Albums to watch

The Family Jewels

Marina And The Diamonds

The Family Jewels

Debut release of assorted pop stylings from the much-hyped Welsh singer and former actress

ADM rating[?]

6.8

Label
Atlantic
UK Release date
22/02/2010
  1. 9.0 |   NME

    The perfect summation of a singer simultaneously wracked with doubt and unfailingly secure ... with a debut this astonishing, we think the time for Marina to stop worrying is here
    Read Review

  2. 9.0 |   Click Music

    One minute she's a femme fatale, the next she's a fragile little flower - hints of crazy sprinkled throughout - but it just works. It works because instead of conflict between these personalities, there's beautiful cohesion. The woman's a genius.
    Read Review

  3. 8.0 |   State

    Marina’s produced something distinct, easy to relate to and amazingly assured. Believe the hype
    Read Review

  4. 8.0 |   Daily Telegraph

    Her arch, clever debut may be too spiky and brash to be really lovable, but, if Marina has her way, you’ll probably find yourself singing along whether you like it or not
    Read Review

  5. 8.0 |   Evening Standard

    This is straightforward fun music, carefully crafted and delivered with verve and panache
    Read Review

  6. 8.0 |   The Times

    ...starts like a Jackie photo story, parachuting you into the world of a singer who wants your attention but hates compartmentalisation
    Read Review

  7. 8.0 |   The Observer

    With so many angles, she could well have a sparkling career
    Read Review

  8. 8.0 |   The Irish Times

    Diamandis reveals such a playful, interesting approach to song structure that you can only view this album as the opening chapter in a very, very promising career
    Read Review

  9. 8.0 |   Q

    Print edition only

  10. 8.0 |   The Digital Fix

    The electro hooks and unique vocals should entice the adventurous but it’s with repeat listens that the album truly comes of age as you realise just how different it is to what else is around
    Read Review

  11. 8.0 |   God Is In The TV

    Whilst The Family Jewels is a sparkling pop triumph, what makes it such vital listening is the shadowy undercurrents that run right through its centre
    Read Review

  12. 7.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    This album represents a definite accomplishment, Marina’s arrival as a mainstay on the scene
    Read Review

  13. 7.0 |   Spin

    Mall-disco sheen reflects her fascination with the mainstream; new-wave quirks signify her alienation from it
    Read Review

  14. 7.0 |   musicOMH

    The Family Jewels isn't the classic debut album that her early singles suggested was on the way, but there's enough promise here to carry her through the hype
    Read Review

  15. 7.0 |   The Fly

    ...the record is hugely entertaining; a joyful romp through quirky pop-ville
    Read Review

  16. 6.0 |   Clash

    ...it’s a frustrating listen. Cherry pick wisely
    Read Review

  17. 6.0 |   Mojo

    Print edition only

  18. 6.0 |   Independent on Sunday

    Once or twice she actually thinks outside the box, raising hopes that there's more to her than a Hazel O'Connor meets Alanis Morissette persona. But that will have to wait till album two
    Read Review

  19. 6.0 |   The Sunday Times

    Are You Satisfied?, is another potential hit, but you have to buy into that voice to enjoy the rest
    Read Review

  20. 6.0 |   PopMatters

    Marina’s vocal delivery and attitude has a tendency to overshadow the music, which is often melodically inventive, but we are rarely given the chance to realise this
    Read Review

  21. 5.0 |   Rave Magazine

    There is some good pop to be found on The Family Jewels if you’re able to get past the over-inflated persona of Diamandis herself
    Read Review

  22. 5.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    The Family Jewels seems to be to be symptomatic of a broader trend at the moment to demand our female artists be both credible and commercial at the expense of achieving anything great in either camp
    Read Review

  23. 4.0 |   Uncut

    Print edition only

  24. 2.0 |   The Independent

    Tracks such as "Shampain" and "Hermit the Frog" are every bit as annoying as their punning titles, with queasy, prancing piano and synth figures labouring away methodically, Mika-fashion, while she searches unsuccessfully for worthwhile lyrical routes
    Read Review


blog comments powered by Disqus

Watch it

Roll over video for more options

Hear it

Preview & download it

Marina And The Diamonds: The Family Jewels

  • Download full album for just £7.49
  • 1. Are You Satisfied? £0.99
  • 2. Shampain £0.99
  • 3. I Am Not A Robot £0.99
  • 4. Girls £0.99
  • 5. Mowgli's Road £0.99
  • 6. Obsessions £0.99
  • 7. Hollywood £0.99
  • 8. The Outsider £0.99
  • 9. Hermit The Frog £0.99
  • 10. Oh No! N/A
  • 11. Rootless £0.99
  • 12. Numb £0.99
  • 13. Guilty £0.99
  • Service provided by 7Digital

Latest Reviews

More reviews