Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Lana Del Rey released her first studio album, “Born to Die,” 12 summers ago. One of the most iconic tracks from this album, “Summertime Sadness,” blended melancholic lyrics and imagery of a tropical California summer with upbeat instrumentals. The song's influence can be heard through a new generation of pop musicians, including Billie Eilish, Halsey and Lorde.
The unconventional combination of dreary yet meaningful lyrics with danceable beats found on "Born to Die" are present in more than just Del Rey's alt-pop songs. It is now also being found in modern rap, anti-pop, hyperpop, goth rock and even some more lighthearted shoegaze.
Whether you are enjoying or detesting the scorching South Carolina summer, this playlist will get you on your feet and commemorate Del Rey's debut album with rhythmic yet wistful tracks from artists such as Ruzlxn, Juno, Rex Laurent and more.
"BONES" — ruzlxn
"bitemytongue" — juno & reefuh
"5x" — endri
"sticks n' stones" — kennedyxoxo
"fern" — starrsign
"Live Together Die Alone" — tropes
"What they say" — Nettspend
"Lately i..." — cr1tter
"jail" — wubz
"last dance" — Novulent
"she killed me on our wedding day" — GrimLoverz!
"Backroom (nightcore)" — Rex Laurent
"Lucy - Sped Up" — punkassdio
"step down" — kwasi kao
"Runnin'" — Dews Pegahorn
"cracks in the pavement" — fats'e
"i met the devil last night" — 93FEETOFSMOKE, thornskin
"cigarettes kill" — LXXIV
"FALL INTO PIECES" — ruzlxn
"FM" — Divorce Culture
"Far From Home" — Unreal