Score: 3.5/5
Marina and the Diamonds’ new album “Froot” features fun pop but doesn’t quite live up to the fiery legacy of its predecessor, “Electra Heart.” Despite this, “Froot” still proves to be ripe.
Singer Marina Diamandis continues to be an intriguing subject, refusing to be labeled or boxed in, much like “Froot.”
Though the album doesn’t have the fire “Electra Heart” did, perhaps this was Diamandis’ intent, deciding to make this follow-up happier. However, without that fire, it feels as though “Froot” is lacking, missing the bite and fervor of its predecessor.
What it does have is pop worthy of disco clubs everywhere, particularly with the title track “Froot.” Featuring ‘80s synth and electronic pop, “Froot” is a fresh new sound for Diamandis, and it works effortlessly.
Diamandis puts her pretty falsetto to good use in the infectious “Blue.” The bubbly track features a catchy hook and tells the tale of Diamandis not wanting to “feel blue anymore.” In typical Marina and the Diamonds fashion, “Blue” features tongue-in-cheek lyrics, as Diamandis sings, “give me love, give me dreams, give me a good self-esteem.”
The album also has the sarcasm-laced lyrics matched with fun and light instrumentals which have come to be expected from Diamandis. “Can’t Pin Me Down” provides a great lift, and some of the defiant spirit of “Electra Heart,” but still stays in line with the rest of “Froot.” The song is upbeat and rebellious, with Diamandis brimming with sarcasm singing, “Do you really want me to write a feminist anthem? I’m happy cooking dinner in the kitchen for my husband.” “Can’t Pin Me Down” is one of the juiciest slices of “Froot.”
Diamandis gets deep with “Weeds,” singing about missing her exes because they’re the only ones who know her, and how these feelings keep growing inside her like weeds. With this midtempo track, she continues her brand of smart pop mixed with introspective looks in the mirror.
Like Marina and the Diamonds, “Froot” never loses its creativity, and though her experimentation doesn’t always work, the chances she takes are still worth it. To her credit, instead of making the same formulaic music, Diamandis explores all kinds of alternative pop sounds.
“Froot” delivers a refreshing new sound and direction for the ever-changing Marina and the Diamonds, leaving listeners wondering what she’ll do next.