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Born to Die Image
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 2350 Ratings

  • Summary: The full-length debut for the New York singer features the single Video Games, which appeared on the CW TV series Ringer.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 37
  2. Negative: 2 out of 37
  1. A delicious hybrid of Portishead and Nancy Sinatra.
  2. 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.
  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]
  4. Jan 30, 2012
    60
    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.
  5. Feb 10, 2012
    60
    So the question becomes, is Born to Die more good than bad, or vice versa? Let's err with the former, hype be damned.
  6. Jan 30, 2012
    55
    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.
  7. Feb 3, 2012
    0
    I have done my best to place the album, as a series of utterances, in its agony and vacuity.

See all 37 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 12 out of 396
  1. 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. Expand
  2. Oct 24, 2021
    10
    Swinging in the backyard
    Pull up in your fast car
    Whistling my name Open up a beer And you say, "Get over here And play a video game" I'm in
    Swinging in the backyard
    Pull up in your fast car
    Whistling my name
    Open up a beer
    And you say, "Get over here
    And play a video game"
    I'm in his favourite sundress
    Watchin' me get undressed
    Take that body downtown
    I say, "You the bestest"
    Lean in for a big kiss
    Put his favourite perfume on
    Go play your video game
    It's you, it's you, it's all for you
    Everything I do
    I tell you all the time
    Heaven is a place on earth with you
    Tell me all the things you wanna do
    I heard that you like the bad girls
    Honey, is that true?
    It's better than I ever even knew
    They say that the world was built for two
    Only worth living if somebody is loving you
    And, baby, now you do
    Singin' in the old bars
    Swingin' with the old stars
    Livin' for the fame
    Kissin' in the blue dark
    Playin' pool and wild darts
    Video games
    He holds me in his big arms
    Drunk and I am seeing stars
    This is all I think of
    Watchin' all our friends fall
    In and out of Old Paul's
    This is my idea of fun
    Playin' video games
    It's you, it's you, it's all for you
    Everything I do
    I tell you all the time
    Heaven is a place on earth with you
    Tell me all the things you wanna do
    I heard that you like the bad girls
    Honey, is that true?
    It's better than I ever even knew
    They say that the world was built for two
    Only worth living if somebody is loving you
    And, baby, now you do
    It's you, it's you, it's all for you
    Everything I do
    I tell you all the time Heaven is a place on earth with you Tell me all the things you wanna do I heard that you like the bad girls Honey, is that true? It's better than I ever even knew They say that the world was built for two Only worth living if somebody is loving you And, baby, now you do
    Expand
  3. 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'sEvery 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. Expand
  4. Sep 8, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. one of the best debuts ever made Lana Del Rey is a legend Born to Die will always be that album- it has changed the alternative music and style so as pop culture Expand
  5. Mar 16, 2022
    9
    First album which led me to seriously love music, for me it’s like home. Almost perfect.
  6. 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 mostA 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

See all 396 User Reviews