From “Born To Die” to “Lust For Life,” Lana Del Rey has become one of pop’s current icons. Though her sea of fans (myself included) religiously praise her artistic endeavors, some critics fail to appreciate her often complex and cogent style. Here, we shall delve into five delectable and compelling tracks that prove Lana is the voice of a generation — or at much, much more than “basic.”
1. “Heroin.”
This stunning track rides the line between music and spoken poetry. Del Rey’s vivid imagery lets listeners drift into a nightmarish world: “I’m flyin’ to the moon again, dreamin' / about heroin / How it gave you everything / And took your life away.” Moreover, Del Rey fearlessly discusses addiction — an often taboo subject. While contemporaries sing of clubbing and clothes, this artist dedicates her art to real topics — things that scare us, things that keep us at night.
Best lyrics: “Topanga’s hot today, Manson’s in the air / And all my friends have gone, ‘cause they still / feel him here.”
2. "West Coast."
This track dominated many summer playlists back in 2014 and is still highly regarded four years on. The first single from “Ultraviolence,” Lana made a massive musical shift. Trading baroque strings for guitars and drums, “West Coast” asserts Del Rey’s versatility: she bravely jumps from style to style with grace and passion. Lyrically, the song finds Lana privileging independence over romance: “Down on the West coast, I get this feeling like / It all could happen, that’s why I’m leaving you for the moment.”
Best lyrics: “I can see my baby swinging / His Parliament’s on fire and his hands are up.”
3. "Radio."
Whenever haters say Lana is always “sad,” I am tempted to break into song. But instead of embarrassing myself a la “American Idol,” I pull up the lyrics — because they are actually quiet happy. This track delves into positive reflection as Del Rey considers her massive success: “American dreams come true somehow.” She says that her life is “sweet like cinnamon.” With these sweet images, Del Rey illustrates her emotional pallet goes beyond just “sad-core.”
Best lyrics: “Baby, love me cause I’m playing on the radio / How do you like me now?”
4. "When The World Was At War We Just Kept Dancing."
In response to our nation’s dangerous political crisis, Del Rey wrote one of her most perceptive tracks. This track forces us to focus on dark — yet stunningly succinct — questions: “Is it the end of an era? / Is it the end of America?” While some argue Del Rey’s tracks are solely isolated tales of tragic love, this track reaches beyond the sentimental realm. And it serves as a sobering reminder: Our idols share our same fears and doubts.
Best lyrics: “Cut a rug / Lean into the fucking youth / Choreo / We just want the fucking truth / Told by the frightened.”
5. "Beautiful People Beautiful Problems."
I have two words: Stevie. Nicks. Though some musical collaborations can just be business ploys, Nicks and Del Rey work together organically. You have to have a lot of talent to hold your down with Stevie, and Lana pulls it off seamlessly. Their voices resonate with power and mutual respect. Words cannot do this duet justice.
Personally, I hope this article finds its way to whoever decides who gets Grammy awards. Lana is overdue.
