What makes Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey notable?

'Ultraviolence' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and received critical acclaim for its cinematic quality and lyrical depth. The album's exploration of toxic relationships resonated widely, contributing to discussions around feminism and emotional vulnerability in contemporary music. By the time 'Ultraviolence' was released in 2014, Lana Del Rey had solidified her place in the music industry following her breakthrough album 'Born to Die.' This third studio album marked a significant artistic evolution, emphasizing darker themes and a more raw sound that diverged from her previous polished pop aesthetic.

How many songs are on Ultraviolence?

Ultraviolence has 1 track, running approximately 4 minutes.

Ultraviolence

Lana Del Rey · 2014

4 min · 1 track · indie pop

A haunting exploration of love and despair, wrapped in lush instrumentation and atmospheric production.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ultraviolence — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of obsession and heartbreak, presenting a stark contrast between romantic longing and destructive love.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

77 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

The album's lush production and introspective themes create a distinct sound that resonates over time.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow tempo and gradually introduces more varied instrumentation, peaking with the upbeat 'West Coast' before returning to more subdued tracks.
Lana Del Rey's vocal delivery often features long, drawn-out phrases that create a languid, dreamlike quality throughout the record.
Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, such as strings and horns, which enhance the cinematic feel of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents a high point in artistic ambition and critical acclaim in her catalog.
Themes: California dreamscapes· toxic love affairs· cinematic violence
Career context: By the time 'Ultraviolence' was released in 2014, Lana Del Rey had solidified her place in the music industry following her breakthrough album 'Born to Die.' This third studio album marked a significant artistic evolution, emphasizing darker themes and a more raw sound that diverged from her previous polished pop aesthetic.
Stylistic neighbors: Mazzy Star· Phoebe Bridgers· Cigarettes After Sex