Born to Die
by Lana Del Rey
  • Record Label: Polydor
  • Release Date: Jan 31, 2012
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
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  1. MarshallCavalli
    Aug 15, 2019
    10
    A blend of 60's pop and modern alternative, Born to Die is an excellent debut that will remain timeless.
  2. TheMasterOfCD
    Jun 5, 2012
    7
    The first real studio album by American singer Lana Del Rey is a réusiite (for me), but the public does embarks perhaps as much as me, but .... The mixed performance on SNL was a total failure, his lips are duck does normal, repeat, how much it costed to, etc.. The songs like Video Games, Born To Die and Blue Jeans are the top three of the album. I normally like this kind ofThe first real studio album by American singer Lana Del Rey is a réusiite (for me), but the public does embarks perhaps as much as me, but .... The mixed performance on SNL was a total failure, his lips are duck does normal, repeat, how much it costed to, etc.. The songs like Video Games, Born To Die and Blue Jeans are the top three of the album. I normally like this kind of music, but this time I fell in love with New York singer. The mixture of love and difficult distress sexy enough, I love.… Expand
  3. James1998
    Apr 20, 2013
    9
    Very good album, the album was melancholy but very enjoyable, very well written and some great songs, the best songs are Blue jeans, born to die and video games
  4. diofelicciano
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    Every song on this album it's epic, it's by far my all-time favorite album. I love the way that Lana sings all of these stories for us, it's beautiful and genuine.
  5. DRTJ
    Jul 27, 2020
    9
    Favorite track: "National Anthem"
    Least favorite track: "Lolita"
    This album is an ambiance all on its own. Lana Del Rey burst onto the scene with this strong debut album, full of biting and provocative lyrics and a delicate mix of alternative and baroque pop. While many over the years have criticized Del Rey's somber vocals, you can't have these kinds of instrumentals and lyrics with a    Favorite track: "National Anthem"
    Least favorite track: "Lolita"

    This album is an ambiance all on its own. Lana Del Rey burst onto the scene with this strong debut album, full of biting and provocative lyrics and a delicate mix of alternative and baroque pop. While many over the years have criticized Del Rey's somber vocals, you can't have these kinds of instrumentals and lyrics with a typical "pop princess" voice. She is singing from the heart, with references to Americana and fame culture - something that she obviously fears but also anticipates with a sort of vengeful excitement. The drums and orchestral arrangements combine to make catchy slow-burners that create a sultry atmosphere: perfect for the excellent songwriting on display.    … Expand
  6. super-adn23
    Apr 23, 2012
    4
    This is another pretentious album , that the basic **** think is going to make them look like hipsters and snobs. It's funny because the album has the same melody from the beginning to the end and it's beyond boring and most of the tracks go unnoticed. Her vocals is obviously the best thing on it, there are some ok songs like This What Makes Us Girls, Video Games, Radio and Lucky Ones.
  7. TommyA
    Mar 27, 2012
    8
    Born to Die is a pretty good debut album, even though it gets slightly boring at times. Lana's vocals are kind of limited, so consequentially, the album isn't exactly varied. It is still a good listen though. If you enjoyed Lana's first single, you shouldn't have trouble liking this. Highlights are: Video Games, Dark Paradise, Carmen, Lolita.
  8. LispectorLTX
    May 4, 2018
    0
    Lana Del Rey is a cool and a kind person, but seriously, every album that she release it looks like the same. Only a few singles that she released were good for her career - and these singles were the songs that was most successful for her. It's sad that she loves talking only about sex, drugs and death. Unfortunate!
  9. LanaticMonster
    Jun 17, 2018
    8
    /Born To Die/
    1-Born To Die - 9/10
    2-Off To The Races - 8/10
    3-Blue Jeans - 10/10
    4-Video Games - 10/10
    5-Diet Mountain Dew - 7/10
    6-National Anthem - 9/10
    7-Dark Paradise - 4/10
    8-Radio - 8/10
    9-Carmen - 10/10
    10-Million Dollar Man - 3/10
    11-Summertime Sadness - 7/10
    12-This Is What Makes Us Girls - 10/10
    Cohesion: 6/10
    Lyrics Quality: 4 /10

    Final Score: 7.5/10
  10. RAUL13
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    Señorita del Rey, para ser su álbum debut no esta nada mal, si, tiene algunos sonidos que se repiten a lo largo del álbum y de algunas canciones, pero sin duda, es un gran comienzo para su carrera, sonidos primaverales que nos dejan un dulce sabor de boca.
    Born to Die: 9/10
    Off to the Races: 10/10 Blue Jeans: 10/10 Video Games: 10/10 Diet Mountain Dew: 10/10 National Anthem: 10/10    Señorita del Rey, para ser su álbum debut no esta nada mal, si, tiene algunos sonidos que se repiten a lo largo del álbum y de algunas canciones, pero sin duda, es un gran comienzo para su carrera, sonidos primaverales que nos dejan un dulce sabor de boca.
    Born to Die: 9/10
    Off to the Races: 10/10
    Blue Jeans: 10/10
    Video Games: 10/10
    Diet Mountain Dew: 10/10
    National Anthem: 10/10
    Drak Paradise: 8/10
    Radio: 8/10
    Carmen: 9/10
    Million Dollar Man: 8/10
    Summertime Sadness: 10/10
    This is What Makes Us Girls: 10/10
    Without Ypu: 10/10
    Lolita: 10/10
    Lucky Ones: 10/10    … Expand
  11. Caiobarroso
    Dec 23, 2019
    9
    Esse álbum sem dúvidas é uma porta para pessoas do estilo de Lana e sem dúvidas é um dos melhores álbuns da década
  12. saul16
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Es un álbum bien elaborado que mezcla la música de los 80's y ella lo trae a la al actualidad! Ella demuestras que lo vintage nunca muere y eso está en este álbum con canciones románticas que no en cualquier otro álbum se encuentra.… Expand
  13. Julianramos5
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Periodt this was the best debut ever !! She literally changed music forever with this album!
  14. guiwinter9
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Um dos melhores álbuns da lenda onde fez eu conhecer ela e me apaixonar cada dia mais. ❤️
  15. Kerry-Paul
    Jul 30, 2016
    9
    Rarely does anyone make music this good these days. Some songs seems timeless and brilliant! This is a masterwork by a singer who is still finding herself. Yet she's unafraid to go where other singers of this generation are afraid to go. The delivery is nothing to scoff at either! Critics slept on this album! They were too afraid to openly state that Born To Die was a genius album. HoweverRarely does anyone make music this good these days. Some songs seems timeless and brilliant! This is a masterwork by a singer who is still finding herself. Yet she's unafraid to go where other singers of this generation are afraid to go. The delivery is nothing to scoff at either! Critics slept on this album! They were too afraid to openly state that Born To Die was a genius album. However fans have spoken! 9/10… Expand
  16. FragileLamplite
    May 22, 2014
    10
    Lana Del Rey's Born To Die is the pinnacle of pop and indie perfection. Anyone who has heard one of her songs on the radio can tell you that now more than ever her appeal has grown beyond hipster tumblr bloggers. Although her vocals aren't the strongest, she still has something to say. The 12 tracks intertwine with images of heartbreak and old money, lost desires and New York opulence.Lana Del Rey's Born To Die is the pinnacle of pop and indie perfection. Anyone who has heard one of her songs on the radio can tell you that now more than ever her appeal has grown beyond hipster tumblr bloggers. Although her vocals aren't the strongest, she still has something to say. The 12 tracks intertwine with images of heartbreak and old money, lost desires and New York opulence. Throughout the tales of desperation and she masterfully strings allusions to the novel "Lolita" and general Americana. Sonically, the fusion of hip hop beats and swelling orchestra is a refreshing and at sometimes overblown and dramatic. The production is masterful, some tracks lined with vintage vocal samples and innovative beats that underlie Lana's narrative abilities and distinct voice. Overall, it's a hauntingly beautiful and nearly flawless effort.… Expand
  17. billyray
    Mar 19, 2021
    10
    iconiccccccccccccccccccc
    such a iconic album!!!!!!!!!
    history!!!!!
    thats it!!!!!!!
  18. Raphael2017
    Jul 25, 2017
    10
    Álbum mais injustiçado do mundo, esnobado no oscar e no grammy, um hinário desses bixos, bíblia alternativa, felizmente Lana já é consagrada muito amada.
  19. sasscardigan
    Jul 25, 2017
    9
    Este álbum recoge clásicos que quedan en la historia de Lana. Probó cosas diferentes ( no necesariamente nuevas, sino olvidadas) y las forjó como un estilo único que la caracterizarían.
  20. adilsonmellof
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Icônico, memorável, o maior debut album da história, letras impecáveis e a sonoridade perfeita
  21. elenip
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    Her first album, the one that made ua love her voice and her music. Non stop listening to it till now.
  22. lavieenrose
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    best tracks : carmen , radio , million dollar man , video games , summertime sadness
  23. Intheshade
    Jan 15, 2020
    6
    It was the start of a new generation of pop music sonically, but lyrically it was repetitive to the point where you could cut it down to 5 songs and it’d still have the same effect.
  24. elris
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The most beautiful debut album of an artist yet. My favorite songs in this album are national anthem and dark paradise.… Expand
  25. HenriqueCalado
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    You lie to yourself if you don’t agree that this album shaped music forever. Lana Del Rey and Born To Die they will always be famous.
  26. PKikionis
    Mar 19, 2023
    10
    M A S T E R P I E C E

    A Living Legend.

    Best music ever.
    Greatest poet ever.
    Greatest songwriter ever.

    Lana Del Rey is the God!
  27. unknown
    Feb 1, 2012
    10
    This album is amazing. Every song went beyond my expectations. Ever song is a new story and it truly is beautiful. It's sad to see all of these negative reviews, its really because of the hype. Don't buy into it, you will enjoy this album
  28. Hipsteran
    Feb 1, 2012
    9
    I discovered Lana Del Rey when Gossip Girl used her song "Kinda Outta Luck" for it's 5th season trailers. That song was tempting, mysterious. It reminded me of a Tarantino song. Then I heard her first official single Video Games which was better, she sounded like this femme fatale character, and I loved it. I have to say that to me Born To Die was the most anticipated album of 2012. SoI discovered Lana Del Rey when Gossip Girl used her song "Kinda Outta Luck" for it's 5th season trailers. That song was tempting, mysterious. It reminded me of a Tarantino song. Then I heard her first official single Video Games which was better, she sounded like this femme fatale character, and I loved it. I have to say that to me Born To Die was the most anticipated album of 2012. So when she perfomed on SNL she didn't disappoint me a bit, cause I had already heard her sing on Later with Joosh Holland. When I bought this CD I noticed people commenting her infamous performance instead of the album which wasn't fair. This record is the best of Alt-pop, with "Dark Paradise" and "Diet Mountain Drew" Lana is at her peak. I have to recommend this to everyone, it is just excellent, sensual. It's a masterpiece… Expand
  29. Reeeth
    Feb 21, 2012
    10
    What makes Born to Die so richly fascinating â
  30. cloudxchamber
    Jul 27, 2012
    5
    If I'm honest, I didn't want to go with the critics for this one, but when I first downloaded and listened to Born to Die shortly after its release, it became obvious to me that one of my most anticipated albums at the end of 2011 had turned out to be a disappointing mixed bag. Going through the tracklist, the title track and opener is dramatic and initially enjoyable though unremarkable,If I'm honest, I didn't want to go with the critics for this one, but when I first downloaded and listened to Born to Die shortly after its release, it became obvious to me that one of my most anticipated albums at the end of 2011 had turned out to be a disappointing mixed bag. Going through the tracklist, the title track and opener is dramatic and initially enjoyable though unremarkable, but the cringeworthy melodrama and lyrics of second track "Off to the Races" chokes is lush strings and production for a full five minutes, no less. Next, "Blue Jeans" is propulsive and inoffensive though bland, with a decent sense for song structure. At this point, "Video Games", the album's only complete triumph, comes off so honest, so sincere and so beautifully crafted that it feels slightly out of place in a set of songs so dedicated to ego and persona. No surprise that it clashes so vehemently with the obnoxious intro to the following track: "You're no good for me, but baby I want you, I want you." The ensuing three tracks are fairly predictable pop songs with their fair share of downfalls, but where normally an album like Born to Die would end in a series of unlistenable sentimental ballads, something must be said for the final few songs on the album, as they show the most promise: "Summertime Sadness," despite the title, builds up well and has a simple, powerful refrain. "Million Dollar Man," while sadly overproduced, may be the only song comparable in quality to "Video Games:" Del Rey's powerful voice is shown off over jazzy piano that make the song interesting and listenable. Still, not even these strong points could save the album: at the end of the day, despite considerable merits, it just sounds all too similar and uninteresting as a whole.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    Feb 27, 2012
    80
    Tune out the background media noise and immerse yourself. [Mar 2012, p.94]
  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]
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