How a self-released single transformed a struggling artist into a global powerhouse
In short: In 2011, Lana Del Rey was far from a superstar. After her debut album was pulled from stores due to funding issues, a single self-released track changed everything. Today, she stands as one of the UK's best-selling female artists, with billions of streams to her name.
The trajectory of Lana Del Rey’s career is marked by a dramatic shift from financial instability to chart dominance. Early in her career, under the name Lizzy Grant, her 2010 debut album, Lana Del Ray, was actually withdrawn from music stores because her label, 5 Points Records, lacked the necessary funds. This period of uncertainty ended in 2011 when she self-released 'Video Games,' a track that climbed the charts and achieved double platinum status in Germany and Switzerland, as well as triple platinum in the US.
Her breakthrough era, defined by the 2012 album Born to Die, established her as a commercial force. The album reached number two on the US Billboard 200 and hit number one in Australia and several European nations. By 2014, it had moved seven million units globally. The album's endurance is historic; by 2025, it was recognized as the longest-charting album by a female artist in the history of the Billboard 200.
Since then, Del Rey has maintained a prolific output, releasing nine studio albums and various EPs. Her discography includes number-one US albums such as Ultraviolence (2014) and Lust for Life (2017). Her success extends beyond solo work through high-profile collaborations, including tracks with Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Miley Cyrus. With over 77 million records sold and 58 billion streams worldwide, her influence spans decades of pop music evolution.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Lana Del Rey discography
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