The Lana Del Rey Phenomenon

Like it or or loathe it, Lana Del Rey is here, and lurching industry promo, obsequious radio stations and hysterical blogs (just like this one!) are going to make sure that you know about it. There have been far more interesting discussions about her going on than I have to contribute here, so to get you up to speed: check this.

Having some serious reservations about this kind of perfectly image-conscious creation and the meteoric rise that naturally accompanies it, I particularly like Amy Klein's deconstruction of the Del Rey phenomenon.

The tunes are definitely catchy, and I guess that's the point. The things that leaves me feeling slightly hollow about it all are as follows:
1. The hackneyed nature of the retro film reel footage, which is empty despite seeking to evoke a warm and nostalgic feeling in us. It runs like the end of an uninspired film, with the "emotional music" kicking in at just the right time to deliver the sob and imperceptible slump of the doting audience.
2. The overwhelmingly derivative substance of the songs. It feels to me like some of the melodic hooks from Video Games and Blue Jeans have literally been cherry picked from great songs and blended into something which is a sure fire hit.
3. Similarly, the emphasis on image over content. It's built for internet viral appeal, which is kind of depressing, because I think that she has a genuinely decent voice, and obviously some great production behind her.
4. It's empty empty empty.
5. Did I mention the hollowness of it all?

But anyway, make up your own minds; this is what all the fuss is about:




-L