Lana Del Rey: Born To Die

Lana Del Rey
Born To Die
Interscope Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Don't believe the hype or the backlash - Lana Del Rey is somewhere in the middle.

Album Review:
Lizzy Grant, aka Lana Del Rey, is a prime example of an artist blowing the roof off the hype machine way too early. The ultra-retro catchy tune "Video Games" has been the focal point for Lana Del Rey over the last six months so the release of Born To Die has been long awaited and as expected, has been met with both harsh criticism and praise.

Still a virtual unknown to the masses, Grant didn't help herself as she fumbled on the big spotlight of her Saturday Night Live performance that seemed to only hurt her image just 2 days before the release of her record. With all the back story here I could go on forever but I suggest if you are still interested just Google her for that part of the story because what is still the most important thing for me is how is the music?

Born To Die is a not a throwaway as the first five tracks would make for a stellar EP as the songs possess a cool retro sounding swagger, confident attitude, pinch of pop and sultry vocals most expected from Lana Del Rey. This is where the album starts to fade and leans too heavily into the radio pop side of things. Maybe that is what Grant was going for here but it almost feels like Born To Die was rushed to market and the ideas just dried up.

Given that there were several hired songwriters credited on the record you just know that Born To Die aims for a home run but ultimately the album runs out of gas and tries to capture your ear with more bland hooks that will blend in with the next song on your favorite mix pop radio station. This leaves the last 30 minutes of the record a bit stale as it continually tries to grab you instead of instantly holding you.

Born To Die still has promise for the emerging artist as Lana Del Rey presents several really memorable tracks here. Grant seems to have the persona to hold up to the criticism but clearly she will need to step up and carry the quality all the way through for her next outing or forever fade away.

Key Tracks: "Born To Die", "Video Games", "Blue Jeans"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Fiona Apple
Lykke Li
Regina Spektor

Lana Del Rey Website
Lana Del Rey Facebook
Interscope Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony