Lana Del Rey’s musical odyssey is a captivating journey through time, marked by lyrical evolution and a commitment to self-expression. Originally known as Lizzy Grant, she began her musical career singing in Brooklyn’s bars and released early works like the album “Kill Kill.” This early phase laid the groundwork for Del Rey’s distinctive style, setting the stage for her eventual transformation into Lana Del Rey and mainstream recognition.
The initial chapters of Del Rey’s career are intertwined with her first album, “Kill Kill,” released under the name Lizzy Grant. The emotional impact of Del Rey’s earlier works is palpable in Senior Audrey Tuba’s reflection: “Literally, I bawl my eyes every time listening to her earlier works, and recently it’s sounded so good it makes me scream and cry.” Despite this, Del Rey’s breakthrough moment arrived with the release of “Video Games” in 2011, a soul-stirring ballad that showcased her unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary pop. The accompanying music video, featuring vintage clips, further solidified her distinctive visual style. Her debut album, “Born to Die” (2012), faced mixed critical reviews but achieved commercial success, selling over 7 million copies worldwide.
In the realm of favorites, Tuba highlights the song “Million Dollar Man” from the album “Born to Die,” describing how“ ‘Million Dollar Man’ is such a good song and it just describes me in general cause I love hot people and money.” This playful yet genuine connection to the music underscores Del Rey’s ability to evoke personal identification through her lyrics and melodies.
“Ultraviolence” (2014) marked a cinematic shift in Del Rey’s discography, exploring darker themes of drugs, heartbreak, and toxic relationships. While the album received criticism for allegedly glamorizing abuse, it debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, solidifying Del Rey’s status as a major force in the music industry. “Honeymoon” (2015) provided an uplifting contrast to the tones of “Ultraviolence,” portraying a romantic and nostalgic California. The album showcased Del Rey’s versatility as an artist and continued to explore themes of love and yearning.
She’s made the music industry more cool, more interesting, and exciting. She’s a smart woman, she’s so pretty, and she has so much talent. I say she’s a top celebrity. — Senior Audrey Tuba
The evolution of Del Rey’s sound and lyrical themes continued with “Lust for Life” (2017), where she collaborated with artists like The Weeknd. The album earned her a second Grammy nomination and demonstrated a more collaborative approach to her music.
“Norman F**king Rockwell!” (2019) marked a poetic zenith in Del Rey’s career, receiving widespread critical acclaim and becoming her highest-rated work. She was also nominated for two Grammys for this album, including the Album of the Year Award and the Song of the Year Award. Many believe she was snubbed when she didn’t win any awards for the record. The album showcased her profound songwriting abilities, and the narrative shifted towards self-reflection and a departure from the pursuit of external validation.
Subsequent albums, such as “Chemtrails over the Country Club” (2021) and “Blue Banisters” (2021), revealed a matured Del Rey embracing folk and country sounds. In “Blue Banisters,” particularly, there was a noticeable shift in lyrical content, with Del Rey expressing raw emotions and departing from earlier themes centered around male validation.
Amidst her studio albums, Del Rey engaged in various side projects, including the release of the poetry book “Violet Bent Backwards over the Grass” (2020) and contributions to film soundtracks. These endeavors showcased her multifaceted talents and added layers to her artistic persona.
Despite her undeniable influence on contemporary music, Del Rey faced criticism throughout her career. Accusations of cultural appropriation and debates on her lyrical content challenged her, but she responded with resilience, asserting her autonomy as an artist. Rolling Stone even dubbed her “the greatest American songwriter of the 21st century,” acknowledging her impact on the musical landscape.
As of her ninth studio album, “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd,” released in March 2023, Del Rey continues to mesmerize audiences with wistful melodies and nostalgic chords. The album delves into her family history, exploring themes of death, motherhood, and religion. The album has earned her multiple Grammy nominations for 2024, including for the highly sought-after Album Of The Year award. Notable tracks like “A&W,” which is nominated for Song Of The Year, and “Peppers,” showcase her continued evolution as an artist.
Throughout her career, Del Rey’s music has mirrored her personal and artistic growth. From the early days of “Kill Kill” to the poetic depth of “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd,” she has crafted a legacy that transcends trends, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape. Lana Del Rey’s ability to navigate through different eras while staying true to her authentic self has solidified her as an enduring figure in the ever-evolving world of music.
