Lana Del Rey's Vinyl Journey: How Her Lush Soundscapes Shine on Wax

For those of you chasing the cinematic high of Old Hollywood nostalgia sprinkled with a modern, sultry edge, Lana Del Rey is the answer. She has crafted her way into the hearts of fans worldwide with her tales of love, melancholy, and the American Dream. Her sultry voice is reminiscent of vinyl crackles on a lazy Sunday, evoking hazy images of palm trees and neon lights. Let's dive deep into her discography and take a trip down this vinyl journey!

1/ Born to Die (2012)

Signature Sound: Cinematic strings, hip-hop beats, and dark themes of love and despair.
Hit Songs: "Video Games", "Born to Die", and "Blue Jeans".
Noteworthy Collaborators: Emile Haynie, Rick Nowels, and Patrik Berger.
Awards/Accolades: If you were a Tumblr user in the early '10s, high chances are that you were in the Lana Del Rey cult. This is the album that launched the glamorous artist to stardom with many immediately captivated by her unique deep vocals and explored topics. In 2021, it was reported that this was the second album by a woman to spend more than a whopping 400 weeks on the US Billboard 200.

2/ Paradise (EP, 2012)

Signature Sound: Evoking themes of American nostalgia and lustful love affairs.
Hit Songs: "Ride", "Bel Air", and "Burning Desire".
Noteworthy Collaborators: Rick Rubin, Larry Gold & John Davis
Awards/Accolades: GRAMMY-nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album.

3/ Ultraviolence (2014)

Signature Sound: A darker, psychedelic rock departure from her previous releases.
Hit Songs: "West Coast", "Brooklyn Baby", and "Shades of Cool".
Noteworthy Collaborators: The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach lent his bluesy touch as a key producer.
Awards/Accolades: Reached No. 1 on the US Billboard 200.

4/ Honeymoon (2015)

Signature Sound: Dreamy and atmospheric, laced with Lana's characteristic melancholic lyrics.
Hit Songs: 'High By The Beach', 'Music To Watch Boys To', and 'Terrence Loves You'.
Noteworthy Collaborators: Keefus Ciancia, Kieron Menzies & Rick Nowels
Awards/Accolades: It debuted at No.1 on the Australian ARIAs Charts.

5/ Lust for Life (2017)

Signature Sound: A mesmerising return to the "hip-hop inspired" sonics of ' Born to Die' filled of themes of hope and resistance.
Hit Songs: "Love", "Lust for Life' (feat. The Weeknd), and "Summer Bummer (feat. A$AP Rocky and Playboi Carti)".
Noteworthy Collaborators: Sean Ono Lennon, Stevie Nicks & Metro Boomin.
Awards/Accolades: GRAMMY-nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album.

6/ Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019)

Signature Sound: Soft rock and piano ballads, delivering biting commentary on modern romance.
Hit Songs: "Doin' Time", "Mariners Apartment Complex", and "Venice Bitch".
Noteworthy Collaborators: Jack Antonoff co-wrote and produced most of the tracks.
Awards/Accolades: GRAMMY-nominated for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album.

7/ Chemtrails Over The Country Club (2021)

Signature Sound: A stripped-back, folk-infused collection reflecting Lana’s experience with life under the scrutiny of the public eye.
Hit Songs: "Let Me Love You Like a Woman", "Chemtrails over the Country Club", and "White Dress".
Noteworthy Collaborators: Weyes Blood, Zella Day & Nikki Lane.
Awards/Accolades: It topped the charts at No.1 in several countries including the UK.

8/ Blue Banisters (2021)

Signature Sound: Another stunning showcase Lana's signature dreamy worlds
Hit Songs: "Blue Banisters" & "Arcadia".
Noteworthy Collaborators: Miles Kane, Mike Dean & Dean Reid.
Awards/Accolades: It reached No. 1 on the album charts in the Netherlands and Argentina.

9/ Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd (2023)

Signature Sound: The latest offering from Lana's enchanting musical realm, evoking the imagery of vintage mysterious Hollywood movies.
Hit Songs: "Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd", "A&W" & "Candy Necklace".
Noteworthy Collaborators: Jon Batiste, Father John Misty & Bleachers.
Awards/Accolades: It reached No. 1 on the UK album charts and following its release, Lana was awarded the Visionary Award at Billboard's Women In Music Awards 2023.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just setting out on your Lana journey, the evolution of her sound is truly a testament to her artistry. Her records, each unique, spin tales of passion, dreams, and the complexities of modern life. It's time to put on your Lana records on and let her ethereal voice transport you to another world. Shine on, you vintage diamond!

(Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage for ABA)