Is Ultraviolence a good place to start with Lana Del Rey?

Yes, Ultraviolence is recommended as a starting point for new Lana Del Rey listeners. A lush blend of cinematic soundscapes and haunting melodies, steeped in themes of love, loss, and self-destruction. Released on June 13, 2014, Ultraviolence is Lana Del Rey's third studio album, following her breakthrough record Born to Die. At this stage, Del Rey was solidifying her distinct aesthetic and lyrical persona, marked by a darker, more introspective tone that resonated with both critics and fans.

Who is Ultraviolence for?

Ultraviolence works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, melancholic exploration of themes and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on Ultraviolence?

Ultraviolence has 15 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

Ultraviolence

Lana Del Rey · 2014

70 min · 15 tracks · indie pop

A lush blend of cinematic soundscapes and haunting melodies, steeped in themes of love, loss, and self-destruction.

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Top tracks — play these first

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West Coast — The track combines a laid-back groove with sultry vocals, encapsulating Del Rey's signature sound while showcasing her ability to blend different musical styles.
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Cruel World Start here — As the opening track, it sets an atmospheric tone for the album while exploring themes of heartache and longing through its lush instrumentation.
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Fucked My Way Up to the Top — This provocative track highlights Del Rey's bold narrative style as she critiques fame and power dynamics in the music industry.
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Shades of Cool — With its moody instrumentals and introspective lyrics, this track exemplifies the album's exploration of complex relationships and emotional vulnerability.

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long, immersive listening sessions
melancholic exploration of themes
atmospheric background focus
dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — 'Ultraviolence' showcases Lana Del Rey's artistic ambition and depth, solidifying her sound.
Themes: California seduction· obsessive love· hipster irony
Moods: Melancholy· Dark
Career context: Released on June 13, 2014, Ultraviolence is Lana Del Rey's third studio album, following her breakthrough record Born to Die. At this stage, Del Rey was solidifying her distinct aesthetic and lyrical persona, marked by a darker, more introspective tone that resonated with both critics and fans.
Stylistic neighbors: Mazzy Star· Phoebe Bridgers· Cigarettes After Sex