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Ultraviolence
by
Ultraviolence Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 2264 Ratings

  • Summary: The third full-length release for the pop singer-songwriter was produced by Dan Auerbach and recorded live with a seven-piece band.
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Top Track

West Coast
Down on the West coast, they got a sayin' "If you're not drinkin', then you're not playin'" But you've got the music You've got the music in you,... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
  1. Consequence
    Jun 17, 2014
    100
    The characters and artifacts that surround these songs feel artificial, like stock props, but the music that Del Rey pulls them through splits them open, shakes them to life.
  2. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 18, 2014
    86
    It's the very definition of a grower, and this record has something Born to Die never had: more reflection.
  3. NOW Magazine
    Jun 19, 2014
    80
    Dan Auerbach’s production helps shape that drama, but he’s accurately interpreting her vision rather than directing Del Rey, who suddenly seems completely in control of her brand.
  4. Exclaim
    Jun 16, 2014
    70
    Ultraviolence prioritizes mood over innovation, classicism over experimentalism, and is better for it.
  5. No Ripcord
    Aug 4, 2014
    70
    Underwhelming ending aside, it’s fair to say that Del Rey (and her collaborators) have more than risen to the challenge of keeping her a part of the pop culture conversation, for all the right reasons.
  6. 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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  7. The 405
    Jun 16, 2014
    30
    In her grand tradition of coining absurd descriptive phrases, Del Rey and Auerbach have christened all this "narco swing", an apt characterisation if only one assumes it's short for narcoleptic; it takes some doing to make sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll sound boring, but in her hands, the vices of hedonism scan as crushingly monotonous.

See all 35 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 298 out of 314
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 314
  3. Negative: 12 out of 314
  1. tarkianagrande
    Jul 21, 2017
    10
    Such a heartbroken record. But surely inbetween of one of her most dark and best. It's such a lyrical masterpice and the songs themselves too.Such a heartbroken record. But surely inbetween of one of her most dark and best. It's such a lyrical masterpice and the songs themselves too. It's a ride, that no one should miss.… Expand
  2. 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".… Expand
  4. ivanac7w7
    Sep 8, 2019
    10
    This album is very iconic.
    Ultraviolence.
    West Coast.
    Sad Girl.
    Florida Kilos.
    And more!
  5. Nekemena
    Mar 4, 2023
    10
    Una pieza de arte que con el pasar de los años sigue manteniendo su esencia de principio a fin.
  6. osnapitzari
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    SHOKK DE MONSTRO RAINHA Lana Del Rey DESTRUIU MERECE 100 DA 100 PRA ESSA MULHER DESTRUIDORA VENDE MILHÕES RAINHA DO PLANETA DO URBANSHOKK DE MONSTRO RAINHA Lana Del Rey DESTRUIU MERECE 100 DA 100 PRA ESSA MULHER DESTRUIDORA VENDE MILHÕES RAINHA DO PLANETA DO URBAN CONCEITUAL DO MUNDOOOO… Expand
  7. Rumblefish
    Sep 21, 2014
    9
    I was a big fan of the first album "Born to Die" but Ultraviolence tops it. There is a uniqueness to what Lana Del Rey is producing. HerI was a big fan of the first album "Born to Die" but Ultraviolence tops it. There is a uniqueness to what Lana Del Rey is producing. Her voice, phrasing and general sound are all individual. She sounds incredibly organic and authentic (an irony considering she has been labelled as "manufactured"). The subject matter of the songs themselves are interesting and engaging. It's not often that a collection of songs (as in the first album) written purely from a woman's perspective, can be so enticing as to draw the ear of a male audience, but Del Rey achieves this - no-one is safe from the allure of her voice!

    This second album is well-paced, reminiscent and even more damaged than the first. There is a sadness pervading through the songs, a rueful resignation or poor choices made and lives taking unfavourable paths. There's also a dignity and a defiance. A heroic trashiness if you will.

    This is an outstanding collection of tracks, never pandering to the radio crowd. When one looks at the other female icons of the day (GaGa, Beyonce, Shakira, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, etc) and the shallowness and vacuity of what they produce, it becomes clearer that Lana Del Rey is the only one flying the flag for true female artists these days. She deserves all the credit in the world for this and for the affecting experience of listening to her music.    … Expand
  8. revadece
    Aug 20, 2022
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. worst lana album ever including her most cringeworthy lyrics, a stain on her discography… Expand

See all 314 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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