The Best Lana Del Rey Songs
In 2011, Lana Del Rey arrived on the music blogging scene to harsh commentary from critics around issues like authenticity, intent, and talent. Her breakthrough song, “Video Games,” engendered good will that had seemingly evaporated by the time her debut album, Born to Die, was released on Jan. 27, 1012. The album was maligned by reviewers but its impact has proved far-reaching; you can hear her cool, hip-hop inflected style and somewhat tongue-in-cheek generational address in the music of Lorde, Halsey, and Post Malone.
Lana del Rey fashioned a career out of blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The cinematic music videos, Lynch-lite Americana imagery, and willingness to draw on black culture as a white performer are all part of the carefully curated world of Del Rey.
The following list is a glimpse into the glimmering swimming pools, hazy southern California light, and heartbreak that define her work. Whether she’s turning diamonds into snow in Florida, lounging at the Chateau Marmont, or eating soft ice cream at Coney Island, these are the songs where Del Rey is at her very best.
