Guest Blogger: Amanda #2

Lana Del Rey has a large group of followers but a bigger, more vocal, group of critics. Her sound is so unusual that if you do not truly listen, you will not understand why so many love her new album Born to Die. Lana’s music has adapted a pop feel but is very different in the world of popular culture then that of artists like Katy Perry or Miley Cyrus. Many would describe her sound more as wistful and alluring than upbeat and catchy like most in the pop genre. Her songs in the new album, Born to Die, are very powerful in terms of lyrics, although it takes some understanding; she evokes both happiness and sadness in her listeners. Lana Del Rey captures her own sound. She is not easily compared to other artists. Lana combines different aspects of many genres into her sound and includes her own twist. Lana Del Rey, like many female artists, sings of falling in and out of love. Her song “Dark Paradise” takes listeners through her personal feeling in missing someone and her heartbreak. The lyrics are relatable but her sound is really what captures attention with its melancholy but wistful feel. A writer from The Spin, Rob Harvilla, blogged about Lana and expressed his strong opinion on her new album Born to Die. He continuously stated that her lyrics were “ridiculous” and it seemed like she was trying too hard to jump off the pop bandwagon. I personally do not believe he has truly listened. Maybe it is only her fellow girls that can relate to her lyrics and only her fans that have come to appreciate her carefree sound but, Lana is truly an artist in her creation of her album Born to Die and she successfully separated herself from the pop music norm. Her album is worth a listen to anyone who has not heard it since its release. Lana Del Rey will easily capture anyone’s attention and be an immediate favorite.