Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Following her unexpected but enchanting headlining appearance to kick off Lollapalooza in 2016, Lana Del Rey returned to town for the first major show of 2018, filling up much of the United Center with her dreamy cocktail of baroque and indie pop. Though the New York native possessed an understated charisma that had everyone screaming from her initial wave, the “LA To The Moon” Tour was also her most visually transfixing exhibition to date.

Nonetheless, no one can knock Lana Del Rey for riding entirely in her own lane yet somehow managing to make a significant splash alongside the most massive names in pop thanks to “Video Games,” “Summertime Sadness” and other welcome anomalies.

As Lana casually strolled out to the low key beats of “13 Beaches” backed by a four-piece band, the stage lit up like a tropical paradise complete with palm trees, tanning chairs and the American flag. But no sooner than she appeared in a shiny sun dress, the headliner was on the floor with her two background dancers (and very occasional singers) for an imaginative swim shown on the jumbo screen surrounding “Pretty When You Cry.”

Thankfully, she was back on her feet for all to see come the charming “Cherry” and a bit of the Simon & Garfunkel popularized “Scarborough Fair,” which was one of several moments when Del Rey displayed an infatuation with yesteryear. In fact, many more references to the 1950s and ‘60s would appear in the films above her and the songs themselves, which ranged from “Blue Jeans” and “White Mustang” to “When The World Was At War We Kept Dancing” and “Music To Watch Boys To.”

Indeed, Lana demonstrated a “Lust For Life,” and though she had the voice and face of an angel throughout that tune from the Grammy-nominated long player of the same name, her command to “take off all your clothes” suggested otherwise. As enticing as it may have been to watch and listen to Del Rey’s playful advances, there was admittedly a similar quality to several of the tracks she performed outside of some slight shifts in pace, an occasional detour towards trip hop or a spontaneous a capella request.

Nonetheless, no one can knock the model turned singer/songwriter for riding entirely in her own lane yet somehow managing to make a significant splash alongside the most massive names in pop thanks to “Video Games,” “Summertime Sadness” and other welcome anomalies. She also appeared genuinely appreciative of the overwhelming response, going so far as to sign autographs and snap selfies in the front row, which actually derailed the momentum between “Serial Killer” and “Ultraviolence” (instead of being saved for an encore break or final bow), but gave those who had a moment to meet this magnetic personality another lifelong memory from what everyone could likely agree was an unforgettable evening.

Click here for more photos of Lana Del Rey at the United Center.

For additional information on Lana Del Rey, visit LanaDelRey.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation shows, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the United Center include The Killers (Jan. 16); Romeo Santos (Feb. 28); Pink (Mar. 9-10); Eagles (Mar. 14); Kid Rock (Mar. 16); Justin Timberlake (Mar. 27) and Bon Jovi (Apr. 26). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com and Ticketmaster.com.

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