The Family Jewels Reviews
Highlighted by the UK Top 20 hit single, ‘Hollywood,’ ‘THE FAMILY JEWELS’ is proving an early contender for 2010′s most distinctive debut. Songs like the dramatic ‘Oh No!’ (produced by Greg Kurstin of The Bird And The Bee), ‘Obsessions’ and the boldly ambitious ‘Mowgli’s Road’ see Marina gleefully melding the theatrically lavish vocal and orchestral flourishes of Kate Bush with the wonderful pop eccentricity of everyone from Sparks to the Scissor Sisters. ‘Astonishing,’ declared NME of ‘THE FAMI
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(out of 7 reviews)
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Review by Madeline for The Family Jewels
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I haven’t enjoyed a cd this much since Florence and the Machine’s “Lungs” from last year. Marina Diamandis is like a mixture of Regina Spektor, Kate Nash, and Santigold with dare I say it, a little Katy Perry attitude thrown in. But make no mistake, Marina has her own distinct voice and unique interpretation on a genre that is starting to gain in popularity. Marina has till this point received virtually zero recognition in the States, and I sincerely hope with this lp people everywhere will gain an appreciation for this wildly talented artist.
If I had to describe this album in one word-it would simply be fun. From the catchy, intelligent lyrics to the sic beats with an underlying dance vibe, this is an album that will make you smile and probably tap your feet to as well. I really appreciate the inclusion of several different instruments into the music as well, making the music just as intricate and entertaining as her lyrics. The actual music is pretty diverse as well with bubblegum pop, punk, disco glam, and cabaret all making appearances, though all of it falling firmly in the adult pop category. Despite the range of different musical styles, the cd is extremely cohesive in large part to the upbeat tone that pervades every track even the intense emotional tracks like “The Outsider” and “I Am Not a Robot.”
Marina has a very interesting voice quality that I suspect could get on some people’s nerves especially when she purposefully sings odd lower notes sometimes. However, I love it. I think it’s just the right amount of different but still accessible and not too weird. In general though, while not broadway material, it’s pleasant and powerful with a tremendous amount of delicious attitude.
Marina has something new and fresh to offer, and if you like good music I would highly recommend this album!
Review by Gerard M. Nichols for The Family Jewels
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Hollywood is one of the catchiest and best songs of 2010. On the strength of that song alone I imported the album from the UK and it is awesome. The only thing that puzzles me has been the singles choices so far. I Am Not A Robot, Mowgli’s Road and Oh No are fine songs but for me there are some tracks that I’d have thought would have made much better single choices – Are You Satisfied, The Outsider and, especially, Hermit the Frog. I take four teenage girls carpool to school every day (pity me) and they usually despise my music choices. Marina is the one artist we (nearly) all enjoy. Hermit the Frog could be a massive hit record if they are a representative sample of teen musical tastes today!
There’s no one else quite like Marina. Very catchy and upbeat songs indeed and a unique voice. Somehow on Shampain she sounds just like the ABBA girls in the chorus.
Hope to see her in the US in concert before she gets too popular.
Review by S. Casey for The Family Jewels
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My friend recently told me about Marina & the Diamonds and I am in love with her! Her songs are so catchy. My favorite songs off the album are Are You Satisfied, Hollywood, and I Am Not A Robot, but all of her songs are great. I have been listening to this album non stop since finding out about her. She deserves to be huge. She is so much better than most of the music on the radio today. Buy this album, especially if you like Kate Nash or Florence + the Machine, you will not regret it.
Review by Gogh Me for The Family Jewels
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This is one of those albums that you can play all the way through without wanting to skip past a track. Nothing bad from Marina.
Review by Raychel G. Terschluse for The Family Jewels
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Finally!! I have been waiting for this album for almost a year. I first heard this group on[...]and I totally fell in love. Marina and the Diamonds is unlike any other group around but if I had to compare it to anything I would have to go with Blondie and the poetry of Regina Spektor. The first ‘single’ was “I Am Not a Robot.” With lyrics like ‘You’ve been acting kind of tough lately, smoking a lot of cigarettes lately. But inside you’re just a little baby.’ Brilliant sound and amazing lyrics. I also really liked “Obsessions”. “I wanna erase every nasty thing that bugs me every day of every week.”
This is a completely unique group with a fresh take on everything. I think every single song is great- but my faves are listed above. Highly rated!!!