Marina Lambrini Diamandis, currently known as MARINA, has transformed pop as a genre and the art of songwriting.
MARINA originally went by the stage name Marina and The Diamonds, with “the Diamonds” referencing her fanbase. This name was later simply changed to MARINA prior to the release of her 2019 album Love + Fear. She claimed that it would change the separation between herself and those consuming her art.
The 2012 release of her song ‘How to be a Heartbreaker’ transformed Marina into a pop icon almost overnight. This was the first song of her second and most popular album, Electra Heart. The title reflects the persona Marina carves in her lyrics, that of a bleach-blond, troubled alter ego of herself named ‘Electra.’ Many of the songs are satire, representative of the stereotypical self-cynical experience often associated with being a woman.
‘Primadonna,’ the second song of the Electra Heart album, is a perfect example of the satire of which Marina sings. The meaning of the song’s title already shows that this song is going to be about someone entitled, such as a diva. “I can’t help that I need it all, / The Primadonna life, the rise and fall.” This is sung from the perspective of Electra, with a clear comfort in her narcissism and nonchalant attitude about being perceived in such a way.
Later on she sings, “And I’m sad to the core, core core; Every day is a chore, chore, chore; When you give, I want more, more more; I want to be adored.” It’s shown that this tough and spoiled Primadonna act is simply a wall that Electra put up. “This was meant to reference how one-dimensional female celebrities can be portrayed, as the title of “Diva” or “Primadonna” immediately eliminates anything else about them in the eyes of the press. Even with the new title of theirs, these celebrities get a new fandom and type of appreciation for such a persona.
However, with this attempt at satire, she ended up summoning the very characters that she sang about in her fan base. This album was largely popularized on the social media platform Tumblr, known for its dark self-reflective culture. It found a home there, with its users clutching onto it tight. With an album popularized for dark and incredibly self-critical lyrics, various Tumblr and Twitter users took the words of the album as gospel.
Now, in the decade since Electra Heart’s release, Marina gained a large amount of attention on TikTok. Songs such as Hermit the Frog, Oh No!, and Primadonna had become notorious due to their relatable lyrics.
Oh No! had been released over a decade prior to its sudden wave of popularity in 2021. The song had been released in 2009 as part of her debut album ‘The Family Jewels.’ The album had gotten recognized twice. Initially on the 2009 US Billboard 200, then again with a new audience a decade later.
In 2021, Oh No! became a TikTok anthem, with users embracing its introspective lyrics: “One track mind, one track heart; If I fail, I’ll fall apart; Maybe it is all a test; ‘Cause, I feel like I’m the worst; So I always act like I’m the best.” These lines, dripping with the self-doubt and bravado that characterize the modern human condition, resonated with users who saw their own struggles reflected in Marina’s words.
Marina’s influence extends far beyond her music, such as her visual and thematic branding. The aesthetic of Electra Heart — with its retro and pastel visuals, as well as references to Americana — played a significant role in shaping the visual language of early 2010s pop culture. The iconic black heart painted on her cheek became a symbol of her alter ego and a widely recognized motif. This imagery, along with her sharp critique of modern femininity, set the stage for countless artists who followed in her footsteps.
Her impact is also evident in the way she addresses mental health and personal struggles in her lyrics, themes that have become increasingly prominent in pop music today. By openly discussing her own experiences with anxiety and self-perception, Marina paved the way for a more candid dialogue about mental health in the music industry. Two songs from Electra Heart “Numb” and “Teen Idle” truly delve into these issues with a raw honesty that was both groundbreaking and refreshing at the time of their release.
One interpretation of Teen Idle spoke (sang) of a glorified party girl lifestyle from the perspective of someone who didn’t experience it. “Electra” sings of having missed out, wanting to be a clean icon for being a teenager, an idol. The sadness that comes with having missed such a wild and freeing time in life, but taking it to the extreme through rose-tinted glasses.
Marina has developed with the music industry. Her more recent work, such as her 2019 album Love + Fear, continues to explore new sonic landscapes while maintaining the introspective and critical edge that defines her artistry. This duality of hers —embracing change while staying true to her core identity — has allowed her to remain relevant in an industry that is notoriously fickle.
‘Man’s World’ and ‘Venus Fly Trap’ are two standout tracks from Marina’s fifth studio album, Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land, with each song offering a distinct perspective on themes of empowerment, self-worth, and social critique.
‘Man’s World’ serves as a poignant critique of patriarchal structure. The song delivers a powerful message through its haunting melody and emotive lyrics. Marina’s vocals, rich and commanding, convey a sense of urgency and determination as she sings, “Mother Nature’s dying, nobody’s keeping score; I don’t want to live in a man’s world anymore.” The track’s lush instrumentation complements its potent message, pushing her lyrics beyond her verbal announcement.
In contrast, ‘Venus Fly Trap’ is a dynamic and infectious anthem of self-empowerment and individuality, and swiftly garnered attention for its unique sound.
Released in June 2021, the song emphasizes uniqueness and inner confidence with lyrics such as, “I know that money ain’t important, and it don’t mean you’re the best.” It talks about materiality and that there is much more to who a person is. This anthem of defiance against societal norms ignited a fire, as is typical of Marina’s music.
‘Venus Fly Trap’ became a viral sensation on TikTok, with users creating videos and sharing stories inspired by its themes of confidence and self-assurance. The song’s catchy hooks and upbeat tempo made it perfect for the platform, helping it reach a vast audience, as is typical with Marina’s viral hits.
The track was praised for its bold production and Marina’s powerful vocals. Reviewers highlighted its blend of a strong, socially conscious message with a fun, danceable beat, a true hallmark of Marina’s style. ‘Venus Fly Trap’ significantly contributed to the acclaim for Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land, showcasing Marina’s talent for creating music that is both thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and commercially successful.
Marina has left her influence all over the internet and all over the world through her genius with lyrics and her various personas.
Marina Lambrini Diamandis, currently known as MARINA, has transformed pop as a genre and the art of songwriting.