Less than a year after her first album “Born to Die,” Lana Del Rey released an extended version: “Born to Die – Paradise Edition.” Del Rey’s “Born to Die” captured the hearts of fans and “Paradise” follows a similar path. Containing eight songs and two remixes on the deluxe version, Del Rey’s extension of “Born to Die” exceeds expectations.
The “Paradise” EP has been labeled explicit for strong language and a few vulgar lyrics. However, Del Rey’s lyrics create a larger impact through the uncensored songs than they would if they were less graphic. Although “Cola” contains the most inappropriate language, the song is humorous with a sultry feel.
The first and most popular song on the extended EP is “Ride.” It begins with piano and Del Rey humming along. The tempo begins fairly slow with a quiet symphony accompanying Del Rey’s strong vocals. The pre-chorus propels the song forward while picking up the tempo. Up until the chorus, the song sounds as though it was produced in the 50s. With well-written lyrics and excellent use of Del Rey’s vocal range, “Ride” sets the stage for a strong album.
Del Rey successfully creates a sultry and airy type of sound in the beginning of the album which transforms her usual melancholy tone into a vintage type sound. By creating this, Del Rey puts herself in a different genre than most artists. Del Rey focuses on starting the album strong and ending it the same way.
“American” is the second song featured on the “Paradise” EP. The piano accompaniment plays in the major key as Del Rey’s voice combines her usual melancholy tones with insouciant ones as well. As the song builds into the chorus Del Rey’s amorous voice rings over the symphonic background. With strong use of vocal dynamics, “American” is one of the most distinct songs on the album.
“Gods and Monsters” which is the sixth song on the album, begins with an eerie opening. “Gods and Monsters” is one of the songs with the most production and instrumental assistance on the EP, with all the instruments it creates one of the strongest songs on the album, developed through well-written lyrics and strong composition.
Del Rey’s strong lyrics and wide range leads to the success of the album. Although it is an extension of her debut album Del Rey’s “Paradise,” it’s more of an afterthought than an extension. Del Rey takes her skills and puts them on a new level with symphonic harmonies and impressive vocal work creating an album that is both interesting and charismatic.
Del Rey’s “Paradise” is well composed showing not only an eerie side of Del Rey through “Gods and Monsters” and “Yayo” but also accentuating her mature voice once again. Del Rey’s extension EP builds on her debut album while also making a statement for itself. No matter the reviews Del Rey has received, she has shown through “Paradise” that she is here to stay.
