Lana Del Rey has solidified herself as an important figure in the music industry. With her first studio album, “Born to Die”, she revolutionized indie pop and created a unique sound praised for melodic beauty.
With chart-topping singles off the album, “Video Games” and “Summertime Sadness”, Del Rey built a fanbase comparable to that of mainstream pop artists like Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift, which is especially impressive considering her less mainstream style.
Many people know Del Rey for other songs like “Cinnamon Girl” and “Brooklyn Baby”, which have been popularized on Tik Tok and other social media platforms. However, her discography is layered with masterpieces that don’t get the recognition they deserve.
1. Beautiful People Beautiful Problems (feat. Stevie Nicks)- Off of her fourth studio album, “Lust for Life”, “Beautiful People Beautiful Problems” is a very well-crafted song that conveys a powerful message: the world is a lot bigger than our ‘beautiful problems.’
2. Sweet Carolina- With a calming voice, piano, and lyrics, Del Rey creates a lullaby-like feel in this tender, personal masterpiece of a song. “Sweet Carolina” is dedicated to Del Rey’s sister, Caroline Grant, during her pregnancy, offering her unconditional love and support.
3. Tomorrow Never Came (feat. Sean Ono Lennon)- “Tomorrow Never Came” is an incredible duet with singer Sean Ono Lennon. With phenomenal lyricism and imagery, the song is an emotional ballad about unfulfilled promises.
4. Paris, Texas (feat. SYML)- Off of her most recent album “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd”, “Paris, Texas” was overshadowed by songs like “Margaret” and “Let the Light In”. But, “Paris, Texas” is a thoroughly nuanced song that deserves more popularity. The three-minute track explores themes of finding oneself in leaving people, places, and things behind that no longer feel like home, or no longer bring happiness.
5. Violets for Roses- Del Rey’s eighth studio album, “Blue Banisters,” undeservedly tends to get lost in the shuffle. Despite its lack of popularity, it’s a flawless album, and actually one of her best albums lyrically. “Violets for Roses” is a perfect reflection of this great lyricism, telling a story about reclaiming one’s identity after ending a relationship that forced change.
