Born to Die - Lana Del Rey
Born to Die Image
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 373 Ratings

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  • Summary: The full-length debut for the New York singer features the single Video Games, which appeared on the CW TV series Ringer.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 38
  3. Negative: 2 out of 38
  1. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Jan 30, 2012
    100
    A delicious hybrid of Portishead and Nancy Sinatra.
  2. Sputnikmusic
    Jan 27, 2012
    80
    Born to Die is a brilliant album, but it's one that leaves room for a few improvements, and inspires confidence that they'll happen.
  3. Q Magazine
    Feb 21, 2012
    80
    Confirms her as the most compelling new pop star around: half doomed romantic, half mordant cynic, with a distinctively conflicted vision of how love, fame and America work. [Mar 2012, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Spin
    Jan 30, 2012
    60
    Even the terrible parts of Born to Die are just so lovable, which bodes well for the actually great parts.
  5. Prefix Magazine
    Feb 2, 2012
    60
    After that highpoint ["Video Games"] things head downhill quickly.
  6. Exclaim
    Feb 28, 2012
    50
    Spread over 12 songs, Del Rey becomes so ordinary, even bland, that no amount of little girl vocals or pouting can save her.
  7. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Feb 3, 2012
    0
    I have done my best to place the album, as a series of utterances, in its agony and vacuity.

See all 38 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 117 out of 137
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 137
  3. Negative: 9 out of 137
  1. matthewdeane12
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    I personally feel this album should have a much higher rating than it does, The main reason being how distinctive and different this album is. The hip-hop influence beats and her moody vocals combined with stunning melodies evoke a series amount of emotion in the listener. The lyrics could do with being a bit less materialistic, as I feel the songs on which Lana shines are 'Million Dollar Man', 'Lucky Ones' and 'Blue Jeans', which are less about opulence and fame and more about love, a theme I think suits her well. Even after 2 years since its release, this album has become one of my favourites of all time, and you should listen and see why.… Expand
  2. dexterie
    Feb 3, 2012
    10
    amazing sound. i really enjoy this. one could think that video games was the only pearl that Lana was able to come along with, but after listening to some songs available on youtube I get really hooked. I pre-ordered the album and I'm happy I did it. It's charming and classy and I can foresee a very long and bright career for this girl. Recommended.… Expand
  3. SaDareA
    Jan 31, 2012
    10
    Having went and looked at many reviews by critics I am disgusted. Disgusted at the fact that none are really review the album. But in fact discussing Lana Del Rey (lips, one bad SNL performance, ext) Everything but the album itself really. This is one of the best and most cohesive albums I've heard in quite sometime. The similarity (if any) in some of the songs keeps the story of the album consistent. Songs on the album like "Carmen" "Lolita" "Dark Paradise" and "National Anthem" sound nothing alike. So I beg to differ with what some (Critics) have said thus Far. I'm glad that the buying public or those with sense have and are going to take time to give her a chance. Some have evaded what critics have said and went ahead previewed and then bought the album. Solely because they HEAR the music and not clouded with judgement of the artist. I wish Lana the best and hope more LISTEN to the album and understand it.… Expand
  4. orcofry
    May 22, 2013
    9
    Loved the album to bits, her voice, her persona. It takes you somewhere dark and beautiful, and keeps you there pretty much the whole 49 minutes. Great music to drive to, specially now the summer is coming. Can you really ask for much more than that from a début album?… Expand
  5. slashydrunkard
    Feb 2, 2012
    8
    I absolutely love this album. Sure there are several tracks that are in the same vein as Video Games, but that's exactly what I expected. Each track has heart and the album actually feels like a light-conceptual piece that frankly sounds better than just about any pop album around right now. The critics are simply being unfair. These are the same people that gave Britney Spears' last album As and Bs. Come on....… Expand
  6. Vades
    Feb 15, 2012
    8
    If this album was by a man, I'm not sure it would be getting as much hate. There are some average lyrics but she seems to be getting **** for not being a perfect role model for the stereotypical anti man type woman.… Expand
  7. charley1
    Feb 28, 2012
    0
    The weakest part of the album is the lyrics and the singing. The lyrics and vocal lack empathy, there is nothing raw or engaging about either. The Music is so heavily produced that is enhances this problem even more so, the three don't sit well together. When the songwriter is the weakest link how can you expect to have an album that puts a spell on everyone. Full marks for hype and trending though.… Expand

See all 137 User Reviews

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