Album of the week: Marina and the Diamonds "Froot"

So as you can all tell it has been a while since I last posted, apologies once again but I have been extremely busy with uni assignments and projects. However over the course of the past few months I have been keeping up with one of my all time favourite artists, Welsh songstress Marina and the Diamonds, who had been teasing new material from her new album "Froot", which was officially released earlier this month.

I have always been a fan of Marina since her first release "The Family Jewels" which showcased Marina's eccentric personality and often cartoonish lyrics. The album was full of soaring vocals and despite the often upbeat music there was dark questioning themes that Marina has made her specialty after three albums. For me, Marina was something that the pop music industry had been missing for sometime. Her lyrics were often sarcastic and a cynical take on pop culture and the American dream which was evidenced in the songs "Hollywood" and also "Oh no!". Marina was not afraid to show to the world that she was not the perfect polished pop star. However her follow up record "Electra Heart" would go on to be a completely different album, and Marina for that fact.

Ok I am just going to state a very unpopular opinion right now. I absolutely loved "Electra Heart", maybe more than I did her debut album. I will admit it took me a while to like this album. It was nothing like her debut and in a way it was kind of hypocritical to everything that I admired about her on her first album. Gone was the kooky synth inspired pop and in it's place was a record that was pure bubblegum pop that was heavily loaded with collaborations and productions that made "Electra Heart" come across as, to put it lightly and bluntly, fake. This is what pissed me off a bit when I first heard the album, not to mention this record saw the introduction of Marina's alter ego, the character itself Electra Heart. Forgive me if I sound pretentious but I have never seen the need to create an alter ego to promote your album, unless your Eminem, but this time I had to bite my words and admit that despite it's first impressions, the alter ego worked in this case.

Yet despite my initial reaction towards "Electra Heart" over time I would come to genuinely appreciate this record and I feel as though not many people took the time to properly listen to the lyrics, because for all it's bubblegum pop, it's actually quite a haunting and sarcastic album much like the "The Family Jewels", and at times it could be quite depressing. It was a semi concept album about female identity focusing on the various character types of the title character, Electra Heart, who was created as an archetype of how females are portrayed within the media and was the all American dream girl who is ultimately ruined by fame. Listening back to it, it's actually quite an ironic album overall and most people will still tell you to this day that Marina and the diamonds sold out with the second album but I will always tell them again to take the time to listen to the album. This was an album that was created to be an absolute satirical look at fame, love and the all American dream, unfortunately for Diamondis her character Electra Heart got out of her control and Marina killed the blonde primadonna of with sleeping pills for good.

The death of Electra Heart was certainly a fitting move to make room for  Marina's newest album "Froot". Gone is the corrupted heartbreaking prima donna and it's place is a very self reflective and very bold album especially considering the title track Happy is a bold honest statement itself to open the album with and rightly so. The piano ballad sees lays the welsh songstress bare and emotionally vulnerable as she sings "I found what I've been looking for in myself, found a life worth living for someone else never thought that I could be, that I could be happy". This title track itself signals a major shift from her sophomore album.

The lead single and title track "Froot" was the first single to be released and it's easy to understand why as it's a highly infectious upbeat song. It's fast paced, energetic and filled with Marina's signature playful lyrics such as "I'm your carnal flower, I'm your bloody rose, pick my petals off and make my heart explode" which plays over deep bass line that propels the song into a futuristic 80's disco themed song. It's an absolutely bonkers song, that's why it's brilliant. Not to mention it is understated sass at it's finest.

As I have said, "Froot" is an incredibly personal and reflective album. Marina herself has admitted that half of the album is about a relationship that she felt "needed to end" and unlike most pop stars who make records about a break up, Marina doesn't act like the victim of heartbreak, she is the one who is hurting someone else because she isn't actually in love with the other person. For the first time it's refreshing to hear a pop album that isn't focused on being heartbroken but what it feels like to be the guilty one within the relationship. In all honesty it's a ballsy move for a pop star and I take my hat off to Marina creating a record that is painfully and emotionally honest. In "I'm a ruin" which is arguably one of the highlights of the album she sings "It doesn't feel right and it doesn't feel fair when I'm planning to move on and your still standing there" in those signature soaring vocals over the regret tinged catchy beat. Also in the tragically upbeat "Blue" where she sings "No I don't love you, no I don't care. I just want to be held when I'm scared and all I want is one night with you".

One of Marina's strengths has always lay in her ability to create a juxtaposition within her music with incredibly upbeat music and intriguing yet satirical lyrics that often give a dark outlook of the world and this is demonstrated pretty much throughout "Froot". That's not to say that the album is filled with darker songs than Marina has ever done, as evidenced within the title song "Froot" the record has it's moments of fun and sarcasm that we have all come to know Marina for and this leads leads me to another favourite on the record "Can't pin me down" she sings "Do you really want me to write a feminist anthem? I'm happy cooking dinner for my husband in the kitchen.......I am never gonna give you anything that you expect you think I'm like the others, boy you need to get your eyes checked" it's this satirical and sarcastic response to how others view her and want her to be, except Marina has never been one to be be tamed by one specific thing and her behavior through her lyrics can be viewed as erratic. It's one hell of a fun song and it's nice to see a pop star defy others ideals of themselves.

Despite how good this record is right from the start the best was definitely saved for the last. The final 2 tracks on "Savages" and "Immortal" highlight why Marina is one of the best pop artists in the industry right now. "Savages" is the ultimate start track on the record and emphasizes Marina's lyrical genius as an artist. The song itself is already quite well known for it's subject matter as it delves into her views on "Rape Culture" which is all to prevalent within society today. Overall this is a song that deals with humanity, what makes us human and what are we made up of? why do we commit such horrendous acts. "Were we born to abuse, shoot a gun and run? or has something deep inside of us come undone? is it a human trait or is it learned behavior? are you killing for yourself or killing for your savior.......underneath it all we're just savages, hidden behind shirts, ties and marriages". Again it's another bold move for a pop star to create such an honest yet daunting song. Despite the catchy tune the song itself is basically social criticism and bears huge relevance to what we have to deal with in society today such as rape, murder and misogyny.

After the politically humanity questioning savages, Diamondis ends the album with the moody and atmospheric "Immortal" and after the journey she has taken with all her three albums it's quite a fitting song to end the album with as her vocals tear through the chorus, "I'm forever chasing after time, but everybody dies, dies. If I could buy forever at a price I would buy it twice". It's an interesting note to end the album on, especially considering the album began on a much more lighter tone as she admits that she has finally found herself, yet at the end of this record Marina admits to herself that she still needs to leave an impact on the world and like the rest of us, she worries what will be left of her when she is gone. It's quite a frightening question if you ask yourself the same thing.

As a fan of Marina and the Diamonds since the beginning it's exciting to see her come into her own as an artist on her third record, a record that is completely untamed by it's own pop genre and probably the greatest record that Marina has created thus far in her career. It's an album filled with raw and painful emotion but also full of fun at the same time and that is a difficult thing to achieve, especially as well as Marina seems to have done. It's also the first album that I feel that we finally get to see a little bit of who the real Marina is as well as a record that is a breath of fresh air for the pop industry, overall it might just be the best pop album released this year, but I am biased considering I am a massive fan.

Overall Rating: 8/10

Loved Tracks: Froot, I'm a ruin, Better than that, Savages and Immortal.

P.S I did spend an awful long time also talking about the "Electra Heart" album and that's because I genuinely believe more people need to give this album another chance, so if you have the time check it out also!

xoxo

Album of the week: Lana Del rey "Ultraviolence"

So anyone that knows me knows just how much I love the ever sultry singer Lana Del Rey and how much I have been anticipating her third album titled "Ultraviolence", which was released just earlier this week.

Like most people, Lana first came to my attention when she burst into the pop world with her beautiful raspy vocals on her smash hit second album, "Born to Die". As a massive fan of the old/vintage Hollywood style that Lana incorporated into her cinematic styled videos I was immediately enthralled by this new talent. Not to mention Lana's voice is one of the most haunting I have heard for a while and quite frankly cannot be compared with any other artist on the scene right now.

2012's "Born to Die" was an album of Siren songs about a dream unfulfilled and had an idea of 1950's romanticism. "Ultraviolence" still sees Lana use her hauntingly raspy vocals to portray her gloomy, depressing lyrics but this album also portrays Lana's more absorbing and matured music as "Ultraviolence" sees the singer move away from the pop friendly tracks that you heard on "Born to die" and shed her Lolita image as it embraces a much more darker and menacing atmosphere and lyrics......and it works perfectly.

The tone and atmosphere is pretty much set as the album opens with "Cruel World" which is a slow six and a half minutes where Del Rey dances on the funeral of a relationship as she sings "I shared my body and my mind with you. That's all over now. I did what I had to do. I found another anyhow". Her soft voice croons over a slow thumping beat.

From there on the album takes on a much more dramatic production than "Born to Die" could ever live up to, with songs such as the title track "Ultraviolent" which is about an abusive relationship with Lana singing softly and sadly "He hit me and it felt like a kiss". Yes of course the subject of violence within a relationship makes you twinge but overall this song is probably one of the best tracks on the album as it is well produced in the way it is smart yet also tragic as Del Rey sings "I can hear violins. I can hear sirens".

Another track which in my opinion is a pivotal moment for Lana embracing her more darker side is "Sad Girl" as the opening lyrics to the song are "Being a mistress on the side it might not appeal to fools like you" shows Lana unapologetic for taking on a married man and effectively portrays what she thinks of women who don't agree with her.

Overall I personally feel as though Lana Del rey has created an absolute cinematic masterpiece of an album. It's not your average pop album that will be released on the market and that makes Lana stand out from the rest of her peers within the pop industry at the moment.

Vocally and lyrically I feel as though this is an accomplished piece of work for Lana Del Rey as her already powerful voice reaches notable highs and also reaches impressive lows throughout the whole album.

Another factor that makes "Ultraviolence" so good is that it is a brave, unapologetic and intense album that features very few radio friendly tracks and this is what the music industry has been missing for quite some time right now. A female artist to come along and not be afraid of who she is and embrace her darker nature without feeling the need to sugar coat any of her gloomy lyrics to appeal to appeal to a wider audience. "Ultraviolence" is a punch at her critics who shrugged of her work without recognizing her talent, and she feels no remorse. "Ultraviolent" also sees Lana finally recognise who she is as an artist and become more comfortable within her own skin and the whole album feels like her own honest American dream.

Overall rating: 9/10

Loved tracks: Cruel world, Ultraviolence, West coast, sad girl, fucked my way to the top.

Foxes: Style Icon & Artist of the moment

So I have been listening to the beautiful album "Glorious" by the super talented Foxes on repeat these last few weeks and I have to admit that I have become obsessed with this talented young lady and her sultry fashion sense and lyrics.

The first time I had heard foxes magnificent voice was on Fall Out boy's "one more yesterday" from their latest record "Save Rock and Roll" and from that moment I was instantly hooked by this new and enchanting voice. As a massive music enthusiast I am always looking for new artists that I can add to my playlist and Foxes was instantly added.

After first hearing her I came across the debut album "Glorious" and I was overcome by how talented and beautiful this album was. It's mash up of futuristic beats and lush melodies that highlight Foxes, real name Louisa Rose Allen, ethereal voice. "Glorious" was the kind of anthemic pop album that I had been waiting for, for a very long time.

Okay so not only am I in love with her music, I am also a massive fan of Foxes retro fashion style. It's always a plus in my book when an artist that I really love has a good sense of fashion and this is where Foxes again ticks all the right boxes for me. The blend of 60's femininity with a tomboyishness reflects her music, it's a complete mash up which shouldn't work, but in Foxes case, It works extremely well and reflects everything about her. Foxes fashion is like the effortless girl next door and she describes her fashion style as "A mix of vintage with high street"....A girl after my own fashion loving heart.

So if your a music and fashion enthusiast like me then I'd recommend that you check out Foxes, you truly won't be dissapointed. This is one lady who has a truly raw talent for what she does and her debut "Glorious" will be the soundtrack to my 2014 summer.

new sounds, styles and inspirations......

hey Beautiful people. As you can see I have been MIA recently, I am rather sorry for that. My schedule at the moment has been so super busy and I am hardly getting any sleep or any time for myself at all. I think I am physically exhausted and I just needed a couple of days to bring back the old me again.....but enough of any of that because as usual I have been on the hint for new style icons and inspirations, and let me tell you, I have found it!. It just happened one day when I was in the mood for some music to help me relax ( I am such a music nerd and it relaxes me) and that's when I came across this amazing lady known as Rainy Milo.

Rainy's voice is so full of soul and soothing. I have been listening to her mixtape "Limey" and I am currently addicted to the song "Don't regret me". Her music is quite entrancing and chilling, this wonderful lady sings with such emotion that I can relate to some of the lyrics that she is singing. It's wonderful really.

But however if you think her Music was enough to make you fall in love, you should take a peek at her style. I am such a sucker for artists with really good fashion style and right now Rainy Milo is ticking all the boxes for me. She is quite playful grunge mixed with an urban rock vibe and I am seriously digging the look. It gives off a sort of fun attitude to go with the rather eclectic music that she creates.

Right now I must tell you to check this lady's music out. Because she is one lady who I think you won't be able to forget about in a hurry. In fact, I think we might just hear a little more of her in the near future and I sure hope we do!.

Gwen Stefani: style Icon

Gwen stefani is known for her unique fashion sense just as much as she is known for her music and has been turning heads since her early No Doubt days. Over the years she has become known for her fearless sense of style and being leading the fashion pack rather than being a follower and has pulled of retro punk, effortless tomboy, cute quirky styles and ladylike glam but Gwen's styles always have that certain edge that lets her stand out from the crowd.
I myself have been a huge fan of Gwen for many years now and seriously look up to her as a person and her fashion sense because she always seems to be one step ahead of the crowd and she can pull off any look in her own unique way. I personally believe she doesn't get enough credit for her much she has influenced the fashion industry before the likes of Lady Gaga, Audrey Kitching (Another icon of mine), Rita Ora and madonna Gwen Stefani was the first woman to showcase her wacky/unique sense of style and she sported blue and pink hair long before it was "Cool". So I have decided to put together a little lookbook of Gwen rocking her unique styles throughout the years. What's your favourite Gwen Style?

H&M Autumn 2012 collection revealed!

A few months back it was revealed that the ever fashionable singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey would be the face of High street store H&M's Autumn 2012 collection. I was pretty much thrilled with this revelation because I must admit that I love to shop in H&M, I usually go on a whole shopping spree there!. But I am also a huge fan of Lana. Of course I love her music but her style just blows me away!, it's very vintage and reminds me of old hollywood film stars from black and white movies.

This campaign was shot by Inez Van Lamsweerde and vinoodh Matadin and see's Miss Del Rey snuggling up in the collections new trends such as angora Knits, printed trews and tweed shifts with her very own signature 60's style bouffant and winged eye make up.

The songstress also not only lends these sultry shots to promote the campaign but also it has been revealed that She has lent her beautifully smooth vocals for full length cover of "Blue velvet" to help promote the campaign, which should be released very soon!.