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. Ricko
    Nov 25, 2020
    8
    A mix of decent and really good pop songs that are produced to 2010's perfection and sung with a hypnotic voice that gives even the most standard material a distinctive touch of magic. The album is packed with melodies and easy to listen to songs. It's not a classic but as ultra mainstream pop albums go, this is as rewarding as the best of them. An artist well worth checking out, all theA mix of decent and really good pop songs that are produced to 2010's perfection and sung with a hypnotic voice that gives even the most standard material a distinctive touch of magic. The album is packed with melodies and easy to listen to songs. It's not a classic but as ultra mainstream pop albums go, this is as rewarding as the best of them. An artist well worth checking out, all the hallmarks of a top end songwriter and a genuine creative mind.… Expand
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 25, 2022
    6
    Elizabeth Woodridge Grant emerged quietly from obscurity in her fully formed persona "Lana Del Rey" taking the world by storm. Her explosive single "video games " set the nostalgic vintage sound she'd learn to master throughout her lustrous career. I remember when i first heard it i was repelled and intrigued simultaneously:the vintage sound seemed uninteresting but her lyrics appearanceElizabeth Woodridge Grant emerged quietly from obscurity in her fully formed persona "Lana Del Rey" taking the world by storm. Her explosive single "video games " set the nostalgic vintage sound she'd learn to master throughout her lustrous career. I remember when i first heard it i was repelled and intrigued simultaneously:the vintage sound seemed uninteresting but her lyrics appearance were fresh captivating,thank god i was lured. "Born to die " divided critiques who then could either love it's invention and timeliness aesthetic or found her entirely packaged, boring snd a fad. The latter were wrong as born to die would become the blue print of an iconoclastic genre of sad girl whisper pop juggernauts(eg.lorde,billie ellish etc)time would be extremly kind to this record as it improves the more you hear it's delicious textures.

    For debuts "Born to die " gives others a run for their money. It bushed and created boundaries and showed artists didn't need to belt lile Beyonce or Adele to infiltrate billboard. It took the world in a more gray direction moody direction inflected with trip hop beats and vulnerable lyrics. From the dramatic plea of the openers first words to the astoundingly creative winder of "off to the races ",which pushed what could be pop. Nothing is black and white here, alongside images of patriotism ,the American dream and heart ache are genuine expressions of her experiences she's had or is preparing to have. It has a freedom other records just couldn't evoke such as the slick swagger of "blue jeans" or the giddy & tipsy "diet mountain dew" which sounds like an irresistible 20's jingle. In spite of disarming (though sometimes off pitch) vocals and watertight aesthetic there is a power to her words,lyrics come first to glorious results. Such as the standard editions closer or "carmen".

    Born to die is a once misunderstood prototype rejected by the critical masses and now beloved by all. It's a universal shift, it's a gem    … Expand
  3. brockcheese
    Sep 4, 2019
    6
    This album clearly has some great themes about fame and what it means to be a woman in today's society but she seems too content and not ready for change.
  4. marcmyworks
    Aug 27, 2018
    7
    As much positives as there are on Born to Die there are equal negatives. The production gets to be too repetitive and too over the top with hip-hop beats arranged with ballads, 21st century trip-hop if you will. Unfortunately the demos for this album leaked prior to its release, and some of them are much better than the final tracks. I will say when the album is good its really good.As much positives as there are on Born to Die there are equal negatives. The production gets to be too repetitive and too over the top with hip-hop beats arranged with ballads, 21st century trip-hop if you will. Unfortunately the demos for this album leaked prior to its release, and some of them are much better than the final tracks. I will say when the album is good its really good. Download: Video Games, Blue Jeans, Off to the Races, This is What Makes Us Girls.… Expand
  5. axelkoch
    Nov 5, 2012
    7
    Sadly not that good as it could've been. She shows how much she is able to do in her released singles, the whole 15 songs are also really nice but entirely not that great. The lyrics are lovably depressive as they're showing the 3 parts of a relationship ending in death. Before it, at the moment of his death and after it. The structure is also really great: starting depressive and endingSadly not that good as it could've been. She shows how much she is able to do in her released singles, the whole 15 songs are also really nice but entirely not that great. The lyrics are lovably depressive as they're showing the 3 parts of a relationship ending in death. Before it, at the moment of his death and after it. The structure is also really great: starting depressive and ending in an happy love song, Lucky Ones. I enjoyed the album, but not every song.… Expand
  6. Muddsjr
    Feb 11, 2014
    7
    the repetitive production and moods make this album rather hard a listen, but the song's are individually very good, but with the odd song slightly wonky in its production or just a bit boring, (Dark Paradise for the wonky production and Summertime Sadness for slow). Born to Die without a doubt though, has a potentiality to it, a flame, that yes, goes out a little slightly towards the end,the repetitive production and moods make this album rather hard a listen, but the song's are individually very good, but with the odd song slightly wonky in its production or just a bit boring, (Dark Paradise for the wonky production and Summertime Sadness for slow). Born to Die without a doubt though, has a potentiality to it, a flame, that yes, goes out a little slightly towards the end, but more or less goes unnoticed for the majority of the tracks prior to them. Buying the edition is unrecommended, because all you want if for the album to end at that point. Born to Die as a sum up, is great in places.… Expand
  7. adhamhany
    Nov 22, 2013
    7
    The strong points of the album are the lyrics and the vocals. The vocals are amazing thanks in part to her already beautiful voice. The music is good, but nothing groundbreaking. The major drawback, however, is the length of the album, especially when more than a few tracks could have been removed. They weren't exactly great.
    In the end, it's a very good album that could have been better.    The strong points of the album are the lyrics and the vocals. The vocals are amazing thanks in part to her already beautiful voice. The music is good, but nothing groundbreaking. The major drawback, however, is the length of the album, especially when more than a few tracks could have been removed. They weren't exactly great.
    In the end, it's a very good album that could have been better. And i believe her future work will be.    … Expand
  8. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    7
    good album............................................................................................................................................................
  9. jotaeseche
    Jul 29, 2014
    9
    Though you may get confused at a first glance, you eventually get to love this complete and stylish work of art that plays seduction, irony, sex appeal, sadness, nostalgia, tragedy, joy and desolation better than any other counterpart. Standouts: Born To Die, Summertime Sadness and, first of all, Video Games.
  10. thaleslucas
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    Its the best album of 2012. 'Born to Die' is great and has lyrics and production so wonderful. Lana Del Rey sang it with a lot of feelings that makes me feel better and special. Its so dark and pretty. BTD is my love.
  11. diegonelli
    Sep 13, 2015
    7
    I met her with Born to Die (song) and I fell in love with it, and the whole album! Best songs: Video Games, Radio, Without You, Least: Lolita. Lana made a good job.
  12. BWETMatangi
    Aug 7, 2013
    10
    Lana Del Rays music is haunting and addicting. So is the album itself. Born to Die is a work of art, and one of the best albums of 2012. I highly recommend it.
  13. Jiano74
    Jan 27, 2016
    4
    In a word this album was meh. I wasn't impressed at all but it wasn't awful but I really don't like Del Rey's voice and she certainly should change it up drastically to impress me.
  14. victorcarter
    Apr 30, 2017
    5
    Lana Del Rey's partying is fuelled by a knowing sadness, and sung in that laconic, hypnotic voice, which ultimately saves this thoroughly dissolute, feminist nightmare of a record for the romantics among us.
  15. CharlieGray
    Sep 10, 2015
    4
    This album it's sooooooooooo good. You are definitly play it on repeat, really, again and again and again.
    .............................................
  16. andyn823
    Jun 14, 2020
    9
    It's a good album. I love how she shows her feelings in each of her songs, and the production... it's so good. I love the dream pop sound of her album because it got me in the feels.
  17. Segundoleo26
    Oct 21, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Es una Biblia una Joya una MASTERPIECE que marcó un antes y un después en la cultura pop y en la industria en general sin Lana no existiría Lorde,Melani,Halsey & Billie… Expand
  18. JotaBrasil
    Nov 4, 2012
    10
    Para tentar fazer a resenha do álbum de estréia de Lana Del Rey, Born to Die, é necessário seguir uma linha de raciocínio: Lana Del Rey é a versão em um mundo paralelo da Adele. Lana Del Rey é uma artista fabricada, dark, plastificada, indie, misteriosa, melancólica. Enquanto Adele seria a versão de um dos filmes dePara tentar fazer a resenha do álbum de estréia de Lana Del Rey, Born to Die, é necessário seguir uma linha de raciocínio: Lana Del Rey é a versão em um mundo paralelo da Adele. Lana Del Rey é uma artista fabricada, dark, plastificada, indie, misteriosa, melancólica. Enquanto Adele seria a versão de um dos filmes de Woody Allen, Lana seria a David Lynch. Tão diferentes, tão geniais.

    Born to Die é uma viagem sombria na cabeça de uma cantora que se transforma em uma personagem em um mundo de corações partidos, morte idealizada e amores a flor da pele. É tudo muito pomposo em sua produção espetacular em sua asséptica. Tudo é feito para parecer tão cru e sombrio e ao mesmo tempo tão perfeito em sua construção. Como uma dona de casa perfeita dos anos cinquenta do meio-oeste americano que se mantêm perfeitamente arrumada para manter as aparências enquanto na verdade é louca psicopata que atormenta os filhos e enlouquece o marido. A mistura de pop, indie com toques de R&B, jazz e rock cria uma personalidade multifacetada de Born to Die que lhe dá personalidade retirando de outros. Tudo ganha vida em desempenhos inspirados de Lana. A produção criada para a personagem Lana Del Rey encontra a perfeita interprete na cantora Elizabeth Grant. Uma interprete, como ela já disse, de estúdio. E como ela faz bem seu papel. Uma montanha - russa de emoções em uma mesma escala de sensualidade, inocência, delicadeza, malicia. As vozes que saem da voz de Lana em cada música é um evento a parte. Composições seguem um mesmo caminho de histórias, mas todas têm complexidade, paixão e vários toques de morbidez. Todas belas em sua plastificação falsa. Lana é uma fabricação como Frankenstein. Diabolicamente perfeita. Não como ressaltar só um momento de Born to Die. Ouça. Mesmo ser for para odiar. Depois procure algo mais natural como a Adele.    … Expand
  19. LuizCC
    Jul 12, 2012
    5
    One of the most talked-about singers of 2011 and 2012 released her awaited album just for disappointing. There are a few highlights, but the down parts are most eloquent. It is a bit dull at some ways, and it's strangeness makes we feel like Lana don't believe in what she is singing. Of course, highlights I've mentioned are "National Anthem" and "Summertime Sadness".
  20. LilScience
    Aug 31, 2020
    10
    E a rainha Indie chegou! Com um tom de Hollywood e vintage ao estilo 'Marilyn Monroe' ela traz um estilo totalmente diferente e refez o pop para sempre, influenciando artistas como Lorde, Lewis Capaldi, Billie Eilish entre outros.
    Sobre o álbum não tem uma faixa que eu não goste, mas as preferidas são 'Born To Die', 'National Anthem', 'Carmen', 'Summertime Sadness' entre muitas outras, o    E a rainha Indie chegou! Com um tom de Hollywood e vintage ao estilo 'Marilyn Monroe' ela traz um estilo totalmente diferente e refez o pop para sempre, influenciando artistas como Lorde, Lewis Capaldi, Billie Eilish entre outros.
    Sobre o álbum não tem uma faixa que eu não goste, mas as preferidas são 'Born To Die', 'National Anthem', 'Carmen', 'Summertime Sadness' entre muitas outras, o estilo vintage logo me agradou de cara pois já estava ficando muito acostumado ao estigma das divas pop glamorizadas, o antigo 'Bubblegum Pop', e com Lana tudo é diferente, ela é chique, fina, cult tudo que uma artista só via em artistas antigas como Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Barbra Streisand, Bette Davis entre outras da antiga Hollywood, esse álbum merece número infinitos de avaliações, só pela obra prima que esse álbum e todas as discografias da Lana são!    … Expand
  21. greedybadidea
    May 24, 2020
    10
    Lana Del Rey is an artist. Her debut album 'Born to Die' is definitely one of the best musical projects I have ever listened to. The cohesiveness of the album combined with the soft vocals and strong messages portrayed on each track make for an excellently told tragic love story. I don't know how she will be able to one up this project because this is literal perfection. I am so lucky toLana Del Rey is an artist. Her debut album 'Born to Die' is definitely one of the best musical projects I have ever listened to. The cohesiveness of the album combined with the soft vocals and strong messages portrayed on each track make for an excellently told tragic love story. I don't know how she will be able to one up this project because this is literal perfection. I am so lucky to have been able to listen to this body of work. Truly a masterpiece.

    Album Track Ranking:
    1. Million Dollar Man
    2. Lucky Ones
    3. National Anthem
    4. Without You
    5. Dark Paradise
    6. Summertime Sadness
    7. Video Games
    8. Carmen
    9. Born to Die
    10. Blue Jeans
    11. Radio
    12. Off to the Races
    13. This Is What Makes Us Girls
    14. Lolita
    15. Diet Mountain Dew    … Expand
  22. cinnamongirl97
    Oct 15, 2021
    10
    Lana Del Rey made history. Changed the entire industry forever. Became the best song-writer of America.
  23. Fra101
    Nov 12, 2021
    10
    Really good project, I liked it, I will listen to it again and again and again and again for sure!!!
  24. ManuelContreras
    Apr 8, 2018
    5
    su peor album, aunque los singles y el ep son unas joyas honestamente. igual es su trabajo mas pop
  25. Wanesta
    Jan 6, 2022
    8
    With her debut, Lana Del Rey brought a breath of fresh air with a killer aesthetic. Born to Die shares a common feeling of melancholy, toxic love, and youthful dreams that we all live at some point. Of course, Lana’s vocal performance got far better in her following projects, but it doesn’t remove the quality of this record.
  26. NathanCabello
    Dec 16, 2014
    7
    A mundane work, has good songs and their bad songs, all divided in the same way, but the voice of Lana can make the album up some concepts.
    Highlights: Born To Die and National Anthem
    Lows: This Is What Makes Us Girls and Radio
  27. iamanicon
    Mar 8, 2012
    10
    I genuinely dont understand the critic reviews. This is a top class album. Amazing lyrics and beautifully, scarily sung. It is right up my street. I LOVE LANA DEL REY.
  28. Clubsocial
    Aug 26, 2016
    7
    Não é um grande álbum mas não é de se jogar fora, tem seus grandes momentos mas tem muitos erros, as letras futeis são um deles, Video Games é a melhor do álbum.
  29. potasioxd
    Sep 1, 2020
    8
    realmente es un buen álbum, no hay relleno y todas las canciones se complementan. la temática y melodías antiguas le da el toque. mis canciones favoritas son lolita, diet mountain dew y off to the races
  30. CharlieBetterIs
    Dec 24, 2015
    7
    Apesar de eu não gostar da Lana del Rey, devo admitir que o álbum é ótimo. Eu adorei várias músicas do material. A voz da Lana está doce e a instrumental não é tão sonífera assim. Os destaques ficam para as mais agitadas.

    Pontos altos: Radio, National Anthem, Summertime Sadness
    Pontos baixos: Carmen, Million Dollar Men, Video Games
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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]
See all critic reviews »