11 Underrated Lana Del Rey Songs: Lana’s Best

Hey there, music aficionados! TBone here, your go-to DJ and owner of Level Tunes. Today, I’m diving into the enchanting world of Lana Del Rey, an artist who, in my book, has crafted some of the most mesmerizing tracks out there.

Despite her fame, there are songs in her discography that don’t always make it to the mainstream charts but deserve every bit of your attention.

So, why am I curating this list? Simply put, I believe these 11 underrated Lana Del Rey songs are hidden gems that showcase her unique blend of nostalgic melancholy and modern-day poetry.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting acquainted with her music, these tracks will transport you to Lana’s dreamy, cinematic universe. Let’s uncover these underappreciated masterpieces together and revel in the beauty of music that resonates beyond the top 40 hits!

Here are the underrated Lana Del Rey songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Lana Del Rey Songs

Underrated Lana Del Rey songs in a list format:

1. Brooklyn Baby (from “Ultraviolence”, 2014, Interscope Records)

“Brooklyn Baby” is a standout track from Lana Del Rey’s third studio album, “Ultraviolence”. Released in 2014 under Interscope Records, this song is a beautiful blend of irony and sincerity. Lana’s voice, layered over a mellow, retro beat, pays homage to the hipster culture of Brooklyn. It’s a tongue-in-cheek portrayal of the bohemian lifestyle, yet it also carries an air of genuine admiration. The song’s production, which includes subtle guitar strums, adds to its dreamy quality. What makes “Brooklyn Baby” special is its ability to balance satire with a heartfelt tribute to youth culture.

2. Music to Watch Boys To (from “Honeymoon”, 2015, Interscope Records)

This ethereal track from Lana’s fourth album, “Honeymoon” (2015), showcases her ability to create hauntingly beautiful melodies. Released under Interscope Records, “Music to Watch Boys To” features a mesmerizing blend of soft vocals and a hypnotic flute backdrop. It’s a song that encapsulates the feeling of melancholic longing, with Lana’s voice echoing a sense of deep introspection. The song’s lyrical content, coupled with its dreamlike sound, makes it an underrated gem that truly highlights Lana’s poetic prowess.

3. Black Beauty (from “Ultraviolence”, 2014, Interscope Records)

In “Black Beauty,” Lana Del Rey explores themes of sadness and hope within a relationship. Featured on the “Ultraviolence” album from 2014, this song is a haunting ballad that combines Lana’s signature melancholic style with a more upbeat melody. The contrast between the lyrics and the instrumentation creates a unique listening experience. The track’s emotional depth showcases Lana’s ability to convey complex feelings through music, making it a standout piece in her discography.

4. God Knows I Tried (from “Honeymoon”, 2015, Interscope Records)

“God Knows I Tried” is a soul-stirring track from the “Honeymoon” album. Released in 2015 by Interscope Records, the song reflects Lana’s struggle with fame and the desire to live a more authentic life. Her vocal performance is both powerful and vulnerable, conveying a sense of resignation yet an underlying strength. The minimalist instrumentation allows Lana’s voice to take center stage, creating an intimate atmosphere that resonates with listeners. This track is a testament to Lana’s talent as a songwriter and her ability to express universal themes through her personal experiences.

5. Terrence Loves You (from “Honeymoon”, 2015, Interscope Records)

An ode to lost love, “Terrence Loves You” is one of the most haunting tracks on Lana’s “Honeymoon” album. Released in 2015 under Interscope Records, the song is a melancholic ballad that perfectly captures the essence of nostalgia and heartache. Lana’s vocals are imbued with a sense of longing, floating over a somber melody that includes a saxophone solo, adding to its dreamy, vintage feel. The lyrical depth and the atmospheric production make “Terrence Loves You” a standout track that showcases Lana’s artistic depth.

6. Salvatore (from “Honeymoon”, 2015, Interscope Records)

“Salvatore” is a unique and underrated track from the “Honeymoon” album. This 2015 release by Interscope Records is a lush, cinematic song that combines Lana’s sultry voice with an Italian-flavored melody. The song’s romantic and slightly surreal lyrics transport the listener to a dreamy, old-world landscape. Lana’s ability to blend different cultural influences into her music is on full display in “Salvatore,” making it a distinct and captivating piece in her collection.

7. The Blackest Day (from “Honeymoon”, 2015, Interscope Records)

Featured on the “Honeymoon” album, “The Blackest Day” is a powerful ballad about the aftermath of a breakup. Released in 2015 under Interscope Records, this song showcases Lana’s ability to craft deeply emotional narratives. The track builds from a soft, melancholic start to a more intense and passionate chorus, reflecting the stages of grief and recovery. Lana’s vocal performance is raw and emotive, drawing the listener into her world of heartache and healing.

8. Swan Song (from “Honeymoon”, 2015, Interscope Records)

“Swan Song” is a beautifully introspective track from Lana’s “Honeymoon” album. This 2015 release under Interscope Records features a lush, cinematic sound that envelops the listener in its dreamlike quality. The song explores themes of escapism and the desire to leave one’s old life behind. Lana’s vocals are ethereal and captivating, perfectly complementing the song’s atmospheric production. “Swan Song” stands out as a testament to Lana’s skill in creating immersive musical landscapes.

9. 24 (from “Honeymoon”, 2015, Interscope Records)

Another gem from the “Honeymoon” album, “24” is a dramatic and intense track that delves into themes of betrayal and vengeance. Released in 2015 by Interscope Records, this song features a cinematic sound, complete with dramatic string arrangements that enhance its suspenseful mood. Lana’s vocals are powerful and expressive, adding to the track’s dramatic flair. “24” is an example of Lana’s ability to explore darker themes with sophistication and depth.

10. Is This Happiness (from the deluxe edition of “Ultraviolence”, 2014, Interscope Records)

Featured on the deluxe edition of the “Ultraviolence” album, “Is This Happiness” is a poignant ballad that explores the complexities of finding contentment. Released in 2014 under Interscope Records, this song is a deep and introspective track, with Lana’s vocals conveying a sense of introspection and longing. The piano-driven melody complements the reflective nature of the lyrics, making “Is This Happiness” a profound and thought-provoking song in Lana’s discography.

11. Yayo (from “Paradise”, 2012, Interscope Records)

Originally from her “Lana Del Ray A.K.A. Lizzy Grant” album and later re-released on the “Paradise” EP in 2012 under Interscope Records, “Yayo” is a hauntingly beautiful song that showcases Lana’s unique vocal style. The track features a minimalistic arrangement, allowing her voice to take center stage. The song’s lyrical content, which delves into themes of love and dependence, is both intimate and evocative. “Yayo” stands out for its simplicity and emotional depth, making it a must-listen for fans of Lana Del Rey’s earlier work.

Fun Facts: Underrated Lana Del Rey Songs

1. Brooklyn Baby

• Fun Fact: Lana Del Rey originally planned to feature Lou Reed on “Brooklyn Baby”. In a remarkable twist of fate, she was in New York to meet him on the day he passed away. The collaboration would have been a significant pairing, given the song’s artistic and cultural references aligning with Reed’s legacy.

2. Music to Watch Boys To

• Fun Fact: The title “Music to Watch Boys To” was inspired by a comment made by Lana’s then-boyfriend. It reflects her penchant for crafting song titles and lyrics from real-life conversations and experiences, adding an authentic touch to her music.

3. Black Beauty

• Fun Fact: “Black Beauty” was initially leaked online before its official release. This leak actually influenced Lana’s creative direction for the “Ultraviolence” album, showcasing her adaptability and responsiveness to her audience’s reactions.

4. God Knows I Tried

• Fun Fact: In “God Knows I Tried”, Lana Del Rey’s lyrical reference to “partying in the Hollywood Hills” and “white lines” is a nod to her earlier themes of glamour and self-destruction, yet the song presents these concepts with a more mature, reflective outlook.

5. Terrence Loves You

• Fun Fact: This track is known for its unique and haunting sound, which includes a reference to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” in the lyrics. Lana’s admiration for Bowie is evident in several of her works, and this subtle nod is a beautiful homage to the legendary artist.

6. Salvatore

• Fun Fact: “Salvatore” is often celebrated for its cinematic quality. Lana Del Rey’s use of Italian phrases and the old-world romantic feel of the song demonstrate her ability to blend different cultural influences, creating a uniquely immersive listening experience.

7. The Blackest Day

• Fun Fact: “The Blackest Day” is regarded as one of Lana Del Rey’s most emotionally raw tracks. Fans have speculated that it’s a culmination of her experiences in love, capturing the essence of a deep personal heartbreak. The song’s progression mirrors the stages of grief, adding layers to its emotional depth.

8. Swan Song

• Fun Fact: In “Swan Song,” Lana Del Rey explores the theme of rebirth. The title itself, often associated with a final performance or act, hints at a deeper narrative of ending one chapter and beginning another, a recurring theme in Lana’s musical storytelling.

9. 24

• Fun Fact: The cinematic nature of “24” led fans to speculate that it could have been part of a movie soundtrack. Lana Del Rey’s ability to create a vivid storytelling landscape through her music often blurs the lines between cinematic scores and pop music.

10. Is This Happiness

• Fun Fact: Released as a bonus track, “Is This Happiness” presents a more intimate side of Lana Del Rey’s music. The song’s contemplative nature and piano-driven melody offer a stark contrast to the more lavish production of other tracks on the “Ultraviolence” album.

11. Yayo

• Fun Fact: “Yayo” holds a special place in Lana Del Rey’s repertoire as it’s one of the few songs from her early career (as Lizzy Grant) that she re-recorded for a later release. This revisiting of her older work signifies the enduring importance of these early songs in her artistic journey.

Thanks for reading.

TBone