To say there’s been a bit of hype about Lana Del Rey is an understatement. The homemade promo for her song Video Games went viral in August last year, her unique sound has caught the attention of plenty of critics, and she also won Q’s Next Big Thing Award in October. She sold out her UK tour back in November, and her debut album, due for release at the end of January is eagerly awaited by many.
The 25-year-old singer from New York, real name Lizzy Grant, reinvented herself recently, creating a hip, vintage-sounding stage name to match her image and sound. Indeed, she describes herself as a “gangsta Nancy Sinatra”, and that’s not far off in summing up both her style (which is best described as 50s glamour with a modern, urban twist) and her music, which manages to sound classic yet contemporary. Unsurprisingly perhaps, she lists influences as eclectic as Britney Spears, Bob Dylan and Anthony & the Johnsons. If I had to make a comparison though, I would say that her voice reminds me a little of Fiona Apple.
The high level of interest in Del Rey is understandable, given what a fantastic song Video Games is; a vulnerable tale of love that showcases her beautiful, distinctive voice. However, although some may already be dismissing her as one-hit wonder, rest assured that there are plenty more amazing songs where that one came from. The sultry Blue Jeans (released as a double A-side with Video Games) is wonderful, as is the brilliant new single Born to Die.
Lana Del Rey’s debut album, also called Born to Die is released on 30th January, and I for one cannot wait to hear it.
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