JON MORENO — Arts Editor
1. “Born To Die” – Wow. The very triumphant sounding beginning to this album quickly turns into a song that sounds straight out of the Kanye West collection with the steady drum pattern, heavy snares and string-driven beat. Lana’s vocals are heavy with reverb as she eerily croons about the unfortunate reality that we we’re all “born to die.” 5/5 Owls.
2. “Off To The Races” – “My man is a bad man but I can’t deny the way he holds my hand and grabs me” admits Lana as this record almost echoes the last one in terms of production. However, the lyrical content is much more in your face as Lana shows an attitude and sassiness throughout the song. Great record. 5/5 Owls.
3. “Blue Jeans” – This song was recently announced as the album’s next single and I’m not too sure how I feel about that. It’s a great song but not one I see reaching to the masses the way some other songs on this album can. 3/5 Owls.
4. “Video Games” – This was Del Ray’s debut single that did very well internationally but wasn’t too hot in the States and that is extremely fortunate. Del Ray is proving she is an artist to look out for in the immediate future. The song opens up with beautiful chords accompanying Del Rey’s voice, which in itself is an instrument. Her lyrics are profound and the production is top-notch. 4/5 Owls.
5. “Diet Mountain Dew” – This song was co-produced by Jeff Bhasker which explains the heavy influence of hip-hop here. For those that don’t know, Bhasker is the main man responsible for the production on Eminem’s “The Eminem Show.” The piano keys here remind me of Nas’ “If I Ruled The World.” This song has great single potential with its catchy hook and mesmerizing melody. 5/5 Owls.
6. “National Anthem” – Another solid record. Del Rey’s songwriting ability continues to impress. 3/5 Owls
7. “Dark Paradise” – The consistency of this album is immense. The transitions are smooth and each song has something new to offer. The drum pattern before the song’s bridge turns rather similar to Kanye West’s “Lost In The World.” If Del Rey’s hip-hop influence isn’t apparent by now and not appreciated then you might as well stop listening at this point. 4/5 Owls.
8. “Radio” – “Not even they can stop me now,” sings a confident Del Rey over a beat that most rappers would die to have their hands on. She also curses here a bit which she hasn’t done before on the album, but it still works and just adds another element to her lyrical capability. 3/5 Owls.
9. “Carmen” – Nine tracks in and I continue to kick myself for waiting this long to getting around this album. So far, it’s shaping up to be a diamond in the rough. Another very solid cut. 4/5 Owls.
10. “Million Dollar Man” – This is music, ladies and gentleman. She’s got the chops, the production and the look to be whatever she wants to be in this music industry. 5/5 Owls.
11. “Summertime Sadness” – What else is there to say at this point? More good and consistent music. 4/5 Owls.
12. “This Is What Makes Us Girls” – A beautiful melody carries this tune as the album comes to a close. Lana Del Rey is going under a lot of music listener’s radar in this country and as usual, America is the last one to get it right. She deserves more recognition in this industry full of superficial music intended for just the dance floor. The substance in her music is rare, her songwriting ability is special and her keen ear for production is vital into making a superstar; and Lana Del Rey has and does it all. It’s a matter of time before her name becomes a familiar one. 4/5 Owls.
Overall: 4 out of 5 Owls
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