Lana Del Ray - Style over substance?

By Chris Hopkins, Senior Planner/Buyer on 08/02/2012

So this week sees the anticipated release of Lana Del Ray’s debut album. It looks set to be number one this week, with the Official Charts Company reporting that it has sold more than 117,000 copies in a week. But what exactly is all the fuss about?

Having listened to the album, I can’t rave about it and laud that it is the best thing I have ever heard. There are some stand-out tracks and she has a unique style and tone of voice, but does this really make her the next big thing? Does she offer something that mainstream artists like Florence, Gaga and Jessie J don’t?

Her story is one of a modern media phenomenon. According to her background, the singer failed to make an impression on the music charts when she previously released material under the names of Sparkle Rope Jump Queen or Lizzy Grant, but for some reason Lana Del Rey has got everyone talking. In a digital age where new music is born online, Del Rey burst onto the charts late last year after releasing Video Games through You Tube (since then the video has attracted over 26 million views) and has appeared across TV shows (Jools Holland and David Letterman), Press (Vogue, Independent, NME) and online channels (You Tube, Vevo).
 

I agree that she looks like a pop star and her ‘haunting’ voice and nostalgic styling is a change from the hip-hop, electronic and over styling that appears to be dominating the charts. However, has everyone bought into her because of what the media has said and the way she has styled herself? Only time will tell if she sustains this new-found popularity and continues to be top of the charts for years to come.

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All comments:

Jane - 20/02/2012 @ 11:44
Mulberry's named a bag after her, 'nuff said.

Nina - 08/02/2012 @ 02:32
When I first heard her I didn't understand what all the fuss was about either... but bought the album and LOVE it.

CLJ - 08/02/2012 @ 02:24
Agree, she's an antidote for current crop of chart toppers. Having said that I like the album, and especially like the reference to a Bugatti Veyron in National Anthem!!

lindsay - 08/02/2012 @ 01:06
I am a bit jury's out but mainly on the 'no' side - Video Games is a fab track but check out her Saturday Night Live performance- pretty poor, and she now claims in Vogue that she won't do another album as 'I have said all I have to say'- tragic, she is only 25!!