‘Gangster Nancy Sinatra’, ‘Hollywood’s Sadcore Icon’, ‘The High Priestess of Heartbreak’. These are just some of the many names and titles Elizabeth “Lizzy” Grant has been given over the years, either by herself, her fans, or the media. Yes, regardless of what she’s called, one name consistently resonates in the minds of listeners and within the music world: Lana Del Rey.
Born on June 21, 1985, to Robert and Patricia Grant, Lana Del Rey was the eldest of three siblings. Her musical journey began during her elementary school years when she would sing in her church choir as a cantor. An unfortunate philosophical crisis during her teenage years led to a brief battle with alcoholism, following which she has been sober since 2003. She majored in philosophy with a specialization in metaphysics, claiming that the subject served as a bridge between science and her faith. After learning to play the guitar from her uncle, young Lizzy Grant decided to pursue a music career and began playing in nightclubs and bars across New York.
Lana is considered by many critics to be a game-changer in the alt-pop genre. She brought forward a new cinematic sound to her music, along with an aura of melancholy in an otherwise upbeat and rock-centric genre. Her debut release after a self-rebrand from May Jailer and Lizzy Grant to Lana Del Rey was dubbed by critics as sadcore, which earned her the title ‘Queen of Sadcore’. This sound would then go on to inspire future chart-toppers like Lorde and Billie Eilish. She also incorporates country and folk elements in her music, along with unique collaborations across hip-hop and R&B with artists like The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, and Quavo, setting her apart from many pop artists of her time.
Take a look at some of her best musical works.
Video Games
Cited by many as an introduction to the dark cinematic themes of Lana Del Rey’s music, Video Games also introduced the artist to international recognition. The song is a slow ballad with an aura of longing and resignation, narrating the story of a woman longing for her boyfriend, who seems to be growing distant from her and is only focused on his video game. Inspired by an ex-boyfriend, the song has minimal production and Lana’s crooning vocals, creating a dream-like atmosphere in the minds of the listeners.
Release: 2011 (Re-released in 2012 under the album Born To Die)
Summertime Sadness
Another iconic release from her debut album, Summertime Sadness has often been referred to as a ‘Sadcore Anthem’ across Lana Del Rey’s fandoms and critics. Although the song carries seemingly upbeat instrumentals and production value, it is the eerie atmospheric vocals and gloomy lyrics that give it the signature Lana Del Rey charm and appeal. Summertime Sadness is a pop ballad about summer romance conflict, talking about love and loneliness, and finding beauty in the melancholy. A remix by DJ Cedric Gervais propelled it to more fame and recognition in the global charts, although the original song still carries a charm of its own.
Release: 2012 (under the album Born to Die)
Lust For Life (ft. The Weeknd)
One of her most iconic songs of all time, Lust for Life stands apart from her discography for a variety of reasons. The song showcases a shift from her usual brooding and gloomy mood to one of rebellion and optimism. Featuring vocals from Canadian R&B star The Weeknd, the dreamy pop ballad revolves around a couple hell-bent on breaking the rules and being lost in each other’s arms for the moment. The vocal chemistry between the two musicians brings out a thin veil of subtlety in moments guided by passion and intimacy. Lust for Life was referred to as a “timeless Hollywood daydream” by critics, complimenting the 60s-inspired music playing in the background.
Release: 2017 (Under the album Lust for Life)
Norman F****** Rockwell
The title song of her 2019 album, Norman F****** Rockwell is another bittersweet melody by Lana, although filled with cynicism and sarcasm. The piano ballad is about a woman lamenting over her relationship with an immature, self-obsessed man, labelled a “goddamn man-child” in the opening line of the song. Going by the title of the song and the album, a cheeky reference to painter Norman Rockwell, the man is an artist who never takes accountability, blaming the entire world for his failures. The song was an instant hit among the pop audience, also garnering critical acclaim. The minimal instrumentals help bring Lana’s crooning vocals to the front, giving the song her signature appeal.
Release: 2019 (Under the album Norman F****** Rockwell)
Young and Beautiful
Considering her old-school musical charm and her 60s-inspired instrumental themes, it was no surprise that Lana Del Rey was approached to be a part of the soundtrack to Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 romantic drama, The Great Gatsby. Initially titled ‘Will You Still Love Me When I'm No Longer Young and Beautiful’, the song was meant for Lana’s third EP, Paradise. The song is one of desperation, nostalgia, and uncertainty, sung from the perspective of Daisy Buchanan, the romantic interest of the movie’s titular character, Jay Gatsby. Dubbed a “tragic heroine’s anthem,” the song’s haunting lyrics and the atmospheric, cinematic orchestra make Young and Beautiful a quintessential Lana Del Rey song, ranking second in her discography in terms of streams.
