From the outset, 2012 offered few figures as divisive as Lana Del Rey. Some saw her as a desperate, pre-fab "indie" marketing creation. Others were enamored with her glamorous aura and lush, languorous music. By the end of the year, though, much of the initial indignation toward the self-styled "gangsta Nancy Sinatra" had faded away. No one rode the hype-backlash roller coaster with more élan than LDR. This was her year.

Don't miss: Deconstructing Lana Del Rey & our review of Born to Die.

Find all of SPIN's 2012 Year in Music coverage here!

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