Lana Del Ray (album)

Last updated
Lana Del Ray
Lana Del Ray - Lana Del Ray (2010).png
Studio album by
Lana Del Rey
ReleasedJanuary 4, 2010
Recorded2007–2008
Length47:38
Label 5 Points
Producer David Kahne
Lana Del Rey chronology
Kill Kill
(2008)		Lana Del Ray
(2010)		 Lana Del Rey
(2012)

Lana Del Ray [a] [1] is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. [1] [2] The album was released by 5 Points Records on January 4, 2010, via the United States Amazon MP3 and iTunes Stores. The record was eventually pulled from retailers soon afterwards because, according to Del Rey, the label was unable to fund it. [2] Del Rey ultimately bought back the rights to the album. After the release of her second album, Born to Die (2012), under her stage name Lana Del Rey, she expressed her wish to re-release the album, though this never ended up happening. [2] The album was never released physically, aside from the many bootleg vinyl pressings, CDs, and cassette tapes.

Contents

Recording and history

Del Rey released a three-track extended play titled Kill Kill through 5 Points Records in October 2008, during which time she was known as Lizzy Grant. [3] David Kahne recorded the album with Del Rey over a period of three months in 2008. [4] "Yayo" would later be re-recorded and released again, on her 2012 extended play Paradise . [5] [2] Del Rey stated Kahne "is known as a producer with a lot of integrity and who had an interest in making music that wasn't just pop." [6] Her father, Robert Grant, helped with the marketing of the album, [2] [7] which was available for purchase on iTunes for a brief period before being withdrawn. According to Kahne and label owner David Nichtern, Grant bought the rights back from her label, 5 Points, as she wanted it out of circulation. In an interview, Nichtern stated: "Her and her new manager came in and said, 'We want to get this off the market. We're going for a completely new deal. We'll buy you out of the deal'. So we made a separation agreement". [8] [9] In January 2012, upon the release of her second album, Born to Die , Del Rey stated to the BBC that she recently bought back the rights of the album and was planning on re-releasing it in the summer of 2012. [10] [11] In May 2012, she announced that the album would not be re-released that summer. [12] Del Rey did however re-record and re-release "Yayo" on her Paradise EP. [13] [10] [14]

On his official website, Kahne wrote about the recording process and the story behind the song "Gramma" stating, "Lizzy's Gramma is so important in her life. While we were recording, Lizzy had a picture of her Gramma holding her on her lap" [2] and "Lizzy was crying and her Gramma has such a sweet smile on her face, in the sun at the beach." [2]

Background and release

Background

Del Rey and producer David Kahne recorded 13 tracks for the album throughout 2008. [15] Instead of immediately releasing the full material, her label put out three of the tracks from the album sessions through a promotional EP titled Kill Kill on October 21, 2008, under the name Lizzy Grant. [16] The EP was a critical success, with critics calling it poetic and elegant and the album led to Del Rey being featured as an emerging artist. [17] Between the release of Kill Kill and the album, Del Rey expressed the desire to change her name. While on a trip to Miami, Del Rey was speaking Spanish with a few of her friends from Cuba, when they landed on "Lana Del Rey". Inspired by Lana Turner and the Ford Del Rey sedan, the name reminded Del Rey and her friends of what she called the glamour of the seaside. "It sounded gorgeous coming off the tip of the tongue" she said. [18] Del Rey at the time opted for the alternate spelling, by spelling it R-A-Y.

Initial release

The standard album was officially released on January 4, 2010, as a digital exclusive, released only through the iTunes Store and Amazon. During the promotional campaign the album and Del Rey herself would be marketed under three names. At release time, Del Rey and the album were both named "Lana Del Ray" (R-A-Y). However, the album would also be marketed under the name "Lana Del Ray A.K.A. Lizzy Grant", which is the title featured on the album cover, with Del Rey also keeping the name "Lizzy Grant". The album was planned to have a physical release, with a minimal number of CDs being pressed to sell at live shows. During the pressing, Del Rey decided to change the spelling of her name from Lana Del Ray (R-A-Y) to Lana Del Rey (R-E-Y), leading to a small portion of the albums being printed with the new spelling. Eventually, the physical release was cancelled and the CDs were never released.

Cancellation and removal

Lana Del Ray was removed from the market three months after its initial release. Del Rey and her management made a separation agreement with 5 Points Records on April 1, 2010. [8] After the release of her next album, Born to Die (2012), Del Rey expressed her wish to re-release the album.

On November 9, 2012, Del Rey released Born to Die: The Paradise Edition , a reissue of Born to Die, which consisted of the original deluxe album and 9 new songs which were also marketed as a separate EP, titled Paradise (2012). One of the tracks featured on Paradise was a reworked version of the song "Yayo", the original version of which was the closing track on Lana Del Ray. As of 2023, "Yayo" is the only song from Lana Del Ray to get a physical release.

Track listing

All tracks are written by Elizabeth Grant, except where noted. All tracks produced by David Kahne

No.TitleLength
1."Kill Kill"3:59
2."Queen of the Gas Station" (Grant, David Kahne)3:06
3."Oh Say Can You See"3:42
4."Gramma (Blue Ribbon Sparkler Trailer Heaven)" (Grant, Kahne)3:50
5."For K, Pt. 2"3:26
6."Jump"2:53
7."Mermaid Motel"4:01
8."Raise Me Up (Mississippi South)"4:24
9."Pawn Shop Blues" (Grant, Kahne)3:29
10."Brite Lites"3:00
11."Put Me in a Movie"3:15
12."Smarty" (Grant, Kahne)2:51
13."Yayo"5:42
Total length:47:38

Notes

  1. ↑ Alternatively written as Lana Del Ray A.K.A. Lizzy Grant, albeit unofficially.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rick Nowels</span> American songwriter and record producer

Richard Wright Nowels Jr. is an American songwriter and record producer. He has co-written and co-produced over 90 hit singles with multiple artists and albums his songs have appeared on have sold over 250 million copies. In 2020, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lana Del Rey</span> American singer and songwriter (born 1985)

Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, known professionally as Lana Del Rey, is an American singer and songwriter. Her music is noted for its cinematic quality and exploration of tragic romance, glamour, and melancholia, with frequent references to pop culture and 1950s–1970s Americana. Her vintage Hollywood glamour aesthetic is showcased in her music videos. She is the recipient of various accolades, including an MTV Video Music Award, three MTV Europe Music Awards, two Brit Awards, two Billboard Women in Music awards and a Satellite Award, in addition to nominations for eleven Grammy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. Variety honored her at their Hitmakers Awards for being "one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 21st century". In 2023, Rolling Stone placed Del Rey on their list of the "200 Greatest Singers of All Time", while their sister publication Rolling Stone UK named her as "The Greatest American Songwriter of the 21st century".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Video Games (Lana Del Rey song)</span> 2011 single by Lana Del Rey

"Video Games" is the debut single by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. The song was produced by Robopop, while the lyrics were written by Del Rey and Justin Parker. It was first released to the Internet on May 5, 2011, and was later released on her extended play, Lana Del Rey. The song was re-released as the lead single from her second studio album, Born to Die, on October 7, 2011, through Interscope Records. "Video Games" is a baroque pop, dream pop, and downtempo ballad.

<i>Born to Die</i> 2012 studio album by Lana Del Rey

Born To Die is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter and record producer Lana Del Rey. It was released on January 27, 2012, through Interscope Records and Polydor Records. A reissue of the album, subtitled The Paradise Edition, was released on November 9, 2012. The new material from the reissue was also made available on a separate extended play (EP) titled Paradise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lana Del Rey discography</span>

American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey has released nine studio albums, three extended plays (EPs), 41 singles, 18 promotional singles, and one box set. She also has one leaked demo album, which was not released officially. According to Universal Music Group (UMG), Del Rey has sold over 41 million albums worldwide and has garnered over 58 billion streams worldwide. In the United States, Del Rey has sold over 48 million certified singles according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Billboard ranked her as the 37th Top Rock Artist of the 2010s. Del Rey has also sold 7.1 million singles units, and 4 million albums in United Kingdom.

<i>Lana Del Rey</i> (EP) 2012 EP by Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey is the second extended play by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. It was released on January 10, 2012, in the United States and Canada through Interscope Records. After the release of the EP Kill Kill (2008) and her debut studio album Lana Del Ray (2010) via 5 Points Records, an independent label, the EP was released in anticipation of Del Rey's major-label debut album Born to Die (2012). The tracks are influenced by several genres, including indie pop, hip hop, and alternative music. The lyrics and melody were written primarily by Del Rey, Justin Parker and Emile Haynie. Production of the album was led by Emile Haynie, who also co-wrote "Blue Jeans". The EP is Del Rey's second eponymous record after Lana Del Ray (2010).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Summertime Sadness</span> 2012 single by Lana Del Rey

"Summertime Sadness" is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey from her second studio album, Born to Die (2012). The pop ballad was released on June 22, 2012, by Interscope Records as the fourth single of the album. In the spring of 2013, "Summertime Sadness" reached number one in Poland, Ukraine and Armenia. Charting across Europe, the single reached the top 10 in Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. Trap and house remixes of "Summertime Sadness" helped Del Rey break into the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart. That chart is where Del Rey's song became a modest hit and marked her first foray into the chart. On the accompanied Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart, the single gave Del Rey her first US number-one single in August 2013. In September 2021, the song was ranked number 456 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dark Paradise</span> 2013 single by Lana Del Rey

"Dark Paradise" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey for her second studio album, Born to Die (2012). It was written by Lana Del Rey and Rick Nowels, while production was handled by Emile Haynie. Nowels and Devrim Karaoglu produced the radio mix of the song. The song was released on March 1, 2013, by Universal and Vertigo Records, as the sixth and final single from Born to Die.

<i>Kill Kill</i> 2008 EP by Lizzy Grant

Kill Kill is the debut extended play (EP) by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released under her real name Lizzy Grant, on October 21, 2008, in the United States through 5 Points Records. The three songs on the EP would later be included on the 2010 album Lana Del Ray. "Yayo" would later be re-recorded and released a third time, on Del Rey's 2012 EP, Paradise. "Kill Kill" was the EP's only single. A music video accompanied the track and was published in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ride (Lana Del Rey song)</span> 2012 single by Lana Del Rey

"Ride" is a song by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey from her third extended play (EP), Paradise (2012). The song was written by Lana Del Rey and Justin Parker, while produced by Rick Rubin, the song served as the reissue's first single on September 25, 2012 through Interscope Records. "Ride" is a soulful ballad that thematically involves parental problems, alcohol consumption, and loneliness. The cover for the song depicts Del Rey on a tire swing, wearing cowboy boots and a denim jacket.

"Cola" is a song by American singer and songwriter Lana Del Rey, taken from her third extended play, Paradise (2012), and the reissue of her second studio album, Born to Die: The Paradise Edition (2012). "Cola" first appeared in a teaser trailer posted to her official YouTube account as a snippet. The lyrics were considered controversial, causing major media outlets to respond.

<i>Paradise</i> (Lana Del Rey EP) 2012 EP by Lana Del Rey

Paradise is the third extended play (EP) by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. It was released on November 9, 2012, in Australasia and November 11, 2012, worldwide by Polydor and Interscope. It was additionally packaged with the reissue of her second studio album, Born to Die (2012), titled Born to Die: The Paradise Edition. Grant enlisted collaborators including producers Rick Nowels, Justin Parker and Rick Rubin. The EP's sound has been described as baroque pop and trip hop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burning Desire (song)</span> 2013 promotional single by Lana Del Rey

"Burning Desire" is a song by American singer and songwriter Lana Del Rey. Initially available for digital download upon pre-ordering Del Rey's third EP, Paradise, "Burning Desire" was released as a promotional single on March 19, 2013. One month earlier, a music video for the song was released on Valentine's Day. Lyrically composed by Lana Del Rey and her long-time collaborator, Justin Parker, the record was produced by Emile Haynie.

"Bel Air" is a song by American singer and songwriter Lana Del Rey. It appears on her third extended play, Paradise. Featuring clips from the "Summertime Sadness" music video, a promotional video for "Bel Air" was released to YouTube in early November 2012. The video has received much critical acclaim. After the release of Paradise, the song charted in the United Kingdom and France.

"Gods & Monsters" is a song by American singer and songwriter Lana Del Rey from her third extended play Paradise and the reissue of her second album Born to Die, Born to Die: The Paradise Edition. "Gods & Monsters" was released on November 9, 2012, with the rest of the Paradise EP.

<i>Tropico</i> (2013 film) 2013 film

Tropico is a 2013 musical short film directed by Anthony Mandler, based on the Biblical story of sin and redemption. Split into three chapters, the film was written by Lana Del Rey, who also starred alongside Shaun Ross. Del Rey plays a dual role, portraying the biblical figure of Eve, as well as Mary, the mother of Jesus, while Ross stars as Adam. The film is set to three songs from Del Rey's 2012 extended play (EP) Paradise.

<i>Born to Die: The Paradise Edition</i> 2012 studio album (reissue) by Lana Del Rey

Born to Die: The Paradise Edition is the reissue of American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey's major-label debut studio album Born to Die (2012). It was released on November 9, 2012, by Interscope and Polydor Records. Released ten months after the original, The Paradise Edition features eight newly recorded tracks, which were simultaneously made available on the standalone extended play Paradise (2012). Although having worked with several producers for each record, Emile Haynie and Rick Nowels are the only producers whose contributions are featured on both discs.

References

  1. 1 2 "Lana Del Ray by Lana Del Ray – iTunes". iTunes Store (US). Archived from the original on April 17, 2010.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Lana Del Rey to Re-Release First Album". Rolling Stone . January 27, 2012. Retrieved November 13, 2014.[ permanent dead link ]
  3. ↑ "Kill Kill: Lizzy Grant: MP3 Downloads". Amazon. Archived from the original on February 10, 2012.
  4. ↑ Collier, Jessica (January 28, 2010). "Lizzy Grant aka. Lana Del Rey releases album". Adirondack Daily Enterprise. Archived from the original on June 5, 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  5. ↑ "Born To Die - The Paradise Edition". iTunes . Retrieved September 24, 2012.
  6. ↑ Calvert, John (October 4, 2011). "Original Sin: An Interview With Lana Del Rey". The Quietus. Retrieved December 3, 2011.
  7. ↑ "Jessica Collier,: Interview: Lizzy Grant aka. Lana Del Rey releases EP". adirondack daily enterprise.com. January 28, 2010. Archived from the original on June 5, 2012. Retrieved September 27, 2011.
  8. 1 2 "Why Lana Del Rey's First Album Disappeared". MTV . Viacom. January 30, 2012. Archived from the original on February 2, 2012. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
  9. ↑ "lana del rey cover story". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media. January 13, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  10. 1 2 Young, Alex (January 27, 2012). "Lana Del Rey to release "lost album"". Consequences of Sound. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  11. ↑ "love, the law, lana del rey cover story". BBC . January 27, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  12. ↑ "Lana Del Rey on World Cafe". NPR . Retrieved October 12, 2012.
  13. ↑ Tremblay, Brea (2008). "Lizzy Grant Interview". Index Magazine. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  14. ↑ Sturges, Fiona (January 20, 2012). "Lana Del Rey: A beguiling beauty who's more than a one-hit wonder". The Independent. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
  15. ↑ "Lana Del Ray* - Lana Del Ray A.K.A. Lizzy Grant". Discogs. Retrieved 2015-12-06.
  16. ↑ "Lizzy Grant - Kill Kill". Discogs. Retrieved 2015-12-06.
  17. ↑ "Interview: Singer/Songwriter Lizzy Grant on Cheap Thrills, Elvis, The Flamingos, Trailer Parks, and Coney Island". HuffPost. 2009-02-20. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
  18. ↑ "Meet Lana Del Rey". British Vogue. 2011-10-20. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.