, formerly known as Lizzy Grant, has redefined herself as well as her music by releasing her debut album Born To Die. Recently on Saturday Night Live,
appeared on the late night show as the musical performance. Although I thought her performance was spectacular and actually had substance, critics such as "self-proclaimed hipster" hahah NBC hahah news anchor hahah called it the worst musical guest ever for the show. A little harsh, but all press is good press. Brush that nonsense off and get ready to hear a real piece of work.
Lana Del Rey * Born To Die * Album Review
The opening track to the album is also the album title Born To Die. The visual leaked a couple weeks back and was nothing short of epic. From the orchestral productions to the Renaissance scenes of Lana on the throne, she is not afraid to step away from the norm. The song has an eerie feel to it, which gives me chills when I am experiencing. Production credits go to fellow producers Justin Parker and Robopop. The chillin speach in the background is credited to the band Mountain's Long Red. The sounds of the album are somewhat similar to that of Kanye West. I wonder if he contributed inspiration to Lana while creating this album?
On the the next track, as Off To The Races blends in transition. As the beat builds Lana's voice gets stronger and it almost sounds like a new white girl rap. "He doesn't mind I have a Las Vegas past. He doesn't mind I have a LA crass way about me/He loves me with every beat of his cocaine heart". Her dual voices and haunting imagery makes for a beautiful sound. Hip hop drum samples keeps the song relavant.
The songs Blue Jeans and Video Games both were obviously Lana Del Rey's claim to fame. Even more was that she never released the mp3 versions of the songs, but instead shot 2 visuals and created internet hysteria with them. Both songs have similar sounds and feel to it. I feel an old hollywood vibe and for some reason western movies keep popping up in my head. Video Games is a little less filled (production-wise) a simple harp and string section let Lana show off her vocals. Elvis meets Nancy Sinatra.
I figured it out. Throughout the album, unique soundbites are included on almost every song. This is one of Kanye's trademarks and that is where the inspiration comes from. That is exactly what takes place on the song Diet Mountain Dew. Works so well though. Since Del Rey recently signed to U.S. record label Interscope, she will have to get familiar with the sounds of hip hop. So far after listening to the album, I don't think she is far off. Im not a big fan of analyzing lyrics, but I think she is comparing Diet Mountain Dew to her man. She wants it so bad, but she shouldn't have it because it is bad for her. That's my attempt at decoding the interesting song title.
The next track is conveniently titled National Anthem, Although I think her national anthem is speaking of the power of money. Strings start off the with fireworks and a crowd in the background. When the dark hard-hitting drums come in, Lana begins her white girl rap. Her rapping resembles that of Bob Dylan or Johnny Cash's poetry. "Money is the anthem of success, so put on your mascara and party dress". Del Rey is an artist who doesn't seem interested in what money has to offer, but more interested in making a difference with her music.
Initially when I went to play album, the songs were out of order and this next track Dark Paradise happened to come on. At first listen, I instantly fell in love with it. I guess you could call it a freak accident. This track slightly resembles Born To Die with her trademarked wordplay. I can't get over how Lana mixes dark sounds of the orchestra and combines it with uptempo neck breaking drum kits. "Everytime I close my eyes, it's like a dark paradise, no one compares to you but there's no you, except in my dreams tonight". Heartbreak music at its best.
Radio is another hit record. "Baby love me cause I'm playing on the radio". Who is she trying to prove herself to? It's a catchy tune. Her lyrics have the heart of a lion. What I mean by that is you can always feel the emotion in her lyrics, whether it's a simple chorus like this or one of her more complex songs like Blue Jeans.
Who is Carmen? Lana dedicated this entire track to a woman Carmen. The tempo changes from slow head swaying to straight up two step head bouncing. Del Rey seems to be referring to the ideal woman that all girls want to be like; beatiful, successful and loves to party. If you listen close towards the end of the song, you can hear a woman speaking french in a low voice.
Million Dollar Man is one of the album's only legit ballads. This song is something I could see her playing at an open mic piano bar. Another old Hollywood vibe to it. Although you can hear ghostly sounds in the background, the typical drum kits are left out of the equation.
One reason why this album is so great is because of the next level production. Credit goes mainly to Robopop, Justin Parker and Emile. Summertime Sadness is another catchy record that will go nice in the pop world. This song is just another example of how it could be mistaken for a movie. The epic sounds and lyrical imagery is amazing.
This Is What Makes Us Girls is a tale of what Lana Del Rey was like as a sweet 16'er. Having something to believe in was what you expected. This was a time in your life for not only girls but boys to, to feel like they can do anything. "This is what makes us girls, We don't look for heaven and we put our love first, don't you know we'd die for it? It's a curse, don't cry about it, don't cry about it, This is what makes us girls, darlin' little queens do you know what you're worth? I'll tell you everyday till you get it, girl it's all gonna happen".
Lana Del Rey's is making more than just music here. This album is a complete work of art. Each song is it's own movie. It will go down as one of the best albums of the year. Be sure to check out the Deluxe Edition, which includes 3 more amazingly done tracks. Tracks include Without You, Lolita (re recorded from a precvious ep, but sounds so much better) and Lucky Ones.
Stay tuned for February 7th when Next In Show covers a special in store performance by the beauty herself Lana Del Rey. #MusicIsMyLife
