Customer Reviews

Born To Die

5 star:		(73)
4 star:		(34)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

Lana Del Rey went viral seemingly overnight last summer with her "Video Games" video clip, subsequently followed by the "Blue Jeans" clip, and from pretty much out of nowhere in a matter of 6 months, she played at Saturday Night Live recently. There has been discussion whether Lana's rapid rise has or hasn't been carefully orchestrated by her label Interscope, but now that the album is finally out, let's put aside all hype and suspiscion, and focus on the music.

"Born To Die" (12 tracks; 50 min.) can be divided in 3 sections. The first 4 tracks are slow-burners, pretty much in the vein of "Video Games" but check out in particular "Off To the Races", an album highlight. The middle section of the album (tracks 5 though 8) brings slightly faster tracks, and shines thoughout. "Diet Mountain Dew" is delightful, with playful lyrics like "Diet Mountain Dew baby New York City/Can we hit it low now down and gritty". Likewise with "National Anthem" (not to be confused with Radiohead's "The National Anthem"). After a brooding "Dark Paradise" (see my review title), comes "Radio", by far the most readily accessible track on this album (chorus: "Now my life is a sweet cinnamon/like a f**king dream I'm living in"). The last third album slows back down, and contains several other highlights such as "Million Dollar Man" (which reminds me of early Fiona Apple, think Never Is a Promise/The Child Is Gone/Pale September). The album ends appropriately with the self -explaining "This Is What Makes Us Girls".

In all, this is quite the album. Mostly dark, brooding, biting, yet funny and playful at times. Definitely not for anyone in a hurry. I can't imagine this album will be a mainstream success (this is MILES away from Adele's "21"), but I could be wrong and I hope I am. Much has been made of Lana's maligned SNL appearance (which was really not all that bad), and I personally can't wait to see her bringing these songs in concert. This album proves that Lana is the real deal, period, forget all the hype and everything else. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

For all the critics who blasted Lana Del Rey's SNL vocal performance, missed the point: it's about songwriting, stupid. As it was for Dylan, who also has an underwhelming singing voice, Del Rey's songs are about to change the direction of pop music. Lyrically expressive and experimental with music composition that fuses the 40's, 50's, 60's and present day sounds into dark, moody, atmospheric experiences; and wrapped in a package of modern hip beats that takes her songwriting to fascinating art pop heights.

Every song presents an intriguing angle or point of view that makes one drawn deeper into its musical arrangement. Haunting melodies are sung with surprising twists that stay with a listener for days after hearing them.

The true testament to a well written song is when other artists cover it. We just might see that happen in the future with some of Lana's music, where better vocalists can interpret her superbly written melodies for a more thrilling experience. In the meantime, Del Rey's "Born to Die" album is about to change the present day notion of what pop music should sound like.

dark.

sultry.

powerful.

crazy.

smart.

funny. and brilliant!

The best album of the year without a doubt. Go go get it!

Honestly, I did not expect to like this album as much as I did. Lana's voice is haunting, her lyrics are poignant, and the beats sound amazing behind the orchestral music. My personal favorites are Born To Die, Video Games, National Anthem, Dark Paradise, and Radio. However, the rest of the album is really good too. Definitely worth picking up!

I was one of the few people apparently left in the span of the universe who hadn't heard of Ms. Grant (or all her internet controversy) until I saw her on SNL. Well, suffice it to say, it wasn't the greatest performance on the planet, but it got me interested in her and her music. I did some Youtubing, and fell so in love with her music (including her first album). I couldn't stop playing it. Literally. It's all I though about for days, anxiously awaiting the release of this album. And I wasn't disappointed.

Her song Video Games is very sweet, so it made me cry. It conveys love in a very pure way, partially because of its older style sound and partially because of the way her voice really draws out the melody of the song that is reminiscent of Karen Carpenter. The video for both that song and Born to Die are indeed works of art in a way that few artist still even attempt to accomplish. Her songs tend to have a strong orchestra presence to them that resonates with her voice, and it's generally soothing.

She is evocative of the 50's and 60's era performers, particularly the Hollywood, young actress type and all the fame chasing that comes with it. It's tragic but real at the same time. It's definitely a cleverer dynamic than most popular artists of our time.

I think it's important to remember where all the criticism comes from and why. We as a culture are so oversaturated with overproduced musicians these days. What with ginormous theatrical performances from some of the big names that include large amounts of pyro and lights, few people truly appreciated the more live, personal style that her music touches on. It's not made to be blasted in some huge auditorium like a Kanye/Jay-Z concert. It's made to be appreciated on a deeper level than that. Just because an artist does not have the huge, Beyoncé level stage presence and diva gear doesn't mean they don't have talent. It's just different. Variety should be appreciated, not degraded. Not to mention the fact that she's a women seems to make many feel as though her looks and the bashing thereof should be the central focus.

It doesn't matter about her family's supposed money (by the way that's not all true, and even if it were, a kid who comes from a good family isn't allowed to write good music?), the realness of her lips (yes they are real), endless pointless debates about how `authentic' she is, as if we will ever really know or as if there is anyone in music who doesn't have a huge amount of marketing behind them anymore...all of these things take you away from the real heart.

It's an amazing album. It's sweet and entertaining. It makes you happy. It's music you can play almost anywhere. It's witty writing lyrically. And yes she did write most of this album by herself. It resonates with both young and old. It reaches further back in time for its historical nod to a genre than the overwhelming majority of modern music.

She is 25 years old and has become one of the biggest names in a very short amount of time. Yes she has a bit of shyness to overcome, but she will. She isn't perfect, but she has great potential. It is my opinion that we should judge music by how music makes us feel, and not all the outside factors surround it's production. The album is one of my all-time favorites, and in watching her live interviews and other performances, she's definitely someone special and I expect more great things from her in the future.

Step back from all that you've heard about her...and just hear her, without all the cynicism. Give it a chance to wow you. It might just become one of your favorites.

I loved her with "Born to Die" and "Video Games" and I wasn't to sure I would like the album as a whole, but I was totally surprised at how much I couldn't get enough of it. My personal favorites are "Off to the Races" and "Diet Mountain Dew" but the entire album is a listening experience. I will look forward to her new releases.

Whether or not Lana Del Ray does decide to make another record, this is a very good debut and a sign of good things to come. My advice for the listener would be to go into this record as if it is someone you have never heard before- not the Lana of all this hype- for if you are able to do that, you can truly appreciate this album. Very good feel from start to finish- a pop album but I'm going to make up a word here- "glazed pop." There is very catchy songs on here with simplistic but cool lyrics. Also, there is a good bit of upbeat songs which is good because after hearing "Video Games" and "Born to Die" which are both good, I was worried it was going to be a slow record. The Highlights for me are "Diet Mountain Dew," "National Anthem," and "Off to the Races." 4 out of 5 because there are some songs on here I could do without. Good debut though.

I was going to buy this album on Amazon as soon as I heard the title track Born To Die, for some reason I was hesitant. I saw it at Target for 8 bucks and bought it. I was so intoxicated by the album and have been infatuated ever since. I love every song. This is a must buy, and definately album of the year. Lana has a very sensual voice that sounds like a dream from the old days. Listening to her feels like a warm summer day on the beach in the 60's. Just make sure to get the deluxe version which features 2 additional songs. Lana<3

I love the uniqueness and nonchalance of Lana del Rey's voice. It is a welcome change to what current pop female artists are doing. She almost reminds me of a woman Johnny Cash.

WOW isnt enough to describe this album. Heard the Born to Die on BBC and was completely mesmirized! From the voice to the lyrics! Original,creative, dark, melodic and very professionally produced! If you are into pop this isnt for you...if you hear a true talent in its development then this is it! Great Job Liz aka Lana!