspective lyrics. Her songs frequently explore themes of love, romance, heartbreak, and Americana, drawing inspiration from her own experiences and influences from classic Hollywood, 1960s pop culture, and alternative rock.
Following the success of “Video Games,” Lana Del Rey released her debut studio album, “Born to Die,” in 2012, which spawned several hit singles including “Summertime Sadness” and “Born to Die.” The album’s cinematic sound and provocative imagery helped establish Del Rey as a unique and enigmatic figure in contemporary music.
Del Rey has since released several more albums, including “Ultraviolence” (2014), “Honeymoon” (2015), “Lust for Life” (2017), and “Norman Fucking Rockwell!” (2019). Each album has received critical acclaim and showcased Del Rey’s evolution as an artist, with her music continuing to explore themes of love, nostalgia, and existentialism.
In addition to her music career, Lana Del Rey has also ventured into other artistic endeavors, including poetry and acting. She has received numerous awards and nominations for her music, including Grammy nominations and a BRIT Award for International Female Solo Artist.
Lana Del Rey’s unique blend of vintage glamour, melancholic beauty, and poetic lyricism has earned her a dedicated fanbase and established her as one of the most influential and iconic artists of her generation.
1. Video Games
“Video Games” is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released in 2011 as her debut single. The song, written by Del Rey herself, along with Justin Parker, showcases her distinctive vocals and cinematic style.
“Video Games” is characterized by its dreamy and atmospheric sound, featuring lush orchestration and haunting melodies. The lyrics depict a complex relationship, with Del Rey singing about longing for love and connection while also expressing a sense of detachment and disillusionment.
The song’s music video, directed by Del Rey herself, features vintage footage of American landscapes and Del Rey herself, adding to the song’s nostalgic and melancholic vibe. The video’s striking visuals and Del Rey’s enigmatic presence helped garner attention and establish her as a unique and compelling artist.
“Video Games” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with praise for Del Rey’s vocals, songwriting, and evocative imagery. The song’s success helped propel Del Rey to international fame and paved the way for her subsequent albums and singles.
“Video Games” remains one of Lana Del Rey’s most iconic and beloved songs, often cited as a defining moment in her career and a testament to her talent as a songwriter and performer.
2. Summertime Sadness
“Summertime Sadness” is a song by American singer Lana Del Rey, released in 2012 as the fourth single from her debut studio album, “Born to Die.” The song is a melancholic ballad with dreamy instrumentation and haunting vocals.
“Summertime Sadness” features Del Rey singing about the bittersweet emotions of summer, with lyrics that convey a sense of longing and nostalgia. The song’s chorus, with Del Rey crooning “Kiss me hard before you go, summertime sadness,” captures the wistful and romantic nature of the song.
The music video for “Summertime Sadness” features Del Rey in various cinematic and atmospheric settings, including a beach and a car ride, reflecting the song’s themes of love and loss. The video’s moody visuals and Del Rey’s enigmatic presence add to the song’s emotional depth.
“Summertime Sadness” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim for its haunting melody and Del Rey’s emotive vocals. The song’s atmospheric sound and evocative lyrics made it a standout track on “Born to Die” and a fan favorite.
3. Born to Die
“Born to Die” is a song by American singer Lana Del Rey, released in 2011 as the title track and second single from her debut studio album. The song is a haunting ballad with a cinematic sound and melancholic lyrics.
“Born to Die” features Del Rey singing about themes of love, mortality, and existentialism. The song’s lyrics explore the idea of living life to the fullest despite the inevitability of death, with Del Rey expressing a mix of defiance and resignation.
The music video for “Born to Die” features Del Rey in various dramatic and atmospheric settings, including a grand mansion and a desert landscape. The video’s cinematic visuals and Del Rey’s evocative performance add to the song’s emotional depth.
“Born to Die” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and earning critical acclaim for its dark and atmospheric sound. The song’s haunting melody and Del Rey’s distinctive vocals helped establish her as a unique and compelling artist 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, written by Del Rey herself along with Emile Haynie and Dan Heath, showcases her signature cinematic style and melancholic vocals.
“Blue Jeans” is characterized by its sultry and atmospheric sound, featuring a haunting melody and hypnotic production. The lyrics depict a passionate and tumultuous love affair, with Del Rey singing about the intensity of her feelings for her lover, likening them to the durability of denim.
The song’s music video, directed by Yoann Lemoine, features Del Rey in various vintage-inspired settings, including a swimming pool and a desert landscape, embodying the song’s themes of Americana and nostalgia. The video’s dreamy visuals and Del Rey’s captivating presence helped solidify her image as a modern-day pop icon.
“Blue Jeans” received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Del Rey’s emotive vocals and the song’s atmospheric production. The song’s success helped further establish Del Rey as a unique and compelling artist, earning her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
“Blue Jeans” remains one of Lana Del Rey’s most iconic and beloved songs, often cited as a standout track from her debut album. Its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and atmospheric production continue to captivate listeners around the world.
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 song is a haunting and melancholic ballad with orchestral arrangements and introspective lyrics.
“Young and Beautiful” features Del Rey singing about the fleeting nature of youth and beauty, with lyrics that express a mix of longing and resignation. The song’s chorus, with Del Rey crooning “Will you still love me when I’m no longer young and beautiful?” captures the song’s central theme of love and insecurity.
The music video for “Young and Beautiful” features Del Rey performing the song in a dark and atmospheric setting, interspersed with scenes from “The Great Gatsby.” The video’s moody visuals and Del Rey’s emotive performance add to the song’s emotional depth.
“Young and Beautiful” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and earning critical acclaim for its haunting melody and Del Rey’s evocative vocals. The song’s inclusion in “The Great Gatsby” soundtrack helped it gain popularity, making it one of Del Rey’s most iconic songs.
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, written by Del Rey herself along with Rick Nowels, Dan Auerbach, and Emile Haynie, showcases her signature cinematic style and haunting vocals.
“West Coast” is characterized by its dark and atmospheric sound, featuring a hypnotic beat and psychedelic guitar riffs. The lyrics depict a tumultuous relationship set against the backdrop of the West Coast of the United States, with Del Rey singing about the allure and danger of living on the edge.
The song’s music video, directed by Vincent Haycock, features Del Rey in various surreal and dreamlike settings, including a beach and a desert landscape, embodying the song’s themes of love, freedom, and escapism. The video’s striking visuals and Del Rey’s captivating presence helped cement her status as a visionary artist.
“West Coast” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with praise for Del Rey’s emotive vocals and the song’s atmospheric production. The song’s success helped further establish Del Rey as one of the most compelling and influential artists of her generation.
“West Coast” remains one of Lana Del Rey’s most iconic and beloved songs, often cited as a standout track from her discography. Its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and atmospheric production continue to captivate listeners and inspire artists around the world.
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 is a pop ballad with hip-hop influences, featuring a slow tempo and lush orchestration.
“National Anthem” features Del Rey singing about themes of love, power, and patriotism, with lyrics that reference American icons such as Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy. The song’s chorus, with Del Rey singing “Money is the anthem of success,” reflects the song’s exploration of wealth and ambition.
The music video for “National Anthem” features Del Rey portraying Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, with rapper A$AP Rocky portraying John F. Kennedy. The video reimagines the iconic couple in a modern setting, with scenes depicting their glamorous lifestyle and tragic fate.
“National Anthem” was a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its cinematic sound and Del Rey’s sultry vocals. The song’s provocative lyrics and stylish production made it a standout track on “Born to Die” and a fan favorite.
8. Ride
“Ride” is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released in 2012 as a single from her third EP, “Paradise.” The song, written by Del Rey herself along with Justin Parker, showcases her signature dreamy vocals and introspective lyrics.
“Ride” is characterized by its atmospheric sound and slow tempo, featuring haunting melodies and lush instrumentation. The lyrics depict Del Rey’s journey of self-discovery and liberation, with themes of freedom, independence, and resilience.
The song’s music video, directed by Anthony Mandler, features Del Rey portraying a troubled and enigmatic character who embarks on a cross-country journey on the back of a motorcycle. The video’s cinematic visuals and Del Rey’s captivating performance add depth and emotion to the song’s narrative.
“Ride” received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Del Rey’s emotive vocals and the song’s atmospheric production. The song’s introspective lyrics and themes of empowerment resonated with listeners, earning it critical acclaim and commercial success.
“Ride” remains one of Lana Del Rey’s most iconic and beloved songs, often cited as a standout track from her discography. Its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and cinematic production continue to captivate listeners and inspire artists around the world.
9. Ultraviolence
“Ultraviolence” is a song by Lana Del Rey from her third studio album of the same name, released in 2014. The song is a slow-tempo ballad with a dark and moody atmosphere.
“Ultraviolence” features Del Rey singing about a toxic and destructive relationship, with lyrics that explore themes of love, violence, and addiction. The song’s chorus, with Del Rey crooning “He hit me and it felt like a kiss,” is a reference to the controversial 1960s song “He Hit Me (And It Felt Like a Kiss)” by The Crystals, which dealt with similar themes of abusive relationships.
The music video for “Ultraviolence” features Del Rey in various surreal and dreamlike settings, reflecting the song’s dark and haunting lyrics. The video’s atmospheric visuals and Del Rey’s emotive performance add to the song’s emotional depth.
“Ultraviolence” was a critical success, earning praise for its atmospheric production and Del Rey’s haunting vocals. The song’s dark and introspective lyrics made it a standout track on the album and a fan favorite.
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, written by Del Rey herself along with Rick Nowels and Emile Haynie, showcases her signature dreamy vocals and nostalgic sound.
“Love” is characterized by its lush instrumentation and ethereal production, featuring sweeping strings and atmospheric synths. The lyrics depict themes of young love, nostalgia, and longing, with Del Rey singing about the timeless and universal nature of romance.
The song’s music video, directed by Rich Lee, features Del Rey in various dreamlike settings, including a beach and a space-themed landscape, embodying the song’s themes of love and escapism. The video’s cinematic visuals and Del Rey’s captivating performance add depth and emotion to the song’s narrative.
“Love” received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Del Rey’s emotive vocals and the song’s atmospheric production. The song’s nostalgic lyrics and dreamy sound resonated with listeners, earning it critical acclaim and commercial success.
“Love” remains one of Lana Del Rey’s most beloved and iconic songs, often cited as a standout track from her discography. Its lush instrumentation, ethereal production, and heartfelt lyrics continue to captivate listeners and inspire artists around the world.
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.
