Today is one of those days I'm at home doing nothing and getting lost in Lana Land (that's a lot of days though, tbh). Lately I've been thinking about the different style phases she's had, both musically and generally, and was curious to know if other people think about that too. Like Lana's said, I think there's strong continuity throughout all her music. And I think going through different style phases is an indicator of a true artist. One of the things I love most about her is that I deeply connect with each of her styles, I guess that's why she's my fav. I'm not exactly sure what the point of this post is, but it's interesting to me and something I think about a lot (that sounds pathetic). Maybe one other person will find it interesting, lol. Did I get something wrong? Are there any phases I'm missing? Would you describe any of them differently? What phase do you connect with most? What are your favorites from each? Here are the ones I can think of: Pre-Sirens Phase May Jailer Young Like Me EP In 2005, she put out the Young Like Me EP. It's similar to Sirens in that it's acoustic and has a pure sound, but to me it sounds more young, sweet, playful, and innocent (of course it's still deep though, Lana's a deep bitch). Favorites: You, Mister More Mountains Sirens Phase May Jailer Sirens In 2006, she put out Sirens. It's acoustic, and to me more edgy and country than Young Like Me. There's something really natural about it. I think it's brilliant. Favorites: Next to Me A Star For Nick My Momma Bad Disease Aviation Pre-Lana Del Ray aka Lizzy Grant Phase (not sure what name) No Kung Fu EP, individual songs like Boarding School, Come When You Call Me America, Disco, Every Man Gets His Wish, Hundred Dollar Bill, Pin Up Galore, So Legit, Trash, 1949 2006 - 2010. No Kung Fu has some songs in common with LDR aka LG. It has an American, dark, twisted, fun, trashy, trailer, motel, vintage feel (that should be a genre just for Lana). I'm not sure I've ever heard music with such a specific and perfectly translated atmosphere. Favorites: Get Drunk Jimmy Gnecco Boarding School Hundred Dollar Bill Trash 1949 Lana Del Ray aka Lizzy Grant Phase Lana Del Rey Lana Del Ray aka Lizzy Grant In 2010, she released her official debut album under Lana Del Rey called Lana Del Ray aka Lizzy Grant. It's similar to the phase before it, but a bit more techno and experimental (and polished). I fucking love this album, each song is brilliant and special. Favorites: Queen of the Gas Station Gramma (Blue Ribbon Sparkler Trailer Heaven) Jump Pawn Shop Blues Yayo Pre-Born To Die Phase Lana Del Rey Individual songs like Children Of the Bad Revolution, Gangsta Boy, Ghetto Baby, Jealous Girl, Paradise, Prom Song (Gone Wrong), Serial Killer, You Can Be the Boss Before the release of Born To Die, she recorded some poppier, louder, more-instrumental songs like these. It was probably during this time that she died her hair from blonde (which contributed to the whole Marilyn Monroe feel) to red, which to me, made her look a little more sophisticated and glamorous. Favorites: Prom Song (Gone Wrong) You Can Be the Boss Born To Die Phase Lana Del Rey Born To Die In early 2012, she released Born To Die. And she became famous! Holla! I would describe it as being heavily produced (a lot of hip-hop beats and lavish strings) and maintaing the sound she had started to get into. Thematically, things were similar (love, loss, the whole Lolita thing) but a little more glamorous (like National Anthem). Favorites: Off to the Races Video Games Paradise Phase Lana Del Rey Paradise, (I'd put Young and Beautiful, Chelsea Hotel No. 2, and Summer Wine in here too) In late 2012, she released the Paradise EP. Even though it's connected to Born To Die, to me it's really different. I love Paradise, it's my favorite album of all time and really influenced the way I see life and music. That might sound dramatic, but everyone has THAT album. She died her hair dark brown, and somehow became more... herself to me. The music was darker and deeper and had more about religion and God. It was still very glamorous, but like I said, it seemed more real and who Lana actually is. To me, Paradise is night and Born To Die is day. Favorites: Ride American Cola Gods and Monsters Bel Air Those Five Unreleased Songs Phase Lana Del Rey Angels Forever, Black Beauty, Hollywood, JFK, Starry Eyed Around the summer of 2013, these five songs were released. I think they were intended for Ultraviolence. I'd like to see what Ultraviolence would have been like if they weren't released. I love these songs -- her voice sounds like velvet and the atmosphere is very 60s/70s. Ultraviolence Phase Lana Del Rey Ultraviolence In mid-2014, she released Ultraviolence. The production was a lot different from Born To Die's -- very guitar heavy. I think it could be considered a rock album. I love the style of Ultraviolence. It's dark and almost primitive (like Cruel World), West Coast and jazzy (like West Coast, Shades of Cool), and just honest (Pretty When You Cry). There was something really casual and West Coast about her style. I love it. Favorites: Cruel World Shades of Cool Brooklyn Baby West Coast Pretty When You Cry Old Money Florida Kilos Damn, that took a really long time. Thanks to anyone who reads it. I'd love to hear what you think.
