In an ideal world, Marina Diamandis should be consumed in small doses. Listening to the entirety of her new album The Family Jewels is the equivalent of hanging out with a group of musical theater majors. At first the enthusiasm and high energy is refreshing. Then a half hour passes by, and they're still singing in your face.
While some may be able to endure this level of in-your-face quirkiness, the average listener will be put off by the cutesy theatrics and scattered soundscape. Case in point–there's a song called "Hermit the Frog". And that's not even taking into account that Diamandis' throaty vocals can become grating over an extended period of time.
Yet even though this project doesn't work as a full album, it doesn't change the fact that the songs are brilliantly crafted. Each composition seamlessly blends a cabaret sound with a pop sensibility, and the results can occasionally be quite stunning. It's definitely worth it to check out The Family Jewels, but you might want to consider listening to it shuffled amongst other songs.
– Dewitt
To listen to select songs from this album, follow the JUMP:
i started following her ever since 2 years ago love her!!! please listen to my music at http://www.myspace.com/ozonnamusic !!
She is great! I’ve been following her for more than a year and have yet to get bored with her stuff. She’s the second coming of Kate Bush. Well worth a listen.
I enjoy her non-stop high energy and theatrics and I’m not even gay, bro.