Taryn Weller putting people on Lana Del Reys best song “Living Legend” Photo courtesy of sophomore Taryn Weller.

Singer Lana Del Rey is an incredibly influential force in the lives of students at San Luis Obispo High School. Del Rey specializes in romantic, angelic lyricism, with a sweet face and casual fashion. As her career progresses, Lana’s following has become largely teenagers.. Lana has a wide range of music that students can listen to depending on their mood. She has some upbeat hype music for happy days and more mellow songs to help embrace the feeling of sadness. Lana is one of the most influential and  iconic singers and songwriters for teenagers today. 

Del Rey’s influence can most easily be seen in her lyricism. Her lyrics are a masterpiece. She makes sure each and every one of her songs are well written and have a meaning. For example, the lyric “You act like Mr. Brightside when you’re with all your friends, but I know what you’re like when the party ends,” perfectly represents the feeling of being deceived by a friend. 

“I’d say [my favorite Lana Del Rey Song is] ‘Sweet Carolina’ for sure. That’s my number one. It really depends on what mood I’m feeling. ‘Living Legend,’ ‘Venice B*tch,’ ‘Cinnamon Girl,’  ‘Let the Light In,’ and ‘Paris Texas’ are all songs I love. Lana just strikes my brain and scratches it in a way that no one else can. I absolutely love it. I think that she’s a lyrical genius. I think she’s talented. And I really think she deserves everything that she has,’” said freshman Bruce Chan.

Another reason young people may be drawn to Del Rey is her aesthetic and the coquette style she had in the past. Coquette is defined by Merriam Webster as “a woman who flirts,” but it can be attributed to a soft, delicate style with florals and light pink shades. In the past, Del Rey adopted this style, and it also shows in her music, which is romantic and dreamy. Today, her style is more casual, but her music remains soft and angelic. Her personal style exudes confidence, allowing teenagers to find their own sense of self. 

“Lana Del Rey has influenced my life by making me my most confident self,” said freshman Aailyah Sederberg 

Each of Del Rey’s albums have a different range of style, and each album has its own spark. For example, “Born To Die” has a summery vibe, with Del Rey’s iconic red lipstick. This album is more of a pop vibe than “Blue Banisters” and “Ultraviolence,” which have a dark, sinister vibe. Fans might listen to these albums on a dark subway. These contrasts make it easy for listeners to find music that fits their mood. 

Lana has just released a new album called “Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard,” otherwise known as DYKTTATUOB. This album has gotten a lot of attention because her fans are pointing out that Lana has grown as a singer and is becoming the best version of herself after a recent heartbreak. Her music reflects her experience with heartbreak and healing, allowing listeners to connect with her and heal themselves.

Another reason why Del Rey is so influential is because of her past. Unlike many singers in today’s industry, she did not grow up in a wealthy family. She is a self-made artist who began writing songs and performing while working as a waitress in Long Beach. Her real name is Elizabeth Grant, and she initially began making music under the name May Jailer and eventually became Lana Del Rey. Many fans are interested in her past and her rise to fame, as it shows success is possible without wealth. Del Rey now has a net worth of thirty million dollars, and she is still writing and producing music.

Del Rey is an incredibly influential musician, because of her beautiful lyrics, her iconic style, and her rise to fame. Del Rey’s music can be streamed on all music platforms, so give her music a listen!