Lana Del Rey’s Born To Die shines through harsh criticism

Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons, flickr.com/myprivateblendcoffee. Lana Del Rey's album Born To Die reached number two on the U.S. charts.

By Katina Beniaris

Chameleon Staff Writer

For those who are unfamiliar with Lana Del Rey, she is a pop indie starlet who has been floating around the entertainment news for a few weeks now.

Many critics have reacted poorly to her Saturday Night Live performance, her rumored plastic surgery, and the change from her birth name, which was Elizabeth Grant.

Her debut album Born To Die was released on January 31. The American singer stood out on the U.K. iTunes album charts and, at one point, her album got the number two spot on the U.S. charts, right behind Adele’s album 21.

Born To Die is filled with eerie songs about love. Some may feel her lyrics are cliché, but Del Rey’s style is fresh compared to the repetitive mainstream music today. Her heartbreaking lyrics and indie vibe are influenced by many well-known musicians, from Elvis Presley to Britney Spears.

Throughout the album, Del Rey’s haunting voice echoes from song to song. Various instruments mix in as well. She brings a renascence of the old Hollywood genre with a modern spin.

“Video Games,” for example, uses swathing string instruments and harps to create a dark blissful melody. The song becomes intoxicating as her low vocals smoothly fade in.

“Dark Paradise” is one of the songs in the album that best captures Del Rey’s genuine voice as she tells a story about lost love.

“I’m usually singing about the same goddamn person. So… I’ll love him forever,” comments Del Rey during her MySpace interview.

Lyrics like “And there’s no remedy for memory” and “your face if like a melody” become stuck in your head. I have a feeling that “Dark Paradise” has the potential to become a popular single.

Del Rey’s album is also filled with some upbeat songs like “National Anthem,” which could be a summer track.

Another top song is “Million Dollar Man.” Her raspy voice creates a love ballad. Del Rey does not hesitate to test her vocals. Additional favorites include “Without You,” “Off to the Races,” and “Diet Mountain Dew.”

Though many critics may call her another “fake” musician, her voice is divine, which is different from the chirpy Taylor Swift and the eccentric Lady Gaga. Del Rey is just having trouble fitting in our generation of money-quick superficial musicians.

The critics either love her or hate her. Before others judge her puffy lips or her subpar Saturday Night Live performance, they should take a listen to her album to discover a talented girl that is trying to make it in the music industry.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

To contact Katina Beniaris, email her at kbeniaris@luc.edu.