From the opening track “Bubblegum Bitch” onwards, Marina & The Diamonds second album promotes the more mean-spirited and synthetic aspects of childhood aspiration. The albums electronic aspirations deliver on nearly every track as the virtual concept album tells the story of a bitchy pop diva. Not concerned with the credibility found through her critically acclaimed indie-pop debut The Family Jewels, Marina & The Diamonds has opted for a more radio-friendly pop sound for her follow-up.The album is sung through the perspective of the Electra Heart character and the four facets of her identity – the Primadonna, Su-Barbie-A, the Teen Idle and the Homewrecker. (Slightly pretentious.)
Marina has a knack for writing accessible but brilliant pop lyrics, and here she effortlessly works within her theme discussing topics like love and popularity through these different archetypes. While these persona's are extremes, there is still something very relatable in the lyrics and Marina manages to also remain herself and not merely a character.
"Starring Role" is heart-rending in its simplicity, Marina exposing herself (musically speaking) over a toy box piano riff and drum patters. Perhaps Electra Heart's oddest moment is "Teen Idle" wherein the album's two opposing sides merge to create something singular. “I wish I'd been a teen idol, wish I'd been a prom queen fighting for the title / Instead of being 16 and burning up a Bible, feeling super super super suicidal” she sings in a childlike falsetto as a million Marinas repeat the “super super super suicidal” refrain like some mawkish choir.
But it's when she's dealing directly with her emotions that Electra Heart shines brightest. "Lies" given extra gloom wobble sadness by Diplo – unpicks a relationship falling apart in devastating detail, with Marina's unique voice pushed to the front as the entire song seems to sigh and shrug to an end. “Homewrecker” is one of the album’s many standout tracks with its blow-your-speakers pop chorus and enticing spoken verses. “Power & Control” drives its way into your brain with its heavy synths. As stated before most of the album’s songs deal with love, heartbreak, and the American dream to some extent.
As such, where the character ends and she begins is not always clear, though it's only a problem for the record's sole weak link "Living Dead" in saying that this song is not bad. Elsewhere, the earworm hooks, colossal choruses and sheer barminess ensures that Electra Heart is a thoroughly enjoyable listen throughout - regardless of whether you buy into the concept or not.
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