Lana Del Rey, the enigmatic songstress with her ethereal voice and nostalgic melodies, has captivated listeners around the world with her unique blend of dream pop and indie rock. Since bursting onto the music scene in 2011 with her debut album “Born to Die,” Lana Del Rey has established herself as a formidable force in the industry, garnering critical acclaim and amassing a devoted fanbase. Her introspective lyrics, laced with themes of love, loss, and Americana, have resonated deeply with listeners, making her songs a mainstay on countless playlists. In this article, we delve into the rich discography of Lana Del Rey and present the top 10 best songs of her illustrious career. From haunting ballads to melancholic anthems, these tracks not only showcase Lana’s lyrical prowess but also exemplify her ability to transport listeners to a world of bittersweet nostalgia. Join us as we explore the musical landscape crafted by Lana Del Rey, celebrating the timeless songs that have solidified her as one of the most distinctive and influential artists of our time.
1. Hope Is A Dangerous Thing For A Woman Like Me To Have – But I Have It
Lana Del Ray's 'Hope Is A Dangerous Thing For A Woman Like Me To Have – But I Have It' is a poignant ballad that speaks to the complexities of hope and the perils of being open to disappointment. Its haunting melody accompanied by her ethereal voice creates an indelible listening experience, a signature of Lana's music. This song is a great representation of Lana's style, which often includes vivid storytelling and poetic lyrics.
The lyrics showcase her vulnerability and raw emotions, expressing her loneliness, insecurities, and ultimately finding solace in hope. The instrumentation builds up gradually creating an emotional climax that's hard not to be swept away by. It delves into themes that are universal; trying to find one's place in the world and dealing with inner demons.
Lana Del Ray, known for having a unique sound fuses various genres with ease like Pop, Indie Rock, Hip-hop, Alt-Country among others culminating into a trademark style that has inspired many other musicians over time.
Pro Tip: If you love Lana Del Ray's work, Approach her discography by starting from her earlier works to newer ones as you witness the evolution of this gifted musician through time.
Nothing gets you in the mood for a Coca-Cola quite like Lana Del Rey's sultry tune.
2. Cola
Lana Del Ray's song about her experience with a powerful man in the music industry, often referred to as "the Harvey Weinstein anthem," is an intense and captivating piece. The controversial lyrics have been both praised and criticized for their graphic nature. Del Ray's smooth vocals paired with a hypnotic beat makes for an unforgettable track that leaves a lasting impression on listeners.
Moving on from the controversial track, one cannot overlook "Summertime Sadness" which is arguably one of Lana Del Ray's most popular songs. The melancholic yet dreamy nature of this track appeals to listeners of all ages. The lyrics paired with Del Ray's hauntingly beautiful voice instantly transport you into a world where sunshine doesn't always equate to happiness.
It is crucial to mention that despite the success of these two tracks, Lana Del Ray has an extensive discography that features several hidden gems like "Cherry," a track about unrequited love delivered with emotive vocals and introspective lyrics.
In case you haven't listened to Lana Del Ray's entire catalog, go ahead and do yourself a favor by exploring each and every one of her compelling tracks; your soul will thank you later.
Love is a battlefield, and Lana Del Ray is armed with some of the best love songs in the industry.
3. Love
Love is one of the central themes in Lana Del Rey's music. Her melancholic and nostalgic lyrics on the subject have resonated with many of her listeners worldwide. Her soul-stirring ballads, laced with honest emotions and poetic verses, make it easy for fans to lose themselves in the romanticism of her music.
In "Blue Jeans," a track off her second album Born to Die, Del Rey sings about a passionate love that becomes all-consuming. The song's haunting melody and lyrics evoke an image of young love that often feels like everything at once.
One of her most iconic songs, "Video Games," portrays a sense of vulnerability and devotion as she serenades her lover through the immortal medium of video games- reminding us that love can sometimes be found in unlikely places.
An unforgettable song from Lust for Life album is Del Ray's duet with The Weeknd – "Lust For Life". This song serves as a romantic ode to youthful passion, fearlessness in love and hope for a better future-together.
According to Billboard.com, Lana Del Ray's successful “Summertime Sadness” single emerged after Cedric Gervais’ remix was added to Spotify streams responsible for its late-but-meteoric-chart-rise.
As we delve deeper into Lana Del Rey's discography, we find that love is one topic she explores from various angles throughout her music career – making it difficult to not fall under its spell. Born To Die: the musical embodiment of a mid-life crisis that you can dance to.
4. Born To Die
With its dramatic strings and haunting lyrics about a toxic love affair, this track has become a fan favorite and a staple in Del Ray's discography. In "4. Born To Die", Del Ray showcases her unique storytelling ability, creating a cinematic experience for the listener with each verse. Another notable element is the production quality, which highlights the contrast between Del Ray's soft vocals and the grandiose instrumentation. It is undoubtedly one of the best Lana Del Ray songs of all time and an excellent introduction to her musical universe.
Interestingly, "4. Born To Die" was initially met with mixed reviews from critics and even received backlash for what some considered glorification of abusive relationships. However, over time it has managed to establish itself as one of Del Ray's most beloved tracks and has cemented her place in pop culture history as a visionary artist unafraid to take risks.
In addition to its musical merits, "4. Born To Die" also boasts an aesthetically stunning music video directed by Yoann Lemoine, which further accentuates the song's cinematic feel. Shot on location at Chateau de Fontainebleau in France, the video features Del Ray embodying different personas, juxtaposing opulence with gritty realism.
According to Billboard Magazine, "4. Born To Die" spent weeks on their Hot 100 chart and eventually peaked at number nine – marking Del Ray's first top-ten hit in the United States.
Overall, "4. Born To Die" proves that Lana Del Ray possesses a rare gift for combining nostalgia with modern sensibilities and crafting evocative stories through both her lyrics and visuals – making it one of her best and most enduring songs to date.
"Summertime Sadness: the perfect anthem for when you're feeling down and dying for the sun's sweet embrace."
5. Summertime Sadness
This track portrays a contrast of feelings and emotions one usually experiences in the summertime. The melancholy tune with its nostalgic lyrics narrates the sadness which brings memories of broken relationships, changing times and the passing of youth. Despite such somberness being felt, Lana Del Rey's delivery of Summertime Sadness exudes dreamlike euphoria which contrasts drastically as she sings about the depressing reality.
Del Rey's music involves storytelling that is introspective and universally relatable. Summertime Sadness ultimately speaks to emotions that almost every listener can identify with, incorporating nostalgia into an idealized portrayal of events that occurred in summer with something somber attached deep down.
The track was initially released in 2011, but it wasn't until 2013 when Cedric Gervais remixed it that it gained global attention. The remix reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming her best-selling single to date.
If Venice could sing, it would sound like Lana Del Ray's Venice Bitch.
6. Venice Bitch
With her dulcet tones and poetic lyrics, Lana Del Rey has captured the hearts of millions. The sixth entry on our list is an ethereal masterpiece that showcases her talent. "Song of the Venetian waterways" transports listeners down a dreamy soundscape that ebbs and flows with heavenly harmonies. Its opening riff sets the tone for an enduring journey of love, heartache, and self-discovery.
As the song progresses, Lana's haunting voice takes hold, backed by tastefully arranged instrumentals that captivate with their raw emotionality. Without being overly complex or intricate, "Venice Bitch" weaves a spellbinding tale that speaks to society's long-standing fascination with romance and heartbreak.
Finally, what truly sets "Venice Bitch" apart are its subtle nuances and hidden depths. The track brims with symbolism and deeper meanings, such as bridging past and present, leading listeners to explore its many layers time after time.
Interestingly, Lana has stated that "Venice Bitch" was the first song she wrote in her quest for self-discovery after experiencing personal turmoil. And indeed, it reflects her journey towards greater self-awareness while doubling as a tribute to the city of Venice itself- known throughout history as a symbol of beauty and artistic inspiration.
Whether you're wearing blue jeans or no pants at all, Lana's sultry voice will leave you feeling some type of way.
7. Blue Jeans
The song that occupies the seventh spot on the list of the '10 Best Lana Del Ray Songs of All Time' is a sultry musical masterpiece. With its haunting instrumentals and emotive lyrics, this track continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
- The ballad takes listeners on a lyrical journey through a complex love affair.
- Lana delivers a sensual vocal performance, adding depth to the overall mood of the song.
- The video for Blue Jeans features reoccurring motifs of fire and water, providing stunning visual accompaniment to the music.
As one listens to this particular hit by Lana Del Ray, one cannot help but notice its unique charm and unforgettable storytelling capabilities. Its distinct sound sets it apart from other songs in her discography and showcases Lana's exceptional talent as a performer.
Rumors suggest that 'Blue Jeans' was inspired by a true story in which Lana witnessed someone jumping off an apartment building. It's stories like these that make Lana's music so powerful; she draws from real-life experiences and translates them into captivating art.
In 'Video Games', Lana Del Ray proves that sometimes love can be just as addictive and destructive as your favorite virtual world.
8. Video Games
Lana Del Ray has been an influential figure in the music industry for quite some time. Her songs are full of variety, with each track delivering something new and unique. In this paragraph, we will explore what makes this song so captivating.
| Song | Album Name | Release Date |
| Video Games | Born to Die | June 29, 2011 |
'8. Video Games' explores themes of love, heartache, and nostalgia. The melancholic tone of the song perfectly captures the feelings that come with the end of a relationship. The music video features images of vintage Americana and old Hollywood glamour.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for more songs that capture the same emotions as '8. Video Games', be sure to check out Lana Del Ray's entire discography. She has many other hit songs that deal with similar themes that are worth exploring.
Is it just me or does listening to 'The Greatest' make you feel like the star of your own depressing indie movie?
9. The Greatest
One of the most iconic songs of Lana Del Rey is presented in this section. The track showcases her distinct dark yet dreamy sound that captures listeners. Below is a table displaying essential information about "The Greatest."
| Song | The Greatest |
| Album | Norman Fucking Rockwell! |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Genre | Alternative/Indie |
Aside from its enchanting melody, the song also alludes to the current state of American society, specifically during the presidency of Donald Trump. This makes it more than just an ordinary song as it amplifies social and political issues through music.
Lana Del Rey's inspiration behind "The Greatest" came from seeing how many things she had been mourning for years culminating into an overwhelming feeling as if everything was coming to an end. She realized that creating art was a way of coping or grieving for those losses and understanding how everyone else has been impacted by them too.
"The Greatest" is a stunning example of Lana Del Rey's ability to blend her unique vocal style with poignant lyrics about love, loss, and societal struggles. It serves as one of her greatest pieces and continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
Buckle up, because Lana Del Ray's 'Ride' will take you on a nostalgic journey back to the days of freedom, rebellion, and questionable fashion choices.
10. Ride
Del Rey's 'Ride' secures the 10th spot on the list of her best songs. Considered a fan-favorite, 'Ride' was released in 2012 and is an emotional ballad that explores Del Rey's feelings about fame, life and love. It showcases her hauntingly unique voice over an atmospheric instrumental composition.
- The song's opening piano chords set the tone.
- The lyrics unpack themes of loneliness, introspection, and perseverance, paired perfectly with Del Ray's signature cinematic music video.
- The chorus builds up to a triumphant declaration of independence.
- The iconic spoken-word bridge culminates in the lines "I'm tired of feeling like I'm f*cking crazy / I'm tired of driving till I see stars in my eyes."
One unique aspect is how every section of this track feels carefully crafted and thought out. From start to finish, 'Ride' is a masterful showcase of Lana's skill as both a songwriter and vocalist.
Pro Tip: For the full experience, watch its accompanying monologue filled music video.
Samuel Moore 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.
