Best Lana Del Rey Songs: The Soundtrack of Summertime Sadness and Nostalgic Beauty
by Alex Harris
25th July, 2024
It’s undeniable how Lana Del Rey’s haunting, irresistible voice encapsulates feelings many have hidden deep within.
When “Video Games” was released, it felt like a revelation—a mysterious chanteuse serving up a cocktail of vintage glamour and modern melancholy that left us all dizzy.
And when “Born to Die” hit the shelves in 2012? It was as if a velvet curtain had been pulled back, revealing a world of dark romance and wistful yearning.
This album wasn’t just a collection of songs; it was an invitation into Lana’s universe, where every track felt like a baroque reverie, steeped in the shadows of old Hollywood and the melancholy of contemporary life.
As the sun-drenched days of summer often bring a blend of joy and introspection, Lana’s music, particularly songs like “Summertime Sadness,” resonates with its exploration of fleeting moments and bittersweet memories.
Over the years, Lana Del Rey has transformed from a mysterious figure into a powerful storyteller, exploring the intricacies of love, desire, and despair.
Her music, a blend of lush orchestrations and raw, introspective lyrics, invites listeners into a shadowy, sepia-toned world where beauty and sorrow coexist.
Lana’s influence has been profound, inspiring a new generation of artists drawn to her ability to weave nostalgia with contemporary themes.
As we explore her discography, here are our pick of the best Lana Del Rey songs that showcase her exceptional artistry and emotional depth.
Let’s cut to the chase: here’s the crème de la crème, the holy grail, the ultimate sonic feast for your ears. Drumroll, please…
The Best Lana Del Rey Songs List. No fluff, no filler – just pure, unadulterated Lana magic that’ll have you swooning, crying, and maybe contemplating a cross-country road trip in a vintage Mustang.
Our Pick of The Best Lana Del Rey Songs List
32. “Heroin”
“Heroin” is Lana Del Rey’s favourite and the fourteenth song on her fifth studio album, Lust for Life, released in 2017.
The song is set in Topanga, California, where Lana sings about the decay caused by literal heroin use and metaphorically explores the toll of fame.
It’s a dreamy pop ballad that captures the struggle between escape and reality.
The track is also filled with references to Charles Manson and Mötley Crüe.
In the first chorus, she sings, “I’m flyin’ to the moon again, dreamin’ about heroin / How it gave you everything and took your life away.”
Later in the song, she turns the focus on herself, expressing a longing for change: “I hope that I come back one day / To tell you that I really changed, baby.”
The haunting chorus and the song’s themes are long-rumoured to be about Del Rey’s ex-boyfriend Rob Dubuss, who tragically died of a heroin overdose in late 2011.
31. “This Is What Makes Us Girls”
Released in 2012 as the closing track of her album Born to Die, “This Is What Makes Us Girls” showcases Lana Del Rey’s talent for storytelling.
The song reflects on her teenage years in New York, capturing the reckless spirit of youth with vivid images like “Pabst Blue Ribbon on ice” and “Bambi eyes.”
It critiques American girlhood and touches on her struggles with addiction.
The symphonic elements, with crashing cymbals and strings, enhance the narrative, making the listener feel as if they are glimpsing a cinematic portrayal of her past.
This track is a poignant exploration of the complexities of growing up, underscored by Del Rey’s characteristic lyrical depth.
30. “Norman Fucking Rockwell”
The titular track from Lana Del Rey’s 2019 album, Norman Fucking Rockwell!, sets a candid tone with the opening lyrics, “Goddamn, man-child/You fucked me so good that I almost said ‘I love you,’” sung over soft piano.
Co-written with Jack Antonoff, the song explores the complexities of being in a relationship with a “man-child,” reflecting Del Rey’s frustrations and the emotional turmoil of settling for less than she deserves.
Filled with sharp lyrics and references to Joni Mitchell, the track critiques her partner’s immaturity while showcasing Del Rey’s lyrical prowess.
The song’s title nods to the famed artist Norman Rockwell, contrasting his idealised American scenes with the raw, confessional nature of Del Rey’s narrative.
29. “Happiness Is a Butterfly”
From her 2019 album Norman Fucking Rockwell!, “Happiness Is a Butterfly” features Lana Del Rey contemplating the elusive nature of happiness, echoing an old saying from the 1848 New Orleans Daily Crescent:
“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”
Against Jack Antonoff’s soft piano, Lana Del Rey sings about searching for this fleeting joy in the eyes of a Hollywood bartender, pondering the risks of vulnerability with the line, “If he’s a serial killer, then what’s the worst that can happen/To a girl who’s already hurt?”
The song encapsulates the delicate balance between yearning for connection and the fear of being hurt, highlighting Del Rey’s skill in blending introspective lyrics with evocative melodies.
28. “Shades of Cool”
Released in 2014 as part of her album Ultraviolence, “Shades of Cool” is a haunting blues-infused ballad that captures the ethereal and often ghostly quality of Lana Del Rey’s music.
The song feels like a candlelit vigil, mourning a lover who remains distant and unreachable.
As Del Rey’s voice ascends into an angelic soprano in the chorus, she sings with a resigned acceptance, “But you are unfixable,” acknowledging the impossibility of changing her lover.
The track’s emotional depth is highlighted in its torrid bridge, where Del Rey suggests that, for one night, the imperfections don’t matter, and they can bask in the fleeting connection.
“Shades of Cool” exemplifies Del Rey’s unique ability to blend melancholic storytelling with lush, evocative soundscapes, leaving listeners in a state of reflective serenity.
27. “Ultraviolence”
The title track of Lana Del Rey’s 2014 album Ultraviolence delves into the disturbing realities of a physically abusive relationship.
The song’s haunting lyrics, “He hit me, but it felt like a kiss,” and “He hurt me, but it felt like true love,” reflect a complex and troubling dynamic, one that Del Rey presents with a raw, unflinching gaze.
Accompanied by sorrowful violins, the track portrays Del Rey’s willingness to follow her “cult leader” partner despite the pain he inflicts.
Often criticised for allegedly “glorifying” domestic violence, Del Rey addressed these concerns in a controversial 2020 letter, clarifying that she is “just a glamorous person singing about the realities of what we are all now seeing are very prevalent emotionally abusive relationships all around the world.”
“Ultraviolence” remains one of her most intense and grueling depictions of such relationships, offering a stark exploration of love and pain interwoven.
26. “Gods & Monsters”
“Gods & Monsters,” featured on Lana Del Rey’s Paradise EP, offers a dark commentary on her experience navigating the “garden of evil” that is Los Angeles following the success of her debut album, Born to Die.
The song’s orchestral-pop backdrop complements its exploration of lost innocence and the allure of the darker side of fame.
With stark lyrics like “I was an angel looking to get fucked hard,” Del Rey candidly portrays her disillusionment and the moral complexities she encountered.
The song gained additional recognition when Jessica Lange performed a haunting cover in the TV series American Horror Story: Freak Show in 2014, adding another layer to its legacy.
“Gods & Monsters” stands out as a powerful reflection on the corrupting nature of fame and the loss of purity in the pursuit of success, highlighting Del Rey’s skill in blending lush soundscapes with evocative storytelling.
25. “Radio”
“Radio,” from Lana Del Rey’s debut album Born to Die, is a rare upbeat moment amidst her typically melancholic repertoire.
In this track, Del Rey reflects on her newfound success with a sense of triumphant joy, showcasing her vocal range and the warmth of her “paradise” experience.
Her syrupy voice and confident swagger shine through clever lyrics like “Lick me up and take me like a vitamin/’Cause my body’s sweet like sugar venom,” delivered over the crackling static of an old radio.
This song captures Del Rey’s “gangsta Nancy Sinatra” persona, blending vintage charm with modern edge, and stands out as a testament to her versatility and self-assured style.
24. “Fucked My Way Up to the Top”
On “Fucked My Way Up to the Top,” a track from her 2014 album Ultraviolence, Lana Del Rey confronts accusations and rumors that have followed her throughout her career.
Often criticised as an industry plant, Del Rey uses this song to mock her detractors, sarcastically playing into the narrative they’ve constructed.
The lyrics, laced with a tongue-in-cheek defiance, deliver a scathing commentary on the industry’s sexism and the double standards women face.
Del Rey’s vocals are lazy and languorous, pillow-whispering through the verses before building into a powerful crescendo that asserts her dominance and musical talent.
The track’s haunting melody and assertive tone make it a standout, showcasing Del Rey’s ability to blend biting commentary with her signature dreamy soundscape.
23. “Freak”
“Freak,” a highlight from Lana Del Rey’s 2015 album Honeymoon, dives deep into her 1970s West Coast fantasy.
In this sultry track, Del Rey invites her “easy rider” to join her in California, where they can embrace their inner “freaks” by the ocean.
The lyrics, “We could slow dance to rock music/Kiss while we do it/Talk till we both turn blue,” capture the languid, dreamy vibe of the song, with Del Rey’s voice making the idea of a simple kiss sound like an alluring, taboo act.
Described by Del Rey herself as “very sexy,” the track exudes a spaced-out allure that adds to its mystique.
The accompanying music video, directed by Del Rey, features her joining a sex cult led by guru Father John Misty, further enhancing the song’s trippy, free-spirited essence.
“Freak” showcases Del Rey’s ability to create atmospheric, evocative music that transports listeners to another world.
22. “Cruel World”
“Cruel World,” the opening track of Lana Del Rey’s 2014 album Ultraviolence, sets the tone for the album’s exploration of dark beauty and emotional complexity.
The song begins with a soft, introspective confession, “It’s all over now,” before launching into a bass-heavy chorus.
Lana Del Rey delivers one of her most memorable lines, “Because you’re young, you’re wild, you’re free … you’re fucking crazy,” encapsulating the song’s theme of chaotic freedom.
The track’s structure, contrasting a peaceful beginning with a turbulent chorus, mirrors Del Rey’s own experiences of sudden upheaval in her life.
As she explained in an interview with Clash, the juxtaposition represents her personal circumstances, where things felt stable one moment and tumultuous the next.
“Cruel World” is a standout on Ultraviolence, with Del Rey’s melancholic vocals and the song’s lyrical intensity echoing throughout, capturing the sense of disarray and emotional depth that defines the album.
21. “Doin’ Time”
“Doin’ Time,” a cover of the classic Sublime track, appears on Lana Del Rey’s 2019 album Norman Fucking Rockwell!and showcases her ability to reinterpret iconic songs through her unique artistic lens.
Del Rey transforms the laid-back, reggae-infused original into a dreamy, atmospheric piece that reflects her signature melancholic style.
The song captures the essence of a carefree summer while also hinting at the underlying emotional complexities and disillusionment that often accompany such moments.
Del Rey’s version of “Doin’ Time” highlights the duality of freedom and entrapment, mirroring the song’s lyrics about the challenges of love and infidelity.
Her sultry, ethereal vocals bring a fresh, introspective quality to the track, infusing it with a sense of longing and introspection.
The accompanying music video, where Del Rey is depicted as a giantess wandering through a cityscape, adds a surreal, almost mythic dimension to the song, further emphasizing the themes of escapism and fantasy.
“Doin’ Time” serves as a testament to Del Rey’s ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary sensibilities, making it a standout cover in her discography.
20. “Cola”
“Cola,” a track from Lana Del Rey’s 2012 Paradise EP, opens with the provocative line, “My p*ssy tastes like Pepsi Cola,” setting the stage for a song steeped in seduction and allure.
Del Rey sings from the perspective of a dainty starlet, enticing an older man whose “wife wouldn’t mind,” blending innocence with a hint of scandal.
The song, known for its audacious lyrics, captures a persona both playful and self-assured.
However, “Cola” also contains a reference to Harvey Weinstein in the pre-chorus—“Harvey’s in the sky with diamonds and he’s making me crazy“—which has led Del Rey to retire the song from her performances following the public allegations of sexual abuse against the producer.
In a 2017 interview with MTV, Del Rey expressed her discomfort with the lyrics in light of these revelations, saying, “Obviously, I don’t feel comfortable with it now.”
The song, once a bold expression of seduction, now stands as a complex piece reflecting the artist’s evolving perspective on her work and the people it references.
19. “Music to Watch Boys To”
“Music to Watch Boys To,” a single from Lana Del Rey’s 2015 album Honeymoon, showcases her mythical siren persona with languid vocals set against an eerie flute backdrop.
The song’s noir-like atmosphere is perfectly captured in its black-and-white music video, which adds a cinematic quality to the listening experience.
Lyrically, the track serves as a mature continuation of themes explored in “This Is What Makes Us Girls,” with Del Rey reflecting on her allure and the power dynamics in relationships.
Lines like “Play ’em like guitars, only one of my toys” highlight her control and detachment, while the assertion “I was sent to destroy” reinforces her enigmatic and seductive persona.
“Music to Watch Boys To” combines lush instrumentation with introspective lyrics, creating a haunting yet captivating reflection on love, desire, and the allure of being an enigmatic figure.
18. “Cherry”
“Cherry,” a standout track from Lana Del Rey’s 2017 album Lust for Life, captures the tumultuous nature of a passionate yet doomed relationship.
The song’s melody is moody and seductive, perfectly mirroring the dangerous allure of the romance it describes.
Del Rey’s lyrics, “A touch from your real love is like heaven taking the place of something evil and letting it burn off from the rush,” convey the intense highs and inevitable lows of the affair.
Set against a backdrop of rich strings and haunting trap drums, “Cherry” exudes a dark sensuality that draws listeners into its world.
The song encapsulates the intoxicating blend of love and despair, showcasing Del Rey’s ability to infuse her music with deep emotional resonance.
As the melancholy ultimately takes over, “Cherry” leaves a lasting impression as a poignant reflection on love’s complex and often destructive nature.
17. “National Anthem”
“National Anthem,” from Lana Del Rey’s 2012 album Born to Die, explores themes of power, luxury, and the complexities of romantic relationships.
Del Rey sings from the perspective of the “other woman” who emerges victorious in a love triangle, confidently asserting her dominance.
With lyrics like “Boy, put your hands up/Give me a standing ovation,” she celebrates her triumph and the lavish lifestyle that accompanies it.
The music video for “National Anthem” adds a layer of intrigue, featuring a fictional portrayal of a romance between John F. Kennedy (played by A$AP Rocky) and Marilyn Monroe (played by Del Rey).
Del Rey’s line, “It’s a love story for the new age/For the sixth page/We’re on a quick, sick rampage,” underscores the song’s commentary on modern relationships and societal expectations.
The video draws parallels between Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy, suggesting a merging of public and private personas in a story that ultimately ends in tragedy.
“National Anthem” combines Del Rey’s signature cinematic style with a provocative narrative, making it a standout track in her discography.
16. High By The Beach”
“High By The Beach,” a standout single from Lana Del Rey’s 2015 album Honeymoon, encapsulates her West Coast aesthetic and penchant for gauzy, escapist sounds.
The song diverges from her typical dreamy style, incorporating a trap-inspired beat that adds an anxious edge to the track.
This beat underlines Del Rey’s lyrics, which are directed at an ex-lover with a tone of detached defiance.
In “High By The Beach,” Del Rey sings about finding solace in solitude and independence, declaring she can make her own money and doesn’t need her former partner.
The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “All I wanna do is get high by the beach,” serves as a mantra for escape and self-reliance, as she resolves to leave her past behind.
The song’s imagery and production, blending a relaxed coastal vibe with an underlying tension, perfectly capture the bittersweetness of moving on and finding empowerment.
15. “White Mustang”
“White Mustang,” from Lana Del Rey’s 2017 album Lust for Life, is a sultry and introspective track that explores themes of fleeting love and inevitable heartbreak.
The song paints a picture of a passionate, yet doomed relationship with a partner who is both captivating and elusive.
Del Rey’s lyrics, “I was such a fool for believing that you / Could change all the ways you’ve been living,” convey a sense of longing and disappointment, as she realises the impermanence of their connection.
The title “White Mustang” symbolises the freedom and recklessness of her lover, who is likened to the iconic American car, representing both allure and the uncatchable nature of their relationship.
The song’s dreamy, melancholic vibe is underscored by its soft melodies and Del Rey’s ethereal vocals, which evoke a sense of nostalgic yearning.
“White Mustang” stands out as a bittersweet reflection on the allure of a love that is as thrilling as it is ephemeral, capturing Del Rey’s talent for storytelling and emotional depth.
14. “Lust For Life”
“Lust For Life,” the title track from Lana Del Rey’s 2017 album, features The Weeknd and is a celebration of love, freedom, and the joys of living.
The song contrasts Del Rey’s typically melancholic style with a more upbeat and hopeful tone.
The lyrics, “Take off all your clothes,” suggest a shedding of burdens and an embrace of vulnerability, while “We dance on the H of the Hollywood sign” evokes a sense of youthful rebellion and euphoria.
Del Rey and The Weeknd’s harmonizing vocals create a dreamy, ethereal soundscape that enhances the song’s themes of escapism and desire.
The collaboration between the two artists adds a layer of depth, blending their unique styles into a cohesive and evocative track.
“Lust For Life” captures the essence of seizing the moment and finding joy in the fleeting experiences of life, making it a standout anthem of carefree celebration and the pursuit of happiness.
13. “Off To The Races”
“Off to the Races,” from Lana Del Rey’s debut album Born to Die, showcases her literary influences, particularly drawing from Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita.
In this energetic, singsong track, Del Rey embodies a life-hardened version of Lolita, juxtaposed against her “old man,” a figure reminiscent of Humbert Humbert, albeit with a modern twist of gold chains and cigars.
The song initially presents Del Rey as willingly embracing the role of a sexualised Dolores Haze, dressed in bikinis, red dresses, and leather.
However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that she is portraying a character—a more tragic figure who fully embraces and even revels in her lover’s degeneracy.
“Off to the Races” subverts the traditional eroticism associated with Lolita, presenting a darker, more complex portrayal of this dynamic.
Musically, the track is a catchy blend of sugared rap cadences and an underlying sense of menace, conveyed through its basslines.
Del Rey’s playful yet haunting delivery makes “Off to the Races” not only an earworm but also a compelling exploration of themes like manipulation, power, and the facade of innocence.
12. “Hope Is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman Like Me to Have – But I Have It”
In “Hope Is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman Like Me to Have – But I Have It,” from her 2019 album Norman Fucking Rockwell!, Lana Del Rey strips away her usual larger-than-life persona to reveal a raw, intimate portrait of her own struggles with depression and the pressures of fame.
The song, which draws inspiration from the poet Sylvia Plath, features Del Rey’s somber vocals over a sparse, muted piano accompaniment, creating a hauntingly minimalist atmosphere.
Del Rey’s lyrics candidly explore the confusion of being “a modern-day woman,” with her voice breaking into the fringes of instability as she describes herself as a “goddamn sociopath” in the chorus.
This self-assessment reflects her inner turmoil and the difficulty of navigating her public and private lives.
Yet, amid this vulnerability, Del Rey also expresses a lingering sense of hope—for herself and for the world—acknowledging that, despite everything, she still holds onto this fragile emotion.
This track stands out as one of her most poignant and personal, offering a glimpse into the complexities of her psyche and the resilience she continues to maintain.
11. “Summertime Sadness”
“Summertime Sadness” is one of Lana Del Rey’s most iconic tracks, capturing the essence of a fleeting, passionate romance with a sense of wistful nostalgia.
The song is imbued with Del Rey’s signature cinematic Americana style, evoking images of carefree drives down the Pacific Coast Highway with her lover, the wind blowing through their hair.
This visual and emotional landscape is a hallmark of Del Rey’s work, blending melancholic lyrics with lush, atmospheric production.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its exploration of love’s ephemeral nature, embodying the “sadness” that often accompanies the end of a beautiful summer.
Its popularity even led to a widely successful remix that transformed it into a club anthem, further cementing its place in pop culture.
“Summertime Sadness” epitomises what makes Del Rey’s music captivating: a perfect blend of dreamy storytelling and evocative soundscapes.
10. “A&W”
“A&W,” a seven-minute opus from Lana Del Rey’s 2023 album Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, showcases her full musical and personal journey in a near-Lynchian narrative style.
The song’s first half unfolds as a folk saga, where Del Rey introspectively reflects on her tumultuous life experiences.
She addresses her strained relationship with her mother, public criticism of her image, and the complexities of romantic relationships, candidly describing herself as “looking like a sidepiece at 33.”
As Del Rey sings about her “experience of being an American whore,” the track transitions into a sexy, psychedelic, trap-infused outro.
This second half introduces a character named Jimmy, who metaphorically treats her like a drug, highlighting themes of addiction and objectification.
The song crescendos with Del Rey delivering a uniquely Lana threat: “Your mom called/I told her/You’re fuckin’ up big time.”
“A&W” encapsulates Del Rey’s distinctive ability to blend narrative depth with genre-blurring music, making it a standout track that captures her evolution as an artist and storyteller.
9. “Ride”
“Ride,” from Lana Del Rey’s 2012 Paradise EP, is a cinematic ballad that weaves a tale of small-town Americana and a yearning for escape, reminiscent of the quiet brilliance of her earlier hit “Video Games.”
The song’s lush orchestration and noirish aesthetic underscore Del Rey’s exploration of complex themes such as freedom, rebellion, and the search for identity.
While “Ride” does delve into Del Rey’s familiar oversexed persona, with her sultry references to calling lovers “daddy,” it is her raw, confessional lyrics that resonate most deeply.
In one of the song’s most poignant moments, Del Rey sings, “I’m tired of feeling like I’m fucking crazy,” a line delivered with a high-pitched lilt that captures her desperation and desire for liberation.
This sentiment encapsulates the emotional core of “Ride,” portraying a longing for escape from a life that feels confining and out of control.
The song’s narrative, paired with its sweeping melody, paints a vivid picture of Del Rey’s search for meaning and freedom on the open road, making “Ride” a powerful anthem of defiance and self-discovery.
8. “Blue Jeans”
“Blue Jeans,” a standout track from Lana Del Rey’s 2012 album Born to Die, presents a hauntingly romantic tale of love and loss, emphasising the allure of a tragic ending over a conventional happy ending.
The song’s narrative centers around a James Dean-esque figure, whose rebellious charm and cowboy-like persona embody classic American ideals.
This character’s magnetic presence is underscored by the song’s lethargic surf-rock guitar riffs, blending nostalgic elements with contemporary sounds.
Del Rey juxtaposes these vintage archetypes with her modern, hip-hop-inspired persona, describing her lover as “so fresh to death.”
This blend of old and new reflects the complexity of her character’s devotion to an elusive, “gangster” figure.
As she vows unwavering loyalty to her absent lover, “Blue Jeans” explores how intense heartache can deepen one’s commitment, creating a poignant and glamorous portrayal of unrequited love.
The track’s melancholic tone and evocative lyrics solidify its place as a quintessential Del Rey ballad, capturing the timeless allure of doomed romance.
7. “Brooklyn Baby”
“Brooklyn Baby,” a track from Lana Del Rey’s 2014 album Ultraviolence, playfully critiques the hipster culture of Brooklyn with a dreamy, guitar-driven melody.
The song’s protagonist boasts about her effortlessly cool lifestyle, complete with a vast jazz collection, a penchant for Seventies nostalgia, and a musician boyfriend.
Del Rey’s lyrics in this song are among her wittiest, often bordering on satire as she humorously portrays the pretentiousness of the scene.
The final stretch of the song is particularly notable, featuring Del Rey’s delicate vocals contrasted with the gravelly voice of Seth Kauffman, who stepped in as a last-minute replacement for the late Lou Reed, the legendary New York punk icon.
Lana Del Rey had planned to record with Reed, but he passed away the day she arrived in New York City.
“Brooklyn Baby” thus inadvertently serves as a subtle homage to Reed, with its nod to his influence on her music and the cultural fabric of New York.
The song stands out as both a playful jab at and a loving tribute to the city’s unique artistic spirit.
6. “Venice Bitch”
“Venice Bitch,” from Lana Del Rey’s 2019 album Norman Fucking Rockwell!, is a bold, experimental journey that stretches over ten minutes, showcasing Del Rey’s willingness to push the boundaries of her sound.
Co-created with producer Jack Antonoff, the song blends lush strings, distortion, and nods to classic tracks like “Crimson and Clover,” crafting a psychedelic pop landscape.
The track revisits themes from her Born to Die era, with Del Rey musing on love and American identity, as she sings, “You’re beautiful and I’m insane/We’re American made.”
The song’s length and structure allow it to meander through various musical moods, culminating in a dreamy, nostalgic celebration that evokes the Sixties.
Del Rey’s lyrics, such as the mystical “If you weren’t mine, I’d be jealous of your love,” add a layer of poetic introspection, making “Venice Bitch” a standout in her catalog.
It’s a track that feels perfect for long summer nights, capturing a sense of carefree defiance and timeless beauty, much like Del Rey herself.
5. “West Coast”
“West Coast,” a standout track from Lana Del Rey’s 2014 album Ultraviolence, is one of her most psychedelic and uniquely structured songs.
The track explores the conflicting pulls of ambition and romance, set against the backdrop of California’s alluring glitz.
The song’s structure is split into two distinct sections, each highlighting different aspects of Del Rey’s narrative.
In the “A” section, driven by a surf guitar riff, Del Rey broodingly whispers about leaving her lover behind, seduced by the temptations of the West Coast’s promise of fame and success.
This part of the song is tense and urgent, reflecting the inner conflict she feels.
As the track shifts into the “B” section, it transforms into a more dreamy and languid sound, where Del Rey’s vocals become breathy and soft.
Here, she sings about her “baby swinging” as if caught in a stoned fever dream, adding a sense of surreal escapism.
The back-and-forth between these two contrasting styles creates a hypnotic effect, mirroring the tension and release Del Rey experiences between her desires and her reality.
“West Coast” stands out for its innovative composition and the evocative storytelling that Del Rey is known for, capturing the allure and complexities of chasing dreams on the Californian shores.
4. “Born to Die”
“Born to Die,” the title track of Lana Del Rey’s 2012 major-label debut album, serves as a bold statement piece that encapsulates much of her early music’s themes and aesthetic.
The song is a melodramatic tribute to complex relationships, focusing on women who see themselves as a bit “insane” and the potentially toxic men who love them.
Musically, it’s a theatrical, trip-hop-infused piece, elevated by lush strings and a staggering beat, which underscore the song’s dark, romantic themes.
Del Rey’s lyrics are steeped in a sense of doomed passion, bracing for tragedy even in the throes of love:
“Oh, my heart it breaks/Every step that I take/But I’m hoping at the gates/They’ll tell me that you’re mine.”
This anticipation of heartbreak is a recurring motif in her work, adding to the song’s melancholic allure.
The accompanying music video further established Del Rey’s visual style, featuring her adorned in a flower crown, sitting regally on a throne in a French palace.
Interspersed are scenes of her and a tattooed lover embracing against the backdrop of an American flag, symbolising a juxtaposition of romantic idealism and harsh reality.
The video culminates in a dramatic, fiery end, mirroring the song’s themes of love and destruction.
“Born to Die” not only solidified Del Rey’s presence in the music industry but also set the tone for the haunting, cinematic quality that would define her artistry.
3. “Video Games”
“Video Games,” released in 2011, is the debut single that catapulted Lana Del Rey into the limelight, establishing her as a mysterious and viral phenomenon.
The song marked a stark departure from the EDM-pop that dominated the charts at the time, introducing the world to Del Rey’s “gangsta Nancy Sinatra” persona.
With its moody and sparse arrangement, “Video Games” became a palate cleanser in the pop landscape, setting the stage for a new aesthetic movement.
The track features a vintage sound, characterised by layers of strings, harps, and haunting synths that create a romantic yet melancholic atmosphere.
Del Rey’s lyrics paint a picture of mundane domesticity, reflecting on simple pleasures like watching her lover drink beer and play video games.
This contrast between the lush, almost funereal music and the contemporary lyrical references showcased Del Rey’s unique songwriting talent.
The song’s accompanying homemade video, featuring Del Rey singing into a webcam interspersed with clips of skateboarders, Hollywood scenes, and paparazzi footage of Paz de la Huerta, added to its viral appeal.
“Video Games” not only redefined pop music’s landscape but also introduced Del Rey’s signature style, blending vintage aesthetics with modern sensibilities.
2. The Greatest
“The Greatest,” a standout track from Lana Del Rey’s 2019 album Norman Fucking Rockwell!, serves as a reflective, bicoastal anthem that captures the essence of American pop culture, much like Bob Dylan’s “Murder Most Foul,” Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and Don McLean’s “American Pie.”
In Del Rey’s take, the music hasn’t died; instead, she reminisces about life in Los Angeles and New York, yearning for simpler times when “doing nothing” felt significant.
The song is set against sweeping melodies and guitar riffs, as Del Rey references cultural icons like Dennis Wilson, “Life on Mars,” and Kanye West, painting a vivid picture of the fragmented cultural landscape.
Each line in “The Greatest” feels quotable, encapsulating a deep sense of nostalgia and loss.
Particularly memorable is her use of the word “lit” to describe the cultural scene, a moment that is both poignant and cool, highlighting her unique ability to capture contemporary vernacular with authenticity and style.
“The Greatest” stands as a melancholic yet hopeful tribute to the enduring power of music and culture.
1. “Young and Beautiful”
“Young and Beautiful,” featured on the soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 film The Great Gatsby, is a lush string ballad that captures the essence of the movie’s themes of love, wealth, and the fleeting nature of beauty.
In this standout track, Lana Del Rey assumes the role of a tragic heroine, echoing the doomed romance of Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby set against the opulent backdrop of East Egg.
The song’s haunting lyrics reflect Del Rey’s contemplation of whether her relationship is grounded in genuine affection or superficial allure—questions as timeless as the narrative itself.
She sings, “Will you still love me when I’m no longer young and beautiful?” with a dreamy lilt, imbuing the song with a sense of wistful uncertainty.
Despite her whispered assertion, “I know you will,” there is a palpable sense of doubt and yearning, suggesting an awareness of the ephemeral nature of both love and beauty.
“Young and Beautiful” is a poignant meditation on vulnerability and the desire for lasting love, making it a memorable piece in Del Rey’s repertoire.