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Road Trip Album of the Year: Born To Die the perfect companion for summertime shenanigans

modernlove:

With a name reminiscent of many an Instagram’d beach pic, Lana Del Rey does her best on Born To Die (Polydor) to sing in a similar fashion. The end product is an excellent debut that evokes feelings of driving a vintage Bel Air along the PCH with the windows down and the Wayfarers on.

This is Radiohead-meets-Florence/Machine. This is Mylo Xyolo-era Coldplay with post-rehab Britney. This is Lana Del Rey, a self-described “gangsta Nancy Sinatra.” Therefore, it is only fitting that Del Rey dropped out of school to chase the Hollywood lights. Her breakout is certainly not unwarranted. Del Rey’s lyricism is a unique blend of melancholy and nostalgia; her voice a haunting and sultry contralto. An emotionally souped-up Adele, if you will. With more swagger.

Brian Eno-esque production is the perfect complement to Del Rey’s skill set. Soaring, atmospheric backing tracks interspersed with ringing bells, sustained guitars, orchestral strings, and brilliantly-sampled vocals make the Born To Die songs serious contenders for film soundtrack use. James Bond, anyone? Born To Die’s elaborate production, while certainly a strong attribute, is also what weakens the overall effect of the album. At times the excessive use of reverb becomes distasteful, but Del Rey always manages, to pull listeners away from the abyss through her witty lyricsm. “Money is the anthem of success / So put on mascara and your party dress” she whispers in standout track “National Anthem.”

Give that girl a pearl necklace.