Lana Del Rey’s debut album, Born to Die, released in 2012, marked the beginning of her iconic, cinematic sound that blends indie pop, baroque pop, and hip hop influences. With its lush orchestration, melancholic themes, and vintage glamour, Born to Die struck a chord with listeners and catapulted Del Rey to international stardom. But if you’re a fan of the album and looking for music with a similar vibe, there are several other albums that echo its atmospheric quality, sultry vocals, and wistful undertones.
Here, we’ll explore some albums that share a similar aesthetic to Born to Die and provide a musical journey with comparable moods and themes.
It goes without saying that any album that comes directly after Born to Die by Lana Del Rey herself is bound to share some similar sonic elements. Ultraviolence, Del Rey’s third studio album, maintains her signature cinematic pop sound but with a darker, more haunting tone. The album is filled with lush string arrangements, melancholic melodies, and introspective lyrics, making it an essential follow-up for fans of Born to Die. Songs like “Shades of Cool” and “West Coast” offer the same kind of vintage, cinematic vibe with a bit more introspection.
Why it’s similar: Both albums feature a cinematic, orchestral quality with a dreamy, melancholic sound. Ultraviolence continues the themes of love, heartbreak, and self-destruction that are prevalent in Born to Die.
Released as an EP following Born to Die, Paradise expands on the themes explored in the debut album, giving listeners more of the lush, haunting sound that made Born to Die so captivating. Tracks like “Ride” and “Bel Air” showcase Lana’s sultry vocals and penchant for nostalgic storytelling. While Paradise leans more into cinematic grandeur and atmospheric soundscapes, it retains the same dreamy quality that made Born to Die so iconic.
Why it’s similar: The album captures the same cinematic pop aesthetic, with lush orchestration and Del Rey’s signature mix of vulnerability and glamour.
While Lady Gaga’s Born This Way may be more extravagant and theatrical than Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die, both albums share themes of self-empowerment, vulnerability, and embracing one's identity. Both albums also feature lush, orchestral production and large-scale pop ballads, making them comparable in their bombastic approach to pop music. Tracks like "Marry the Night" and "The Edge of Glory" display the same dramatic flair seen in Born to Die’s epic anthems like “National Anthem” and “Video Games.”
Why it’s similar: Both albums merge grand orchestration with intense emotional vulnerability, evoking a sense of cinematic drama that transcends traditional pop music.
Florence + The Machine’s Lungs offers a similarly cinematic approach to pop and rock, with rich orchestration, emotive vocals, and powerful anthems. Much like Lana Del Rey, Florence Welch uses sweeping arrangements and themes of love, loss, and longing. Songs like "Dog Days Are Over" and "Cosmic Love" showcase a similar balance of grandeur and intimacy, often blending classical instrumentation with modern rock and pop elements. The lush, atmospheric quality of Lungs mirrors the soundscapes found in Born to Die.
Why it’s similar: Both albums blend orchestral instrumentation with emotionally charged lyrics and create a sweeping, cinematic sound.
Sky Ferreira’s Night Time, My Time is a darker, more experimental take on pop music, blending indie rock, electronic, and pop influences. The album’s moody atmospherics and exploration of themes like heartbreak, self-doubt, and rebellion make it a natural companion to Born to Die. Tracks like "I Blame Myself" and "You're Not the One" evoke a similar sense of longing and emotional complexity, with Ferreira’s haunting vocals providing an ethereal touch.
Why it’s similar: Both albums feature a melancholic tone, introspective lyrics, and a strong sense of atmosphere, with a focus on emotional depth.
Marina’s Electra Heart captures a similar sense of glamour and tragedy that defines Born to Die. The album features lush pop arrangements mixed with melancholic and ironic themes. Songs like “Primadonna” and “Teen Idle” explore themes of femininity, self-image, and heartache, echoing the reflective and introspective mood of Del Rey’s debut. Both artists use personas and storytelling to navigate complex emotional landscapes, combining wistful nostalgia with dark humor.
Why it’s similar: Both albums explore similar themes of love, heartache, and self-reflection, while showcasing lush pop melodies and cinematic elements.
Janelle Monáe’s The ArchAndroid is an ambitious, genre-blending album that fuses futuristic R&B, funk, pop, and soul, with a cinematic approach to storytelling. While Monáe’s style is more eclectic than Lana Del Rey’s, the album shares a similar sense of grandiosity and emotional depth. Tracks like “Cold War” and “Tightrope” feature lush, orchestral production and dramatic flair, much like the arrangements found on Born to Die.
Why it’s similar: Both albums incorporate sweeping orchestration and a cinematic, larger-than-life feel, while exploring complex emotional themes with bold, emotive vocals.
While no album will ever exactly replicate the unique sound of Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die, these albums share similar qualities in terms of mood, orchestration, and emotional depth. Whether it’s the cinematic soundscapes, melancholic lyrics, or the blend of vintage and modern influences, these albums offer a similar immersive experience for fans of Del Rey’s debut. If you’re craving music with a comparable aesthetic, any of these albums will transport you to a similarly evocative musical world.
