Born to Die
by Lana Del Rey
  • Record Label: Polydor
  • Release Date: Jan 31, 2012
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
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  1. Under The Radar
    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.
  2. Prefix Magazine
    Feb 2, 2012
    60
    After that highpoint ["Video Games"] things head downhill quickly.
  3. No Ripcord
    Feb 1, 2012
    60
    It all sounds very immaturely polished.
  5. musicOMH.com
    Jan 30, 2012
    60
    There's just enough promise here to show that there is indeed talent beyond all the hype.
  6. The Observer (UK)
    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.
  7. Spin
    Jan 30, 2012
    60
    Even the terrible parts of Born to Die are just so lovable, which bodes well for the actually great parts.
  8. Sputnikmusic
    Jan 27, 2012
    60
    The worst thing about Born To Die is that even its great songs contain problems.
  9. Entertainment Weekly
    Jan 27, 2012
    58
    All tabloid tawdriness aside, she unleashes some truly A-level songs. But 
its baffling failures drop Die to a middling, maddening C+.
  10. Pitchfork
    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.
  11. 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.
  12. Consequence
    Jan 31, 2012
    50
    Her debut is mediocre at best. At worst, it's as uninspired and repetitive as her internet commentators.
  13. AllMusic
    Jan 30, 2012
    50
    There is a chasm that separates "Video Games" from the other material and performances on the album, which aims for exactly the same target--sultry, sexy, wasted--but with none of the same lyrical grace, emotional power, or sympathetic productions.
  14. Chicago Tribune
    Jan 27, 2012
    50
    After all the hub-bub of recent weeks, one of Lee's greatest songs sums up Del Rey's grand entrance: "Is That All There Is?"
  15. PopMatters
    Feb 3, 2012
    40
    A deeply, deeply flawed meditation on love, image, and fame in the 21st century, and a collection of ideas thrown at the wall to see what sticks.
  16. NOW Magazine
    Feb 2, 2012
    40
    Much of her music aims to capture elusive emotions, yet she ends up spelling them out with literal refrains, banal narratives and sexed-up histrionics that leave little to the imagination.
  17. Rolling Stone
    Jan 30, 2012
    40
    Given her chic image, it's a surprise how dull, dreary and pop-starved Born to Die is.
  18. The Independent (UK)
    Jan 27, 2012
    40
    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.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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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
  1. SaDareA
    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.… Full Review »
  2. OMGCat
    Jan 31, 2012
    10
    A Beautiful album, it is not great, but it has heart. If it were not for the stupidly high amount of hype, then people would actually stopA Beautiful album, it is not great, but it has heart. If it were not for the stupidly high amount of hype, then people would actually stop being so hateful and actually listen to the music. I, frankly think people should give her a chance, her music is excellent, each has its own story to tell... Like their own universe and you feel compelled to listen to the end, and it is a grower.… Full Review »
  3. femmeo
    Jan 31, 2012
    10
    Awesome album, too bad the official critics looked for her personal life + her live in the SNL.
    She may not be ready to sing live, but in the    Awesome album, too bad the official critics looked for her personal life + her live in the SNL.
    She may not be ready to sing live, but in the studio she's really good.
    The album give the image of a happy and sad love and life, but this contrast with her voice is what make the album almost perfect.    … Full Review »
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