Lana Del Rey leaks fourth track, set to take over 2012

Viral sensation/singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey has 2012 "on lock", as fellow YouTube darling Kreayshawn would say. In addition to an album slated for release on January 31st, Del Rey has recently leaked a fourth track from said album, signed a prestigious modeling contract, and been named Saturday Night Live's musical guest on the January 14th episode.  Why so much attention for an artist only four songs into her career? Mainly because the single "Video Games" is actually really good, and because of the significant internet buzz dedicated solely to Del Rey's credibility. Much of the criticism draws on Del Rey's origins as a pop singer named Lizzy Grant-a conventional-looking platinum blonde with a conspicuously less puffy mouth. This, plus her Hipstamatic filter-style viral YouTube music videos (16 million views to date!) and cringe-worthy interview soundbites have been cited in arguments asserting that Del Rey is not an authentically talented artist, but rather a carefully constructed marketing puppet-imagine Amy Winehouse hanging out with Beverly Hills skater brats. It probably also doesn't help, in these Occupy Wall Street times, that "Lana Del Rey" literally means "The King's Money" in Spanish. What may have been missed in all the internet hoopla is that "Video Games" might actually be a good song, regardless of the way in which she or her marketing team are presenting her image.  Perhaps with this more lively fourth track released, and as she's poised to garner even more exposure in 2012, we'll have more to work with in judging her as an artist.