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. Brad_
    Nov 28, 2012
    8
    This album really introduces Lana Del Rey in mainstream really well. What her and her producer did fantastically is develop this "gangsta Nancy Sinatra" character beautifully, enough to make me as the listener feel enticed and intrigued to hear her next album. I must say the album did give me too many songs as I felt the album merge into one after song 11. I am also in love by the fusionThis album really introduces Lana Del Rey in mainstream really well. What her and her producer did fantastically is develop this "gangsta Nancy Sinatra" character beautifully, enough to make me as the listener feel enticed and intrigued to hear her next album. I must say the album did give me too many songs as I felt the album merge into one after song 11. I am also in love by the fusion of r&b inspired beats with her sultry voice which really gives her a nice niche she can explore.
    Favourite song: Blue Jeans
    Most played: Born to Die Favourite instrumentation: Diet Mountain Dew
    Most interesting: Carmen/Off to the races
    Most fun: Radio    … Expand
  2. leafar0997
    Dec 15, 2012
    8
    Lana is a very mysterious artist. She has a way of writing about love and life in her songs that no one else has. Lana may not have a great voice, but Born To Die is a very good album.
    In a time that the music industry is dominated by the huge bunch of pop artists, Lana came with a great alternative and even old fashion album. Her songs transport us to a dark and unknown world where we    Lana is a very mysterious artist. She has a way of writing about love and life in her songs that no one else has. Lana may not have a great voice, but Born To Die is a very good album.
    In a time that the music industry is dominated by the huge bunch of pop artists, Lana came with a great alternative and even old fashion album. Her songs transport us to a dark and unknown world where we love to be. Some songs are simple but beautiful like "Blue Jeans" or the premiere single "Video Games", and other are magisterially produced like "Born To Die", "Dark Paradise" and the powerful and sexy "National Anthem".
    Many people say that Lana Del Rey is a boring and untalented singer. In my opinion she is great and Born To Die is one of the best albums of the year.    … Expand
  3. Mariana80997
    Apr 26, 2013
    8
    Lana Del Rey is for me one of the best alternative music artists The way she sings and puts all that darkness in her songs is just from another world. Her singles about luxury love and darkness are genious I like more Born to Die than Paradise Edition BTD its estrutured and more toutchy feely
  4. ollydjspurs
    May 4, 2013
    8
    Born to Die shows of Lana's amazing voice and great lyrics. All the songs have their merits but some of the songs are a bit too similar. Putting that aside it is one of the best albums I've heard. Million Dollar Man and Off to the Races are my favourite songs on the album
  5. godwinkent888
    Mar 25, 2014
    8
    I love this album. Lana Del Rey has one of the most distinctive voices ever. Although her shift from a deep, jazzy voice to a high, girly one in some songs can be jarring, her voice can be very expressive. I'll just wrap that up there.
  6. philosophorse
    Mar 14, 2014
    8
    Lana is a good singer, being able to switch from a bird-like falsetto to an elegant deep. I honestly love her so much. But of course, loving someone doesn't mean someone is perfect. Born to Die was exceptional, but exceptionally long. And it tries to squeeze dry Lana of ideas. But when it does, you already love her.
  7. ZhaneJohnson
    Jan 29, 2016
    8
    So powerful debut album. She knows how to talk about pain and to express what she had to live so that she could be the girl that has touched the sky of celebrity!
  8. Barby
    Dec 5, 2014
    8
    Summertime Sadness leaves in me a mix of feelings between deception and hope while I dive through my thoughts, that remind me a lot of good times spent before.
  9. leandroblows
    Sep 18, 2014
    8
    Como evitei esse nome e com apenas um flash, uma cena de Blue Jeans, me encontrei apaixonado(leia-se obcecado) pelo modo dela escrever e interpretar suas canções, não é um disco completamente perfeito, mas chega bem perto, well, I'm waiting for my heaven
  10. Ayron_xcx
    Nov 28, 2017
    8
    Algumas batidas poderiam ser menos repetitivas, mas ainda sim tem uma ótima produção no geral, letras bem escritas que no geral seguem um mesmo tema. Um dos melhores albums de estreia que já ouvi. Destaque para as quatro primeiras músicas que são mais que maravilhosas
  11. Lopesito27
    Jan 23, 2021
    8
    Genre-bending pop with hip-hop beats and a LOT of baroque strings is not something we see everyday and she succesfully makes it work with her unique approach and her ultradescriptive lyrics, which only someone with some serious storytelling skills can write. This cinematic style is something pop should look up to. The only downside to that production is sometimes too dense and dark at theGenre-bending pop with hip-hop beats and a LOT of baroque strings is not something we see everyday and she succesfully makes it work with her unique approach and her ultradescriptive lyrics, which only someone with some serious storytelling skills can write. This cinematic style is something pop should look up to. The only downside to that production is sometimes too dense and dark at the same time, plus it tackles some serious issues with quite an immature approach, if you ask me.… Expand
  12. sobreduardo
    Jan 27, 2017
    8
    An album full of intrigue and unbridled passions where an inexperienced and young Lana del Rey is finding the true love going through a series of unfortunate events.
  13. 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
  14. Hogdion
    Apr 4, 2019
    8
    A great body of work. The highlights to me, other than the singles, were: Diet Mountain Dew, Dark Paradise, Radio and Carmen. She has a way to connect with her audience.
  15. leostarboy
    Sep 9, 2020
    8
    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.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.
  16. victormesa
    Sep 25, 2019
    8
    Con Born To Die, Lana Del Rey marcó el camino para volver al sonido de viejas épocas, pero también conservando el contemporáneo, aún mejor, haciéndolo más interesante. Ella logra con su música transportarte a otro lugar y aunque las letras realmente no sobresalen, te sientes identificado y te dejas llevar con ellas. Hay grandes himnos que han marcado a toda una generación y cancionesCon Born To Die, Lana Del Rey marcó el camino para volver al sonido de viejas épocas, pero también conservando el contemporáneo, aún mejor, haciéndolo más interesante. Ella logra con su música transportarte a otro lugar y aunque las letras realmente no sobresalen, te sientes identificado y te dejas llevar con ellas. Hay grandes himnos que han marcado a toda una generación y canciones realmente extraordinarias, con otras menos atractivas como 'Lolita' y 'Diet Mountain Dew'. Un álbum épico que marcó la historia del pop actual.… Expand
  17. viniciuspotrich
    May 22, 2019
    8
    Lana del Rey constrói um debut eletrizante em meio a uma estética vintage, porém audaciosa e por vezes chocante.
  18. Milanoo
    Sep 24, 2021
    8
    Beautiful songs from beginning to end. Simply put, one of the best albums of the 2010's.
  19. Javi665445
    Mar 21, 2020
    8
    Very cohesive album full of memorable songs and anthems. Could use some better story writing but overall, I incredibly enjoyed the album.
  20. 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
  21. AntonRUS
    Sep 4, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Пожалуй мой самый любимый альбом когда-либо выпущенный.… Expand
  22. Matirusa
    Nov 16, 2020
    8
    Some of yall gotta respect this album this masterpiece literally CREATED the modern alternative music.
  23. 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.
  24. SOPHIEisAnIcon
    Mar 3, 2022
    8
    Quite of a nice album by Miss Del Ray (except for some cringy lyrics , bt mainly just that) , easy light 8 for me with an score of 8.4 . Favorites were ´´Born To Die`` ,´´Off To The Races``.
  25. Looool172
    Sep 9, 2022
    8
    este álbum fue algo mágico para mi, me encanta como lana usa el alternativo aquí, mi favorita fue this is what make us girls y off to the races, amo esas canciones bastante, lo recomiendo bastante
  26. diegocossi
    Aug 22, 2022
    8
    ONE OF THE GREATEST ALBUM OF ALL TIME
    just how Lana was able to introduce all of us to a new kind of pop music and how she was able to combine a very pop style to a 50's beauty queen aestethic.
    Lana really is one of the biggest artist of the world right now
  27. leogarcia132002
    Nov 25, 2022
    8
    The album is poetry through and through; I'm sure that in 20 years this will be so acclaimed and all the critics will regret it.
  28. arthiephelipo
    Aug 8, 2023
    8
    não é o melhor album de lana dem rey, mas foi o que início tudo. esse album teve um impacto gigante na indústria da música, criando seu próprio subgênero e inspirando vários artistas em anos seguintes.
  29. AloudSound
    Sep 25, 2012
    7
    "[Born to Die] is a creative little album. Pack with sadcore electronic synthesizers and heavy basslines, Lana's distinctive voice is also interesting. But this makes [Born to Die] a good album, its not a 'meant-to-be mainstream' album, but its a good decent collection."
  30. 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
  31. jaymantheman
    Feb 6, 2012
    7
    This doesn't deserve all the backlash it is getting. Agreed that there are some songs sounding in similar style, but I like the style she is setting up for herself. Next album will def be stronger, you can tell she is just getting started, so, listen more than once and see that this is better than a lot of other fluff out there.
  32. Panxulo
    Oct 13, 2012
    7
    It's not an incredible album, but there are many songs that catch your mind if you listen to them more than twice... without a doubt whatsoever, "Video Games" is the main attraction.
  33. Belmsher
    Feb 4, 2012
    7
    Although cinnamon is not sweet, "Diet Mtn Dew" being blatantly ruined here and the lyrics for "This Is What Makes Us Girls" notably laughable, Born To Die is, overall, a pretty nice album. It's now super trendy to hate Lana and attack her vocals and writing skills, not to mention the SNL performance and her background, but the fact is she has already had some not-so-good performancesAlthough cinnamon is not sweet, "Diet Mtn Dew" being blatantly ruined here and the lyrics for "This Is What Makes Us Girls" notably laughable, Born To Die is, overall, a pretty nice album. It's now super trendy to hate Lana and attack her vocals and writing skills, not to mention the SNL performance and her background, but the fact is she has already had some not-so-good performances before being famous. Back in the days Pitchfork was writing about her all the time, it was so cool to love her.… Expand
  34. frester
    Jan 31, 2012
    7
    Very good album overall. Isn't it hilarious how the American critics are the ones generally dissecting her due to her bad SNL debut performance, while the U.K critics are the ones praising her? It goes to show how impressionable the U.S media is, had she not bombed on SNL she wouldn't receive such scathing reviews and you can tell what's the center of a lot of these reviews; her pastVery good album overall. Isn't it hilarious how the American critics are the ones generally dissecting her due to her bad SNL debut performance, while the U.K critics are the ones praising her? It goes to show how impressionable the U.S media is, had she not bombed on SNL she wouldn't receive such scathing reviews and you can tell what's the center of a lot of these reviews; her past personal life.

    Top tracks:

    Video Games
    Born To Die
    Radio
    Summertime Sadness
    Million Dollar Man    … Expand
  35. KleineSean
    Feb 5, 2012
    7
    Though it may not be considered a masterpiece by the critics, the level of production and lyrics in this record are something remarkable. One of the things I dislike the most about this album is the way that Lana tends to use her voice, making it sound deep but, at the same time, sort of boring at some point. I don't know if it was a very wise choice since that is not her natural voiceThough it may not be considered a masterpiece by the critics, the level of production and lyrics in this record are something remarkable. One of the things I dislike the most about this album is the way that Lana tends to use her voice, making it sound deep but, at the same time, sort of boring at some point. I don't know if it was a very wise choice since that is not her natural voice tone and it might be difficult for her to perform songs and force her voice to go deeper (for example, in her SNL performance). Overall, the album is good. Not amazing, not terrible but good.… Expand
  36. alpertzn
    Mar 18, 2012
    7
    A high-quality album that takes you places with its rhythm and sound. The internet-hit "Born to Die" deserves extra attention, one of the best selections of alternative radios.
  37. BlacKat1025
    Mar 27, 2012
    7
    The lyrics leave something to be desired, but the beautiful production and haunting melodies make up for it. However the overall melancholy feel of the record can become overwhelming. Very different, and a great first effort. Looking forward to more, Lana!
  38. 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
  39. SuperRichKids13
    Jul 13, 2012
    7
    This album over is a good album, with explosive moderate success. The theme of the line is very deep and has sentimental songs to describe it with a deeper meaning. Lana's Vocals go deep, dark and gloomy to high, woozy and Lolita -ish. At It's Best it is an album ranging from controlling prostitutes to, love un-hopefuls.
  40. 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
  41. federicobenny
    Aug 29, 2012
    7
    I expected a little bit more from this album, but it's still good and one million times better than Lady Gaga and other disco-s**t music passed on the radio!
  42. SugarVenomOhyea
    Nov 9, 2012
    7
    Lana Del Rey was one of the ones to watch for 2012. 'Video Games' Showcased her often sad-core, baroque pop -type of style. Her debut 'Born to die', basically gives you what you kinda didn't have in mind. Lolita-esque high-pitched singing varies with Low-lifed, over dramatic deep vocals which perfectly tells a story each time. LANA! IT'S YOUR TIME TO SHINE :)
  43. camilosanchez16
    Dec 17, 2014
    7
    Lana ha hecho un magnifico trabajo a la hora de intentar expresar sus sentimientos en su música, y aunque una que otra melodía este envuelta en cliches, ha hecho un buen trabajo creando música relevante, pegadiza y llena de sentimiento.
  44. mike4444
    Nov 2, 2013
    7
    Rather slow at some parts but some of the most stunning vocals since the album 21 by Adele. I'm glad to see Lana is getting well deserved credit recently.
  45. Clemen
    Dec 23, 2013
    7
    The vocals on the album really expresses the songs very well. The lyrics to song is amazing and the melody. But overall it seems dull and monotonously.
  46. 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
  47. 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
  48. Kaaren
    Jan 30, 2015
    7
    I'm just here to say that I understand if some people didn't like this album; it's a matter of taste.
    But all the critics who wrote negative reviews on this album, are simply jealous. The album is an original concept, and it doesn't happen every day when we see original art. It's OK, let them be jealous.
  49. 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
  50. HawkWD
    Sep 28, 2015
    7
    Despite what many will claim, no, Born to Die is not the best album from Lana Del Rey. Yes, it's a good album. No, it is not perfect. She clearly lacked experience and confidence when she wrote and sang this album: the way she makes the notes go fast, and the pop-esque beat to cover any flaws she feared that could creep into her music. That said, the album has some spectacular moments,Despite what many will claim, no, Born to Die is not the best album from Lana Del Rey. Yes, it's a good album. No, it is not perfect. She clearly lacked experience and confidence when she wrote and sang this album: the way she makes the notes go fast, and the pop-esque beat to cover any flaws she feared that could creep into her music. That said, the album has some spectacular moments, especially the lyrics and her sultry singing. Highlight songs are Off to the Races, Blue Jeans, Video Games and Million Dollar Man. Low points of the record are Radio and This is What Makes Us Girls. In this album, what Lana needed was more confidence and experience to express herself properly.… Expand
  51. 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.
  52. 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.
  53. 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
  54. ranoovski
    Nov 6, 2016
    7
    6,8
    The album is good, it is here that Lana has proved to be a singer. The album elegant arrangement.
    The album has a very big disadvantage: catchy songs all look alike. But most of the songs are not memorable. I would single out the following songs: Born to Die, National Anthem, Dark Paradise, Summertime Sadness. At the end of the album headache listening. Very monotonous and painful    6,8
    The album is good, it is here that Lana has proved to be a singer. The album elegant arrangement.
    The album has a very big disadvantage: catchy songs all look alike. But most of the songs are not memorable. I would single out the following songs: Born to Die, National Anthem, Dark Paradise, Summertime Sadness.
    At the end of the album headache listening. Very monotonous and painful for easy listening for the first time.    … Expand
  55. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    7
    good album............................................................................................................................................................
  56. flavialc
    Mar 19, 2021
    7
    the beggining of everything! i think this is her worst album, though it has her biggest hits, like summertime sadness, videogames, blue jeans.. there are songs that i really love, like off to the races, and ones that i really hate, like lolita.
  57. JoelG
    Dec 7, 2022
    7
    A cohesive album that flows perfectly from track to tack and creates a very mysterious and dark atmosphere for the listener. The melodies are great and creative, songwriting is good overall, the production is great on most songs but on some songs it feels like they were unfinished or downgraded with not so good production.
    Lana's vocals are great, though I wish she'd give us more power in    A cohesive album that flows perfectly from track to tack and creates a very mysterious and dark atmosphere for the listener. The melodies are great and creative, songwriting is good overall, the production is great on most songs but on some songs it feels like they were unfinished or downgraded with not so good production.
    Lana's vocals are great, though I wish she'd give us more power in some songs.
    Overall it's a good album, which was well written and composed, the track arrangements is great and you can surely find some songs you relate to and enjoy.

    Favorite Tracks: Off To The Races, Video Games, National Anthem, Million Dollar Man .    … Expand
  58. drlowdon
    Nov 16, 2013
    6
    After all the pre-release hype for Lana Del Rey's debut album she unfairly found herself a target for the usual internet maniacs but, while Born to Die doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel, it is certainly a solid start to her recording career. Songs such as Title track Born to Die, Video games and Blue Jeans ably demonstrate Lana's vocal talents and will attract more than enough fans toAfter all the pre-release hype for Lana Del Rey's debut album she unfairly found herself a target for the usual internet maniacs but, while Born to Die doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel, it is certainly a solid start to her recording career. Songs such as Title track Born to Die, Video games and Blue Jeans ably demonstrate Lana's vocal talents and will attract more than enough fans to make her a success in the pop world.… Expand
  59. 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.
  60. Gabo_397
    Jun 18, 2014
    6
    The album is good in general, the music is complex and it has some beautiful songs on it. Nevertheless, the lyrics tend to be very simple and dumb and even though the violins play it good here, it lacks of maturity and cohesion.
  61. Mathrouzaud
    Dec 27, 2014
    6
    Pretty amazing universe, no colloquial texts, always poetry. It's like Lana saw flowers and tell it without spelling the main word once. She uses a form nobody uses, this is it
  62. ParadiseReviews
    Jul 24, 2017
    6
    Born to Die was a material designed to be commercial, damaging the creative process of the album. Plunged into a sickly hip hop, the album has its good points, such as the title track and 'Million Dollar Man' and negatives that crucify the work like 'Diet Mountain Dew' and 'Carmen'.
  63. 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
  64. 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.
  65. dannypanny453
    Aug 26, 2021
    6
    Lana Del Rey’s monumental debut album is far from perfect with its repetitive production styling and overall weak, though sometimes genius, lyrical content. However the controversy sparked from this album, paired with Del Rey’s undoubtedly intriguing persona and unique voice, fill her future with nothing but promise and potential.
  66. abj2
    Mar 24, 2023
    6
    Born To Die's exploration of melodrama and tragic love evokes bland hip-hop beats to tell the Manhattan singer-songwriter's fantasies.
  67. ilias1992
    Feb 2, 2012
    5
    Lana del rey is undeniably talented and her voice is unique, haunting and she has great vocal ability and she brings something new to music industry, but this album just doesn't worth the hype it had the past weeks. The album is too melancholic and melodramatic, a little unsuitable for an album with themes of party-rocking, sexuality and spending money..., plus the album is so repetitiveLana del rey is undeniably talented and her voice is unique, haunting and she has great vocal ability and she brings something new to music industry, but this album just doesn't worth the hype it had the past weeks. The album is too melancholic and melodramatic, a little unsuitable for an album with themes of party-rocking, sexuality and spending money..., plus the album is so repetitive that it gets tiring and boring through the 3/4 of the tracklisting and at the end the whole album seems a little dull. Really hope she does something more essential next time.… Expand
  68. Cherrybomb
    Jan 31, 2012
    5
    It's not a bad album, but it isn't great either. Definitely not worthy of the hype. There are some good tunes here but Del Rey is not a very good lyricist and needs to improve her writing skills.
  69. 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".
  70. SeaDog
    Feb 7, 2012
    5
    I hear a couple of songs off this album and was really struck by Miss Grant's style and how it fused with the production. I couldn't really say why I enjoyed it but I did. Then it hit me that I was listening to Lana del Rey with the idea of Nancy Sinatra in my head. Lana del Rey is applying the same sort of approach, but on the whole I think Nancy Sinatra's songs are consistently superior.I hear a couple of songs off this album and was really struck by Miss Grant's style and how it fused with the production. I couldn't really say why I enjoyed it but I did. Then it hit me that I was listening to Lana del Rey with the idea of Nancy Sinatra in my head. Lana del Rey is applying the same sort of approach, but on the whole I think Nancy Sinatra's songs are consistently superior. The sound approximates the feel of a Nancy Sinatra album but lacks the fire that made Nancy Sinatra so great. There are a few excellent singles in this album, but on the whole its rather disappointing, Talented but inconsistent is the best way to describe her, I think.… Expand
  71. 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
  72. kuzon
    May 19, 2012
    5
    The production is the greatest aspect of this album. It is really good ("Carmen", "National Anthem"). However, the themes on this album range get very repetitive very fast. Del Rey attempts to present herself as a singer with substance. It's obvious that she's trying to say something with this album. However, you can't take her seriously with phrases like 'money is the reason weThe production is the greatest aspect of this album. It is really good ("Carmen", "National Anthem"). However, the themes on this album range get very repetitive very fast. Del Rey attempts to present herself as a singer with substance. It's obvious that she's trying to say something with this album. However, you can't take her seriously with phrases like 'money is the reason we exist/everybody knows it/it's a fact, kiss-kiss'.
    Unlike Amy Winehouse, another vintage sounding singer, Lana Del Ray lacks tact. Instead, she comes across as the indie equivalent of any mainstream pop singer. She doesn't live up to the hype.

    5. She's the smartest fish in the pop charts.    … Expand
  73. FeatherBlade
    Jun 19, 2012
    5
    Exaggerated vocals, some songs are worth as "Video Games" for example, lyrics are not so much convincing, with the exception of Carmen and the production is a bit interesting. A not very nice mixture of baroque pop with a quasi-hip-hop. We could say that Lana is not yet ready to release an album, but her voice indicates a singer who can demonstrate more talent in some years.
  74. 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.
  75. ManuelContreras
    Apr 8, 2018
    5
    su peor album, aunque los singles y el ep son unas joyas honestamente. igual es su trabajo mas pop
  76. triangles19
    Jul 24, 2017
    5
    Born To Die is an interesting album. There is a lot of different textures in it, a lot of ambiances, attitudes and feelings. But the production of the songs are way too heavy and overproduced. It feels like the album is stuck in a middle of a bridge between pop-music and indie-music but doesn't dare to go in a way or another.
  77. mmaa_han
    Feb 10, 2021
    5
    Best Album On My Life
    Best Album On My Life
    Best Album On My Life
    Best Album On My Life
    Best Album On My Life
    Best Album On My Life
    Best Album On My Life
    Best Album On My Life
    Best Album On My Life
  78. 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.
  79. HRMN
    Jun 26, 2012
    4
    All songs sounds almost same through entire album. I enjoyed only 5 of 15: Born to Die, Blue Jeans, Video Games, Dark Paradise and Summertime Sadness. You definitely should listen to it before buying.
  80. alexfrzn
    Nov 19, 2012
    4
    No doubt Lana is the most overrated new generation pop star. Have to admit she's able to write good catchy songs but it's poor production and her law singers talent just ruin all the good stuff.
  81. 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.
  82. CharlieGray
    Sep 10, 2015
    4
    This album it's sooooooooooo good. You are definitly play it on repeat, really, again and again and again.
    .............................................
  83. Rapunxel
    Sep 13, 2015
    4
    Lana has a beautiful voice, but in the most part of this album she sings like she was having an orgasm, or at least too bored to sing decently. The lyrics are OK, there are still really good tracks on it, like Carmen, Summertime Sadness and Off to the Races, but when I listen to National Anthem I just want to know what the **** is going on there.
  84. orengue
    Jul 21, 2017
    4
    Literally Lana Del Rey was not ready for an album, but the good part is that Born to Die made an impact. Personally is not my taste, but she can do better. Still the album has good songs
  85. ramona
    Feb 5, 2012
    3
    First thing I think when listening to this album: who is she trying to copy with that fake voice? Celine Dion, Dolores O'riodan, Dido? Second thing: is this the soundtrack for a really ban melodramatic movie? Third: Why is everybody talking so much about her? There's nothing special in her. And finally: she will soon be forgotten
  86. Afterglow_0202
    Aug 30, 2020
    3
    In song after song, she offers variants on the same theme, in infatuated erotic reveries of submission to bad-boy or sugar-daddy lovers with fast cars and lots of money. For all of its coos about love and devotion, it's the album equivalent of a faked orgasm — a collection of torch songs with no fire. Her debut is mediocre at best. At worst, it's as uninspired and repetitive as herIn song after song, she offers variants on the same theme, in infatuated erotic reveries of submission to bad-boy or sugar-daddy lovers with fast cars and lots of money. For all of its coos about love and devotion, it's the album equivalent of a faked orgasm — a collection of torch songs with no fire. Her debut is mediocre at best. At worst, it's as uninspired and repetitive as her internet commentators.… Expand
  87. FRISSONNER
    Jan 31, 2012
    2
    The album is lackluster, and it's authenticity is BEYOND questionable. Not only that, but all the songs begin to sound alike. Not to say there are not songs that are ear worthy [Lucky Ones, national anthem, Lolita, Summertime Sadness] but this album is as overrated as it gets. She will be forgotten as quickly as she was discovered. Adele's album may be highly overrated and monotone but atThe album is lackluster, and it's authenticity is BEYOND questionable. Not only that, but all the songs begin to sound alike. Not to say there are not songs that are ear worthy [Lucky Ones, national anthem, Lolita, Summertime Sadness] but this album is as overrated as it gets. She will be forgotten as quickly as she was discovered. Adele's album may be highly overrated and monotone but at least it has character. This album is pretty vacant and lost when you really think about it. The hype surrounding this album is coming from people who obviously are trying hard to be different from what is dominating music or people who really know nothing outside the music they are accustomed to.… Expand
  88. Pearly
    Mar 24, 2012
    1
    Boring, boring, boring. I appreciate that sometimes great singers don't have to have that great of a voice, but Lana Dey Ray is just droney, bland, and horrible, as though she's trying to be different for the sake of trying to be different. I'm not sure that I can emphasize just how well the word "bland" describes this. So terrible.
  89. Bringman
    Jan 5, 2016
    1
    This girl tryna be alternative, but she fell in the commercial pop in all the beats of the songs from the album. It's pretty annoying the fact that the album is considered refined, personally i hope that this album will be forgotten in the future
  90. Apart
    Jan 31, 2012
    0
    This has to be the most overrated album since Adele's 21. It's like people forget all the good music that was released in between... yes, there was good music released. How boring is this anyway? She lacks charisma and the songs sound the same from start to finish.
  91. 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 andThe 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
  92. 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!
  93. minimaldead
    Oct 24, 2016
    0
    One of the worstest albums ever. Lana was not ready for an album, she tryna to be an alternative icon, but its just a product of pop music. She don´t have any talent, she can´t sing.
  94. MAUROOO
    Mar 22, 2021
    0
  95. KasyanenkoAnton
    Oct 24, 2021
    0
    Как у этого шикарного альбома оценка 62... не могу понять, альбом на века!!!
  96. Ethan1998_
    Aug 21, 2022
    0
    Not intriguing enough. Talks about toxic men all the time. The same melody throughout
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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 »