

I enjoyed the album - I would even go as far as saying that it takes greater risks than 2012's 'Born to Die'. I got the sense that Del Rey is comfortable in her own sound and confident of her legions of fans. Perhaps this is just because of my own music taste, but I was drawn to the more upbeat songs - 'Brooklyn Baby', 'The Other Woman', and 'Florida Kilos' in particular. My only criticism is is that it's heavy listening. I was so excited when I got the email from Spotify telling me 'Ultraviolence' was available to stream. I played it all the way through. Like Del Rey's other material, it is hard-hitting and somewhat depressing stuff. Yet, having familiarised myself with how the album works as a whole - I was then able to pick it apart and purchase my favourite tracks.
Back in 2012, I was drawn to her music because of its originality - it doesn't conform to the commercial expectations of a female artist and I loved that about her. I find Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, and even Lady Gaga in recent years to be deadbeat in their attempts of controversy and rigorous strive for uniqueness. They often remind me of spoilt children trying to get our attention. In this simile, Lana Del Rey would be the passive, quiet teenager in the background - rebellious and presented as a menace. I admire the fact that she so obviously doesn't care about the media's portrayals of her. By ruthlessly digging into her past, some depicted her as a rich girl that ran to Daddy for funds and fame. Others see her as an off-the-rails type - the kind of artist that you don't want your daughter listening to for fear of a 'bad influence'. What riles this media storm around Lana Del Rey is that no one can really pinpoint her character - she gives nothing away. It's impossible to tell if her music is autobiographical or pure fiction - I interpret it as a mixture of both which creates an interesting and though-provoking sound. But that's just it - that is my interpretation! No doubt with the release of her second album, which she claimed she'd wouldn't release, the media will rally around her once again. That 'I wish I was dead already' comment doesn't seem to be doing her any favours. When artists release an album, they give their listeners a sense of themselves. We can therefore only really know Lana Del Rey through her music - her, or Lizzy Grant's, personal life is irrelevant. The side of herself that is intertwined with her music is what I'm interested in. 'Ultraviolence' is like another piece in the puzzle that is Lana Del Rey.
Great post. I love your blog :) xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I just knew I had to write something about 'Ultraviolence' as soon as I heard it xx
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