Electra Heart is the result of Marina Diamandis’ identity crisis and it’s fair to say that her Diamonds (the fans) might just suffer for it.

Coined as a DIY artist when her debut, The Family Jewels, landed in 2010. Marian was reportedly unhappy that she wasn’t bigger, the Welsh singer has abandoned the DIY tag in favour of A-list producers; Dr.Luke (Katy Perry), Liam Howe, Greg Kurstin (Kylie) and Rick Nowels (Madonna).

The mixture of producers is evident as Electra Heart languishes with carbon copy songs that sound like the sort of pop stars that the singer-songwriter initially tried so hard not to be. ‘Bubblegum Pop’ is reminiscent of something from Katy Perry’s latest album, while ‘Primadonna’ sounds a little too much like Madonna.

Layered with the type of electro beats that currently infects the charts, the 26-year-old tries her hardest to sound quirky and yet she barely makes it past the boundaries that her contemporaries smashed through long ago.

While a certain a amount of praise is to be given for the singer’s voice and personal lyrics, the derivative form of pop that envelops it kills off any chance you might have of appreciating Marina’s talents. But, for all of Electra Heart’s faults, you can’t deny that it has successfully mimicked today’s mainstream pop music.

Given that’s the sort of success that Marina wants, that’s what she’ll probably get.

– Corey Tonkin

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