I have been a fan of Lana Del Rey (LDR) since I was in middle school, and even though I am ranking her albums this doesn't mean I hate the lowest-ranked album. I actually like all her albums but I like some more others. And of course this is only my opinion, I already know that one of the albums I'm ranking pretty high is one that not many fans like.
Lust For Life (2017)
The second most recent album LDR changes her approach and takes a happier tone with her music. LDR is more known for her dark and sad music and though it might feel jarring to go from that to lust for life, this album still has the sound that fits her. But it's just a different subject manner. The leading single Love was one of the songs that sounded closest to her old works and at first, I was a fan, especially because it featured The Weeknd, but after a few listens it became on of my least favorite songs. This is because it felt like a step back that was done better and more uniquely before. This is just one example however, the rest of the album just feels like it is really missing something and just a bit lackluster. However, the album does have a more finished and polished sound which is great. Along, with a few great songs like Summer Bummer and Cherry are a few of my favorites to come from this album.
Honeymoon (2015)
The fourth major-label release Honeymoon for a time was a close second to my favorite LDR album. But as time went on and the Honeymoon phase ended I realized one problem I had with this album. I only like the first half. The first half of songs are more energetic, even the slower songs, and I connected more with than most of the songs of the latter half. Excluding Salvatore which is spoiler one of my favorites of the album. LDR mixes her baroque pop, with hip hop beats, and a newer sound that uses more non-digital instruments, guitars drums, etc. no added sound effects. This album was almost a turning point for her as she experiments with her sound, though this continues in Lust For Life, it begins here. Favorite songs from this album being Music To Watch Boys To, Art Deco, Freak, Honeymoon, High By The Beach, and of course Salvatore.
Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019)
NFR is the latest release is only at the middle of the road for this list because I haven't listened to it enough to know if it ranks higher or lower than the next album. This album has a softer, gentler sound which I really haven't seen on this scale. She has previously had songs like these but never a full album. NFR reminds me of a nice day at the beach without being around a huge crowd. Also, a few of these songs had been released over a year before the album and I have become huge fans of them, especially Venice Bitch. I really like this album and how it goes with just a calmer mind, I highly recommend this one for people getting into LDR but who probably doesn't like her earlier work. Favorite songs: Venice Bitch, Bartender, Mariners Apartment Complex, Norman fucking Rockwell, California, Fuck It I Love You, and The Next Best American Record.
Born To Die (2012)
This album changed my perspective on music and on life. I wasn't into sad music before I listened to LDR. This album at the time had one of the most unique sounds and is just a really good "first" album, technically she put out an album before this one but it practically disappeared after release. I love the stories she tells (even if they are tired or even problematic), the instrumentals, and how the whole album fits this certain kind mood that I find hard to describe. I recommend listening to this album and seeing how it makes you feel. Favorite songs: Off To The Races, Carmen, Born To Die, Summertime Sadness, Million Dollar Man, and National Anthem.
Ultraviolence (2014)
This is my favorite album. I like how it's even sadder than before and the new old school rock she adds, which many people weren't a fan of. This album musically shows her growth after Born To Die. Though lyrically there is a bit more maturity this time around but still within the same realm of BTD. Ultraviolence is has a harder sound which I like thanks to collaborator Dan Auerbach, from The Black Keys, which added a guitar-heavy album. This album also takes on darker themes such as domestic violence and sexism in the music industry. Favorite songs: Ultraviolence, Cruel World, West Coast, Black Beauty, Shades of Cool, Pretty When You Cry, Brooklyn Baby, Old Money, and The Other Woman.
