Ultraviolence
by Lana Del Rey
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
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  1. Mojo
    Aug 20, 2014
    60
    While her David Lynch qualities remain, there's also something of the masochistic Lars Von Trier heroine in the resigned drowse of these songs. [Sep 2014, p.92]
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  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 17, 2014
    60
    The line between self-aware irony and tragically conforming to type is thin, though, her knowing winks getting stuck in a tangle of false eyelashes, and ultimately undermining what had the potential to be a powerful artistic statement.
  3. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jun 17, 2014
    60
    Without the hip-hop beats that peppered her first album, the songs here lack a sprinkling of brashness--a little of the Kim and Kanye touch would have helped.
  5. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Jun 16, 2014
    60
    Ultraviolence is more of the same, but less.
  6. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 16, 2014
    60
    The end result is stylish and cogent but, as a consequence, perhaps a teensy bit samey.
  7. Under The Radar
    Jun 24, 2014
    50
    Throughout Ultraviolence, there's a sense of musical haziness that rests in a safe zone that Del Rey either can't or won't escape from.
  8. Chicago Tribune
    Jun 17, 2014
    50
    Ultraviolence almost qualifies as a parody. Unfortunately, there's not enough punch in the songs to make listeners care whether she's joking or not.
  9. The A.V. Club
    Jun 17, 2014
    42
    Ultraviolence moves away from more pop-friendly territory and instead languishes in a sleepy, sad aesthetic.
  10. New York Daily News (Jim Faber)
    Jun 12, 2014
    40
    The sound is so dense it threatens to asphyxiate the singer, which may just be the point. Everything about her work plays into fantasies of a potentially fatal manipulation.

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2014
8
#8 Most Shared Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 2264 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,028 out of 2264
  2. Mixed: 52 out of 2264
  3. Negative: 184 out of 2264
  1. AA2
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    This album is one of those albums that are/must be considered a masterpiece (like Madonna's Like A Prayer). It's like a fairytale. Lana takesThis album is one of those albums that are/must be considered a masterpiece (like Madonna's Like A Prayer). It's like a fairytale. Lana takes us to a different time. The songs are emotional and beautifully composed with dark tunes -- "Lana Del Rey style". They are actual poems by Lana Del Rey turned into songs. Her voice is seductive and sad at the same time. Something about this album makes you feel like waking up after a good dream. During he day you'll ask yourself "was I dreaming or was it reality".… Full Review »
  2. Ramooon
    Jun 17, 2014
    1
    Lana wants to be heavy and deeper than she is... Her voice is good and she has some moments here and there, but this album feels rushed andLana wants to be heavy and deeper than she is... Her voice is good and she has some moments here and there, but this album feels rushed and just kinda there. All the songs sound the same (and there are no songs like Born To Die - Summertime Sadness / Blue Jeans) I was hoping for more. Don't recommend the album.… Full Review »
  3. VictorKnowles
    Jun 17, 2014
    0
    The songs are very similar, and all have an air of sleep. She needs to do more happy songs, this album may depress others. The songs areThe songs are very similar, and all have an air of sleep. She needs to do more happy songs, this album may depress others. The songs are cloying and all that was written seem lazy. I do not think she has a vocal power, she does not leave her calm and boring style.… Full Review »
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