679 / Atlantic (label)
16 April 2012 (released)
20 April 2012
Unfortunately for Marina and the Diamonds, her latest single has probably fallen into the hands of the wrong music journalist. Without doubt, there is an audience for this brash brand of frivolous electronic pop – after all, she is on tour with Coldplay soon, bizarrely - and it is indisputable that Primadonna has mass appeal. However, for those of us who steer clear of such pristine torture, it is hard to find anything to enjoy about the song. Nonetheless, one must try, as is the nature of the job.
Described as a “fast-paced, fun disco pop anthem”, Primadonna will achieve its inevitable aim of compelling the listener to bop around like a teenage girl under the influence of too many E numbers, and has all of the right ingredients to make it a long lasting successful pop song. Alsom to Marina’s credit, Primadonna manages to toy with the pop genre, playing with more interesting vocal and song arrangements. It juxtaposes Marina’s brighter and innocent vocal tones, with a more mischievous and lower vocal register, achieving something a little more unique and interesting.
Produced by songwriter and producer, Dr Luke – a man responsible for some of the most recognisable pop songs of the last ten years, including tracks by Jessie J, Kelly Clarkson and Katy Perry – Primadonna is a pop song, regardless of how Marina herself views it, with recent comments made in the Guardian stating that she sees herself as an “indie artist with pop goals.” No, no, no. It’s just pure-hearted, wholesome pop.
The song has a very fresh sound, but its fresh in the most sanitised sense of the word. It’s upbeat, but it’s really, really clean. It doesn’t deliver anything wholly new, but, perhaps, those weren’t the artist’s intentions; maybe she just wanted to create a bouncy, summery anthem for the kids to dance to on their summer holidays? If so, more power to her; it will certainly do that. Nonetheless, it’s far from the best of pop music and lacks any true inspiration.
The most memorable parts of Primadonna are its interwoven melodies. It’s one of those songs that is full of hooks, and will have you saying, “I’ve heard that somewhere before”; some will tell you that that right there is the key to a good pop song. Perhaps they’re right.
Primadonna is released on 16th April 2012, with the Marina and the Diamonds album released on 30th April 2012.
