The Diamonds Have Spoken - A Group Review of "Homewrecker"

Hello POP-lovers!

As you know, Gregory & I are long-time fans of Marina & the Diamonds.  Although we have reviewed her work on many occasions (read our latest here), what we are most interested in is creating a discussion - this blog is as much for you as it is for us.  Last week we asked a few of our readers to submit their thoughts on Marina's latest track, Homewrecker.  Here is part one of our very exciting group review:

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Simon (@SparkSparkSpark):

"It feels to me that she is telling a story, not necessarily her own - as is the concept of Electra Heart."

When I first heard Homewrecker I was taken aback. At first play the pre-chorus sounded magnificent. A few plays after that, the chorus was stuck in my head. Now, after playing it an obscene amount of times, I'm not a victim to the hooks, I can see the track a little clearer, and I am actually very impressed. Getting the negative out the way; I have to argue that the chorus ends up being a bit of a non-event. It isn't anything special for me. It's fun to sing along to but it grew old quickly and though it's not offensive, it could have offered a little more. But for me, the star of this show is the spoken verses. Her voice sounds innocent and the lyrics are simple, but effective. It feels to me that she is telling a story, not necessarily her own - as is the concept of Electra Heart. I am hoping, though, that with the remainder of Electra Heart we will see a more of the smart quirk in the lyrics that we have come to expect of Marina.

Antoinette (@AntoinetteKings):

"What is already absent is the Marina that screamed independence and intelligence; who philosophized with her Diamonds (yes, actually conversed with them)."

The initial reaction of horror, distaste and a grand loss of hope remain when having to replay this track (in the faux-optimism that I may just fall in love with it). Consider me dramatic, but I believe the façade of Electra Heart lies in the critical loss of Marina’s prior style – the panache that had her out-stand amongst the others as an artist of the utmost creation.  I understand that any artist must enter an evolutionary phase in their career to keep their creations fresh and to bring about the anew; however, no other phase of artistic evolution has had me whispering my “Resquiecat in Pace’s” more quickly. Homewrecker as a taster song from the upcoming Electra Heart has only left my heart with a sinking feeling.  It follows the style of ‘talk-sing’ beginning with, "every boyfriend is the one until otherwise proven" – what ever happened to keeping both feet on the ground? What is already absent is the Marina that screamed independence and intelligence; who philosophized with her Diamonds (yes, actually conversed with them). As for the chorus - “I’m a homewrecker; I break a million hearts just for fun” – if this is not the song about Theo Hutchcraft (her loved and lost) that we have all been waiting for, then I do not know what is. Conclusively, Homewrecker does not hold a torch to the comparatives of Radioactive and Fear and Loathing. Those two songs hold an aspect that Homewrecker does not: Marina Diamandis.

Kevin (@RootlessDiamond)

"Although some fans may find it fake and forced, I truly believe that [Homewrecker] is Marina opening up."

The archetype in Homewrecker is an interesting one. Marina was never one to sing about love during the Family Jewels era, but Homewrecker beckons the thought that Marina must have a love life...  The track to me is honest, playful, and catchy. Although some fans may find it fake and forced, I truly believe that this is Marina opening up. Marina has always wanted to do 'POP' but never had the right tools: this track is a great example of what can come from having an experienced producer to work with.  A lot of people have labeled the song as an "album track," but everyone I have shared the track with have fallen in love with it, like me.  Homewrecker does justice to Marina's lyrical talents and is a taster of what is shaping up to be a brilliant POP album.
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Marina & The Diamonds - Homewrecker by Marina and The Diamonds

Do you have any thoughts on Homewrecker? Please feel free to leave your comments below & be sure to come back in a few days for a second installation of our group review.  As always, thanks for reading.

Unapologetically,

Minna