Review: Born to Die
3.5 stars.
Several months ago, Lana Del Rey was a relatively unknown name in the music industry. But recently the 25-year-old has rocketed to global superstardom. Del Rey’s first album, “Lana Del Ray A.K.A. Lizzy Grant” debuted in January 2010 but was removed from iTunes after a short while due to poor reception. In preparation for her second album, “Born to Die,” released on Jan. 31, her debut album was rereleased this summer. “Video Games,” a nearly five-minute sorrowful, yet penetratingly honest ballad, was the new album’s first single.
Del Rey has been widely criticized for everything from her obvious inexperience with the media to her perpetually pouty lips. Her recent questionable performance on “Saturday Night Live” earned her perhaps the most ridicule, but she was not discouraged, telling Rolling Stone magazine, “I actually felt good about it. I thought I looked beautiful and sang fine.” This rising star can be expected to remain in the musical spotlight for quite some time.
