Lana Del Rey has cemented herself as one of the most iconic and influential artists of the 21st century. With her cinematic style, dreamy vocals, and hauntingly beautiful lyrics, she has captivated millions of fans worldwide. Her ability to blend vintage nostalgia with contemporary emotions creates songs that are timeless yet deeply personal. From melancholic ballads to anthems of rebellion, each track she releases tells a story that resonates long after the music fades.
In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 most popular Lana Del Rey songs of all time. These are the tracks that have not only dominated the charts but also struck a chord with fans, becoming the soundtrack to countless moments of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Whether you’ve been a fan since her Born to Die days or you’ve recently fallen under her spell, this list is a must-see for anyone who wants to explore the essence of Lana Del Rey’s artistry.
Get ready to relive the magic, the melancholy, and the mystique of Lana’s best songs as we count down her most iconic hits. Prepare to be transported into her world of Hollywood glamour, bittersweet romance, and raw emotional depth.
1. “Video Games” (2011)
“Video Games” was the song that introduced the world to Lana Del Rey’s unique sound—a haunting blend of nostalgia, melancholy, and cinematic glamour. Released on October 7, 2011, this mesmerizing track quickly became an internet sensation, propelling Lana into the spotlight. Its minimalist production, featuring delicate strings and harp-like melodies, allows Lana’s sultry voice to shine through. The song’s lyrics paint a picture of unrequited love and longing, with references to the everyday mundane activities that contrast with the deep emotional pull of love. The music video, filled with vintage clips and Lana’s iconic imagery, added to the song’s allure. “Video Games” is more than just a song; it’s a mood, a vibe, and an unforgettable introduction to an artist who would soon redefine pop music.
2. “Summertime Sadness” (2012)
“Summertime Sadness,” released on June 22, 2012, became an anthem of bittersweet love and melancholy. With its lush production and soaring chorus, the track captures the essence of fleeting summer romance infused with inevitable heartbreak. Lana’s vocals are both vulnerable and powerful, perfectly complementing the themes of loss and longing. The song gained even more popularity with a remix by Cedric Gervais, which transformed it into a dance-floor hit, but the original version remains a fan favorite. With lyrics like “I got that summertime sadness,” Lana encapsulates the paradox of feeling joy and sorrow simultaneously, a theme that runs through much of her work.
3. “Born to Die” (2011)
Released on December 30, 2011, “Born to Die” set the stage for Lana Del Rey’s debut album of the same name. This track is a cinematic masterpiece, blending orchestral strings with hip-hop beats to create a sound that feels both vintage and modern. The lyrics, filled with themes of fatalism and doomed love, perfectly capture Lana’s signature style. The lush, dramatic music video, complete with a grandiose palace and symbolic imagery, further solidified Lana’s artistic vision. “Born to Die” is a timeless anthem that showcases Lana’s ability to create a world where beauty and tragedy coexist, making it one of her most iconic songs.
4. “Young and Beautiful” (2013)
“Young and Beautiful,” released on April 23, 2013, became an instant classic when it was featured on the soundtrack for The Great Gatsby film. The song’s sweeping orchestration and haunting lyrics perfectly mirror the themes of the movie: the fleeting nature of youth, beauty, and love. Lana’s voice is full of longing and vulnerability, asking the existential question: “Will you still love me when I’m no longer young and beautiful?” The track’s timeless quality and emotional depth made it one of Lana’s most celebrated songs, earning her critical acclaim and a lasting place in pop culture.
5. “Blue Jeans” (2012)
Released on April 8, 2012, “Blue Jeans” is a retro-inspired love song that showcases Lana Del Rey’s flair for storytelling. The track’s minimalist production, featuring echoing guitars and haunting vocals, allows Lana’s emotive voice to take center stage. The lyrics tell a story of undying love and devotion, with imagery that evokes classic Americana—“Blue jeans, white shirt, walked into the room, you know you made my eyes burn.” The noir-inspired music video, featuring black-and-white cinematography and moody visuals, further adds to the song’s allure. “Blue Jeans” remains one of Lana’s most beloved tracks, encapsulating her unique ability to blend vintage aesthetics with modern emotion.
6. “West Coast” (2014)
“West Coast,” released on April 14, 2014, marked a significant shift in Lana Del Rey’s sound. With its hazy, psychedelic vibe and laid-back, California-inspired groove, this track introduced fans to a new side of Lana. The song’s unconventional structure, which slows down during the chorus instead of building up, adds to its dreamy, hypnotic feel. The lyrics, filled with oceanic imagery and themes of desire and escape, perfectly capture the essence of the California coast. “West Coast” is a standout track from Lana’s Ultraviolence album, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to evolve while staying true to her signature style.
7. “Ride” (2012)
Released on September 25, 2012, “Ride” is one of Lana Del Rey’s most cinematic and emotionally raw songs. The track opens with haunting piano chords that set the tone for a story of freedom, rebellion, and yearning. Lana’s vocals soar as she sings about the desire to break free from societal constraints and live life on her own terms—“I’m tired of feeling like I’m fucking crazy.” The accompanying short film-style music video, featuring Lana on a motorcycle, further enhances the feeling of reckless abandon. “Ride” is an anthem for those who feel trapped by the expectations of the world, and its powerful message continues to resonate with fans.
8. “Love” (2017)
“Love,” released on February 18, 2017, is a heartfelt ode to youth, innocence, and the magic of first love. The song’s dreamy production, with its lush strings and echoing vocals, perfectly complements the nostalgic lyrics. Lana’s voice is filled with warmth and tenderness as she sings about the simple, pure joy of being in love—“Look at you kids with your vintage music, coming through satellites while cruising.” “Love” is a celebration of the beauty and wonder of being young and carefree, making it one of Lana’s most uplifting and poignant songs. Its timeless message and ethereal sound ensure its place among her most popular tracks.
9. “Doin’ Time” (2019)
Lana Del Rey’s cover of Sublime’s “Doin’ Time,” released on May 17, 2019, brings her signature dreamy, nostalgic sound to the classic 1996 track. Lana’s sultry vocals and the laid-back, summery vibe of the song make it a perfect fit for her discography. The song’s themes of freedom, rebellion, and longing resonate deeply with both Lana’s existing fanbase and fans of the original. “Doin’ Time” became a standout hit from her Norman Fucking Rockwell! album, showcasing Lana’s ability to reinterpret classic songs while making them uniquely her own.
10. “National Anthem” (2012)
“National Anthem,” released on July 6, 2012, is a bold and provocative track that explores themes of wealth, power, and fame. The song’s upbeat, almost anthem-like production contrasts with Lana’s sultry, breathy vocals, creating a captivating juxtaposition. The lyrics reference classic Americana imagery, from Wall Street to the Hamptons, while also critiquing the obsession with materialism and status. The music video, which features Lana as both Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy, adds a layer of political and cultural commentary, making “National Anthem” one of her most visually and thematically complex works.
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.
