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★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5
Welsh artist Marina and the Diamonds is a peculiar pop star specimen with tremendous vocal abilities. With two diverse albums already under her belt, it sounds as if the "Primadonna" singer has ripped various influences from her first two efforts to carefully form her third, more cohesive, offering, the succulent FROOT.
Originally scheduled for release in April, and preceded by numerous countdown singles, including the title track, "Happy" and "I'm A Ruin", the album hit shelves earlier due to unauthorized leaks. Very annoying. However, even with the rush release, it appears the music and talent has not been effected, as FROOT debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200, Marina's highest charting album and best first-week sales. Not too shabby.
People may still not grab the concept that is Marina and the Diamonds. Her first two albums painted very different pictures of the pop artist, one containing an indie rock sound, the other going for chart success with a dance/pop vibe, but neither gave audiences a clear sense of what the artist was truly capable of. With her third album, the artist handles all of the songwriting, teams up with only one producer, and presents her strongest work to date.
The album opens up with "Happy", definitely not the glorious, overly triumphant, dance song one may have initially expected from the singer. While the solid songwriting paints an optimistic picture for Marina and the Diamonds, there is still a sense of hurt and despair coming from her vocals. The song ultimately depicts the artist's battle to find happiness and proves to be a strong, effective opening statement.
Lead single, "Froot", may have initially divided fans, there was a huge change in sound and style from the previous album, but the song is a fun, unique introduction to the album. The electro-pop track digs its roots into quirky 80s territory, focusing on imagery in the lyrics and a delicious vocal performance. "Living la dolce vita, life couldn't get much sweeter, don't you give me a reason, that it's not the right season," she belts.
When third single "I'm A Ruin" was released, it received massive positive reception from critics and found itself sitting at the runner up position on the iTunes chart. The song carries a distinct synth-pop sound carried by rock-inspired instrumentals as Marina sings of deserting someone and feeling upset about how the relationship unraveled. With touching lyrics, intriguing beats and a strong hook, it's the perfect choice for a single.
"Blue" immediately stands out from the crowd as the most uptempo offering found on the new album. Marina and the Diamonds sings of holding on to a man who is not everything she needs, only so she won't feel so alone and depressed. They have broken up, said goodbye, but she regrets what she has done. With its somber songwriting paired with poppy production, the song conveys the mixed emotions the artist must be feeling.
Supported by a backing band, Marina blends her two previous musical personas for a electrifying performance on "Forget" as the artist questions her own strength. While still pop leaning, the added instrumentals allows the track to carry both a radio-friendly and indie rock vibe. "Cause I have lived my life in debt, I've spent my days in deep regret," she sings on one of the stronger tracks off the album.
There's a quick moment when "Gold" comes through the speakers and a listener may think the album randomly changed. It sounds that out of place. The artist sings of desiring a love with or without the money, she will be fine with whatever happens in the end. The track carries a cute message, the backing production is intriguing and strange, but once it's over, there's not much to remember that it was actually there.
One track that drew critical acclaim from almost every publication was the rebellious "Can't Pin Me Down", a track that could be used in the next feminist movement if necessary. "I am never gonna give you anything you expect, you think I'm like the others, boy you need to have your eyes checked," she sings with power and conviction on the upbeat number. Definitely a future single contender.
Loud, unnecessary production is stripped back on "Solitaire", a track where Marina sings of loving the silence around her as she reminisces about her life. In a low, somewhat depressing, vocal performance, the artist gets her message of not wanting to be compared to the glitz and glamour of others across to listeners in a minimal way. All attention is directed towards the vocals on a song that somehow demands to remain on repeat.
"Better Than That" is a snotty, bitchy pop/rock track where Marina bashes the woman her current crush seems to be fixated on. The same girl that's been around the block, the same girl who is really a devil in disguise. Marina doesn't seem too keen on the idea of that relationship. With a cool, chic, guitar-driven beat, the artist does not hold anything back on a definite album highlight, the new anthem for bitter high school girls.
While the vocal performance on "Weeds" is equally haunting and beautiful, there's something about the track that keeps it from being a standout. Marina sings of not being able to shake off her feelings for a former lover, they keep coming back like weeds. The plant metaphor is a bit too left field to fully grasp, at times the song sounds unintentionally offbeat, and the instrumental breakdown towards the end is unnecessary.
Marina sheds negative light on the current state of our society, saying she fears Man, not God on "Savages", a track that holds more meaning than the typical pop fluff. "Another day, another tale of rape, another ticking bomb to bury deep and detonate," the artist bluntly sings on a song that will hopefully open up listeners' eyes to the tragic issues plaguing the world. The track is gripping, real and unapologetic.
The album closes out with "Immortal", a somber look into the realism of what life has in store for every soul: death. The ballad dives into depressing subject matter, Marina sings of the demise of the human race, but gives listeners a sense of hope, that love never dies. As she reflects on life, the artist gives a beautiful, sentimental message supported by intriguing drums and a solid vocal performance to close out the era.
FROOT is the album we have all been waiting for from Marina and the Diamonds, easily her strongest full body of work to date. While her debut album showcased her commendable indie roots, Electra Heart knocked her back a few steps with its generic pop sound. The lead single is a glittery introduction to the rest of the album's material, but listeners will find it refreshing to learn it is not the best representation of the album's many mid-tempo ballads. Marina never falters with her vocal performances on the 12-track effort as she effortlessly glides through material of love, life and even her own horny tendencies and the slutty other woman. Marina's plucked the strongest qualities of her two previous personas and finally found a sound she can call her own.
Tracks to Hear: "Froot", "I'm A Ruin", "Forget", "Better Than That" and "Savages"
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