Lana Del Rey has made her mark on the music industry with her unique blend of indie-pop and dreamy melodies, strongly influenced by the ’50s and ’60s. With millions of albums sold and a legion of loyal fans, Lana Del Rey is an unmistakable musical icon of this decade. But what are her top ten songs?
10. Cinnamon Girl
Cinnamon Girl, a track from the album “Norman Fucking Rockwell!”, combines melancholic lyrics with a sultry, soft melodic rhythm. It is one of those songs that showcase the subtle power of Lana’s voice and takes the listener on an emotional journey.
9. Brooklyn Baby
Brooklyn Baby is an ode to Brooklyn’s hipster culture and demonstrates Lana’s ability to create a nostalgic atmosphere. The song captures the essence of a carefree youth in New York while simultaneously striking a lightly ironic tone. A perfect balance between mockery and sentimentality.
8. Diet Mountain Dew
With Diet Mountain Dew, we delve into the world of a complex relationship set against the backdrop of New York City. The song is filled with playful rhythms and upbeat melodies, an interesting contrast with the underlying themes of confusion and longing.
7. Radio
Radio is a love letter to the fame she has gained through her music. The song is filled with references to pop culture and gives us a glimpse into the life of a star who has found her way to the top. Radio is a subtle but powerful song that easily sticks in your head.
6. West Coast
West Coast is a love story with a dark edge, situated along the California coast. The guitar lines and Lana’s hypnotizing voice create an atmosphere of desire and danger. It is one of those songs that transports you to another time and place.
5. Doin’ Time
Doin’ Time is a cover of Sublime and proves that Lana is not afraid to explore different genres. The song is a summery ode to life in Los Angeles, marked by a seamless transition from rap-like vocals to seductive melodies.
4. Young and Beautiful
This dramatic song from the soundtrack of “The Great Gatsby” is probably one of Lana’s most well-known works. Young and Beautiful is a melancholic ballad that explores the uncertainties of love and youth. The song is grandly orchestrated, with orchestral instrumentation that perfectly complements Lana’s emotional vocal performance.
3. Born to Die
The title track from her debut album shows us a Lana Del Rey who plays with themes of love and transience. The heavy drums and orchestral arrangements make Born to Die an intense listening experience that is hard to forget.
2. Video Games
Video Games was the song that put Lana on the map. A heartbreaking ballad that explores the inequality in romantic relationships. Her melancholic voice fits perfectly with the simplistic but powerful instrumentation. A modern classic that will stand the test of time.
1. Summertime Sadness
Summertime Sadness is undoubtedly one of Lana Del Rey’s most famous songs. The opening sounds of the song, featuring ethereal strings and slow percussion, immediately set the tone. The musical arrangements pay homage to both modern electronic music and the melancholy of classic Americana, a genre that Del Rey often explores. The lyrics of “Summertime Sadness” delve deep into the complexity of nostalgia and sorrow, themes that Lana Del Rey repeatedly addresses throughout her career. As the title suggests, the song weaves the paradoxical feeling of both joy and sadness during the summer months. This sentiment resonates on a universal level, making this song a classic.