Lana Del Rey – Born to Die Album Review

You would have to be living under a rock to not know that Lana del Rey, the sultry siren and internet sensation, is finally releasing her debut album ‘Born to Die.’

Upon her sudden arrival last summer, Lana quickly rode the crest of the social media wave to mass appeal with her stunning debut, the double-a side release ‘Video Games/Blue Jeans’. With sublimely cool videos to match and a unique look she stepped effortlessly into the public consciousness. Forty odd million YouTube plays and a lot of hype later, questions began to be raised. Where had she come from? Had she had surgery? Was she manufactured? She used to be called Lizzy Grant didn’t she? Hype has very recently turned to hate, but whether positive or negative, the column inches are still very much devoted to the trials and tribulations of the mysterious Miss Del Rey.

Regardless of the numerous stories and opinions, ‘Born to Die’ is an album that deserves to be listened to without prejudice. A somewhat overly generous collection of fifteen tracks lead us on an innovative, imaginative and genuinely emotive journey with one of America’s most talented new singer/songwriters.

Latest single and opening track ‘Born to Die’ sets the classic tone, ‘Off to the Races’ provides a glimmer of a more up-tempo sound before the notable ‘Blue Jeans’ and then the truly epochal ‘Video Games’ make their presence known.

With the singles run and done, the final ten tracks are somewhat of a mixed bag, each almost competing with the one before it to be the album’s anthemic, atmospheric pinnacle. ‘Diet Mountain Dew’ is a highlight, its bright and rhythmically breezy chorus are sure to make it a future single. ‘Radio’ is a slow burner, every word from her bee-stung lips (or is it collagen?), treacle-sweet with just enough orchestral character to carry what is a very captivating song. Penultimate song ‘Lolita’ ,with its cinematic stabs and heavy production, presents Lana with a little more attitude whilst ‘Lucky Ones’ finishes the album beautifully, nicely showcasing Lana’s range and tonality to great effect.

Whilst the album stands up well, it’s not all killer, there is some filler, and one does wonder why they felt the need to incorporate fifteen tracks. While no song quite matches the majestic sobriety of ‘Video Games’ the album is one that deserves to be listened to over and over again to fully appreciate its quality.

Quite how much work went into making the album so effortlessly cool is unknown but listen to the album for what it is, a stunning debut from a talented artist who is doing more than most to fill the gaping soulful hole left behind by Amy Winehouse. Lana’s voice is an aural splendor, a wonderfully interwoven mix of classic jazz tones and Kate Bush. Love her or love to hate her, this Marmite mistress has released an album certain to make many a musical mind moisten.