Lana Del Rey’s “Young And Beautiful” Crosses Over 1 Billion Streams On Spotify, Her Second Song To Do So

Lana Del Rey, the iconic American singer and songwriter, has reached a remarkable milestone in her musical career. Her haunting and somber ballad, “Young and Beautiful,” originally featured in the soundtrack of the movie “The Great Gatsby,” has now amassed over 1 billion streams on Spotify. This achievement marks her second song to cross this impressive threshold on the platform, firmly establishing her as a beloved and enduring artist in the music industry. In this article, we’ll delve into the journey of this mesmerizing track, exploring its creation, critical reception, and commercial success.

The Birth of “Young and Beautiful”

Lana Del Rey’s involvement with “Young and Beautiful” began when she collaborated with Baz Luhrmann, the director, co-writer, and co-producer of “The Great Gatsby” movie adaptation. Del Rey penned this original song from the perspective of Daisy Buchanan, a central character in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel. Interestingly, Del Rey had already performed the chorus of “Young and Beautiful” during a broadcast, suggesting that this song had a destiny of its own.

Luhrmann revealed that the song was written before the film, further emphasizing its significance to the project. Subtle changes to the lyrics were made to align them with the movie’s narrative, solidifying its place in the soundtrack. The song was strategically released as the film’s kickoff single, effectively setting the tone for the entire soundtrack.

The Composition and Message

In “Young and Beautiful,” Lana Del Rey’s ethereal vocals glide over a backdrop of sedated strings and rhythmic percussion. The lyrics, prominently featuring the poignant line, “Will you still love me when I’m no longer young and beautiful?” encapsulate the central theme of the song. This theme beautifully mirrors the timeless concerns and desires of the characters in “The Great Gatsby,” making it a perfect fit for the film’s soundtrack.

Del Rey’s vocal delivery, with its dreamy quality, aligns seamlessly with the 1920s setting of the movie, infusing the track with a sense of nostalgia and longing. The lyrics explore the complexities of pleasing a lover and confronting the inevitability of aging, mirroring the themes present in the novel itself. The song’s emotive power lies in its ability to evoke these sentiments with elegance and grace.

The Mesmerizing Music Video

The accompanying music video for “Young and Beautiful” is a work of art in itself. Directed by Chris Sweeney and featuring a full-string orchestra, the video exudes 1920s art deco aesthetics. Del Rey’s performance in a dark room, adorned with glittery diamond-tears on her cheek, adds an enigmatic touch. Critics have described the video as somber, and Del Rey’s demure look only deepens the video’s enigmatic allure.

Despite its elegance, the video leaves viewers pondering, much like the song’s central question, “Will you still love me when I’m no longer young and beautiful?” It’s a visual companion that complements the song’s emotional depth.

Critical Acclaim

“Young and Beautiful” received a positive response from music critics. Described as haunting and somber, it resonated with Lana Del Rey’s signature style. The song’s lush composition and Del Rey’s distinctive vocals drew parallels to her previous hits like “Video Games” and “Born to Die.” Critics appreciated its relevance to “The Great Gatsby,” noting its connection to the themes of decay and the fleeting nature of the good life.

While some found the track restrained compared to Del Rey’s earlier work, it was celebrated for its clean and classy execution. The song’s silky vocals and dulcet tones left a lasting impression on both critics and fans alike. It earned nominations at prestigious awards ceremonies, including the Grammy Awards and Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, and ultimately won the Best Original Song at the 18th Satellite Awards.

Commercial Success

“Young and Beautiful” made a significant impact on the music charts. Debuting at number 89 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, it became Del Rey’s second-highest charting song at the time. With first-week sales of 48,000 units, the song also entered the Hot Digital Songs chart at 36 and later peaked at number 22. Its popularity soared as it became one of Del Rey’s best-selling singles in the United States, nearly matching the success of her hit “Video Games.”

The Enduring Legacy

As “Young and Beautiful” gracefully crosses the 1 billion streams threshold on Spotify, it not only cements Lana Del Rey’s status as a musical icon but also underlines the song’s enduring legacy. Its ability to resonate with audiences across generations and cultures showcases the timeless quality of Del Rey’s artistry. This milestone is a testament to the song’s ability to touch the hearts and souls of listeners, ensuring that it will continue to be cherished and streamed for years to come. In the ever-evolving landscape of music, “Young and Beautiful” stands as a poignant reminder of the power of a beautifully crafted melody and heartfelt lyrics.

Final Thoughts

Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful” has achieved a monumental feat by crossing the 1 billion streams mark on Spotify, solidifying its place as one of her most beloved and enduring songs. Its haunting melody, timeless lyrics, and cinematic music video have captured the hearts of fans and critics alike. As Lana Del Rey continues to captivate audiences with her unique sound and storytelling, “Young and Beautiful” remains a shining gem in her illustrious career.