Lana Del Rey – Ultraviolence

Lana Del Rey's second major label album, and the follow-up to 2012's Born To Die, was Ultraviolence, released June 17, 2014. It was led by the single, "West Coast," which starts with a mid-tempo groove before slowing down for its sultry chorus. From the end of May into June, three more promotional singles were released in rapid succession: The chiming "Shades Of Cool" came first, followed by title track "Ultraviolence" and "Brooklyn Baby." These four songs are among the best on the album, and represent its noticeable stylistic change from Born To Die and Paradise. Whereas Lana's previous music was highly produced and incorporated trip hop and R&B, Ultraviolence had a more indie rock sound. You can hear elements of blues, psychedelic rock, and jazz throughout the songs, and the overall mood is much more somber. The songs maintain a rather slow tempo, but they fit together thematically in a way that paints a complete story. Lana was growing as an artist, and it showed. Ultraviolence debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 album charts and earned strong reviews from music critics. 

Highlights on Ultraviolence include title track "Ultraviolence," "Shades Of Cool," "Brooklyn Baby," "West Coast," "Cruel World," and bonus track "Black Beauty."