15 Reasons We're Happy to Have Lana Del Rey Back

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For a while, we thought we might lose Lana Del Rey. The singer, born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, first caught buzz on indie blogs for videos like “Blue Jeans” and “Video Games,” but then it was revealed that she had a secret pop past as Lizzy Grant and the backlash began. Then her debut Saturday Night Live performance intensified the scrutiny, and Lana Del Rey found herself in one of the strangest spots in current music—some weird territory between indie heroine-turned-villain and celebrity pop star. She was caught in the unforgiving spotlight of indie snobbery and the gossip-fueled drama of the superstar world.

In August of 2013, Lana Del Rey called the short film Tropico a “farewell project,” leading many to believe that she was retiring from the spotlight. Thankfully, that’s not the case. We just heard her new song “West Coast,” and Lana’s new album Ultraviolence comes out via Interscope on May 1.

Phew, here are 15 reasons (read: 15 GIFs) why we’re happy to have Lana Del Rey back.

She can be awkward and sexy at the same time.

She reps the United States of America with style.

She doesn’t smoke e-cigs.

When she actually makes eye contact with the camera, it’s like she loves us back.

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She’s never let criticism bring her down.

Sometimes she looks like art.

Those eyes.

Her dance moves are simple and elegant.

She doesn’t have to make a girl puke on her to show us that she’s got a crazy side.

Sometimes, instead of spinning, she bops.

At times she still gets overwhelmed by everything and that’s adorable.

Her music videos are always beautifully cinematic.

No one else makes swimming with crocodiles look this majestic.

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She encourages kids to get outdoors and enjoy nature.

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She is sexy and talented, but she’s got an edge that sets her apart from most cookie-cutter pop stars.