Released: November 13, 2012
Lana Del Rey is my favorite tortured heroine in music. She is this beautiful songstress who belongs in a film noir. Lana’s captivating voice matched with poignant lyricism is sultry in almost every way.
Born to Die, released in January was a valiant effort. Lana pushed the limits in a non threatening way, challenging listeners with off kilter songwriting. It was surprising when she released her EP Paradise a few weeks ago. With about nine tracks Lana combined Paradise with Born to Die to create Born to Die-Paradise Edition. This was good thinking on her part. That which was lacking on Born to Die is found in Paradise. And, with Paradise exploring the singers edgier sides, having it combined with her pop noir tracks from Born to Die creates a sound balance. Lana Del Rey exudes sex, drugs, glitter and gold through her airy balladry.
The music isn’t where it ends for this 1950’s inspired vixen. Lana extends her self conceptualization to the screen. Each of her music videos has proved to be cinematic. If it’s radio hits Lana Del Rey wants I doubt that is what she will get. I imagine the positive response to her music will be mostly received by a more cerebral music fan. Similar of that to film noir worshipers. While it is pop music, it is not the typical Top 40 pop music that you would expect. Lana Del Rey is not unlike a sexed up version of Fiona Apple.
At face value there does not seem to be much depth to Lana. But when you look further into the entire package it becomes apparent that Lana Del Rey is a full opus, fabricated carefully for her art (her real name isn’t even Lana Del Rey, it’s Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Grant). At first glance there appears to be an overtly sexist message behind the majority of her songs, putting women in an inferior role to men and love. Only upon further listens can her ideal be explained and understood. It is all part of the Lana shtick.
Lana is a product. This does not seem to be her genuine self, rather an alter-ego, or 2.0 version. She is depicting what she thinks is most sexy. Whatever the case, it works, for the most part. Albeit campy at times, Lana/Lizzy gets my support.
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