Ultraviolence (album)
Ultraviolence is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, released on June 13, 2014, by Interscope and Polydor Records. Following the mainstream pop sensibilities of her previous record, Born to Die, Ultraviolence sees Del Rey exploring a darker, more atmospheric sound, influenced by psychedelic rock, blues, and dream pop.
The album's production was primarily handled by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, resulting in a less polished and more guitar-driven sound compared to Del Rey's earlier work. Lyrically, Ultraviolence continues Del Rey's exploration of themes such as romance, tragedy, and Americana, often portraying them in a glamorous yet melancholic light.
Singles released from the album include "West Coast," the title track "Ultraviolence," and "Shades of Cool." Ultraviolence debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States, as well as in several other countries, solidifying Del Rey's status as a major recording artist. The album received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmospheric sound and Del Rey's vocal performance, although some critics expressed mixed opinions about its lyrical content and overall tone. Ultraviolence is considered by many fans and critics to be a pivotal album in Lana Del Rey's discography, marking a shift towards a more alternative and experimental sound.