While her debut album, “Born to Die,” polarized audiences and her SNL flop did little to help, Lana del Rey’s follow up, “Paradise,” could win over some of her detractors. The eight–track EP features some convincing songs amongst several lackluster album–fillers. Even though her moaning vocals remain unaltered, the lyrics throughout the album are not as depressing and tear–inducing as they were in her debut album. Nonetheless, the self–proclaimed Marilyn–Elvis lovechild channels Walt Whitman in “Body Electric,” juxtaposing his famous phrase “I sing the body electric” with “Diamonds are my bestest friend.” With her bizarre flair, she ironically proceeds to sing, “My pussy tastes like Pepsi–Cola” (“Cola”) minutes after belting, “Be young, be dope, be proud” (“American"). Sure, she’s weird, but somehow all the nonsense is not a pain in the ear.
3/5 stars
