albm ofta wk: ‘born to die’ by lana del rey

i’m not going to talk too much about this album as most everything has been said by more popular blogs. but i just want to respond to some stuff.

first is what pitchfork said in their review criticizing lana for being dark and singing how she still wants to die despite all the success and popularity that she has bought herself.

Our heroine has all the love, diamonds, and Diet Mountain Dew she could ask for, yet still sings, “I wish I was dead,” sounding utterly incapable of joy. To paraphrase Liz Phair, if you get everything you wish for and you’re still unhappy, then you know that the problem is you.

i just don’t really get why they are criticizing such a human reaction to literally everything. it’s impossible to ever truly be happy and content. or at least that’s how it’s always been for me. in the moment, perhaps it’s possible. but just because lana is now on top of the charts and in the spotlight doesn’t mean she now has a perfect life and nothing else to work out in her life. just look at all the other celebs and people who ‘have it all’ but still aren’t happy.

secondly, i just want to say that this album has been trashed by most media outlets that i follow at least, but loved (or at least liked) by a lot of individual human beings i know. these people aren’t so offended by somebody who had the means to get her talent noticed and furthered professionally that they automatically dismiss her music. say what you want about the lips, name change, poor snl performance,  etc… what you hear on the album is all lana and lana has talent tbh. you can read more about her personal evolution and form your own opinion at spin.

the lyrics are dark and quirky. the voice is beautiful. the melodies are what you’d expect after all the singles–not that ‘catchy’ but they have a lure that keeps you going back for more. all in all,

5/5 farks