Born to Die
by Lana Del Rey
  • Record Label: Polydor
  • Release Date: Jan 31, 2012
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 37
  3. Negative: 2 out of 37
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  1. BBC Music
    Jan 26, 2012
    90
    It's brilliantly realised, thanks to Del Rey's extraordinary delivery, her ability to slip from deep-toned haughtiness to breathless ecstasy to velvety vamping – often in the same gorgeous melody.
  2. Beats Per Minute
    Jan 30, 2012
    67
    Sure, they may borderline on gimmick at times, but Born To Die has its own sound, and that is more than we can say about a lot of music that is presently being released.
  3. Blurt Magazine
    Feb 7, 2012
    70
    Born to Die has more hits than misses and more solidly strange fabulously femme fatale interludes than naff ones.
  5. Delusions of Adequacy
    Feb 16, 2012
    70
    Whatever the circumstances have been in Lana's rise to fame, all that doesn't detract from the captivating quality of the songs on Born To Die.
  6. DIY Magazine
    Feb 10, 2012
    70
    Stop analysing too far, and what you end up with is a genuine contender.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    Jan 30, 2012
    70
    Whole thing sounds like a poppy Bond soundtrack remixed for the clubs, although even her faster songs sound slow.
  8. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Feb 10, 2012
    90
    At times, notably in Born to Die's first half, it's a little too perfect, with songs meticulous to the point where they become sterile, but when it starts to find form, I can't think of an album since My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy that was this big and sounded this good.
  9. Mojo
    Feb 27, 2012
    80
    Tune out the background media noise and immerse yourself. [Mar 2012, p.94]
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  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    Feb 7, 2012
    80
    Although it's not quite the perfect pop record 'Video Games' might have led us to wish for, Born To Die still marks the arrival of a fresh--and refreshingly self-aware--sensibility in pop.
  11. Paste Magazine
    Feb 1, 2012
    64
    Highly listenable pop songs that defy easy answers. The persona has its moments too.
  12. 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]
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  13. Slant Magazine
    Jan 25, 2012
    80
    One of the more cohesive pop albums in recent memory.
  14. 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.
  15. The Fly (UK)
    Feb 10, 2012
    80
    Born To Die may ultimately prove too-blinkered a vision to fully appeal to the Sheeran-loving public in the long run, but Lana has certainly proved that she's not just here to play games.
  16. The Guardian
    Jan 30, 2012
    80
    What Born to Die isn't is the thing Lana Del Rey seems to think it is, which is a coruscating journey into the dark heart of a troubled soul... What it is, is beautifully turned pop music, which is more than enough.
  17. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Jan 30, 2012
    100
    A delicious hybrid of Portishead and Nancy Sinatra.
  18. The Quietus
    Jan 30, 2012
    70
    Lynchian undercoat aside...it's basically just a good old massive pop album, which can be a scary thing in its own right: the air of soulless, monolithic power and the unseen presence of shadowy string-pullers etc.
  19. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jan 27, 2012
    80
    Inevitably, 51 minutes of melodrama becomes draining. But it captures Del Rey's mystique perfectly.

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2012
5
#5 Most Shared Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 2350 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,089 out of 2350
  2. Mixed: 80 out of 2350
  3. Negative: 181 out of 2350
  1. 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 factHaving 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.… Full Review »
  2. OMGCat
    Jan 31, 2012
    10
    A Beautiful album, it is not great, but it has heart. If it were not for the stupidly high amount of hype, then people would actually stopA Beautiful album, it is not great, but it has heart. If it were not for the stupidly high amount of hype, then people would actually stop being so hateful and actually listen to the music. I, frankly think people should give her a chance, her music is excellent, each has its own story to tell... Like their own universe and you feel compelled to listen to the end, and it is a grower.… Full Review »
  3. femmeo
    Jan 31, 2012
    10
    Awesome album, too bad the official critics looked for her personal life + her live in the SNL.
    She may not be ready to sing live, but in the    Awesome album, too bad the official critics looked for her personal life + her live in the SNL.
    She may not be ready to sing live, but in the studio she's really good.
    The album give the image of a happy and sad love and life, but this contrast with her voice is what make the album almost perfect.    … Full Review »
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