Album Review: MARINA – Princess of Power
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MARINA’s latest album, Princess of Power, marks a dazzling return to the pop spotlight and her first as an independent artist under her self-founded label, Queenie Records. From the opening title track, she sets the tone with theatrical strings, shimmering synths, and a rallying cry, “Welcome to my world, princess of power!” It’s a statement of autonomy and reinvention, inviting listeners into a maximalist universe where femininity, fantasy, and empowerment rule. With MARINA steering the ship as both artist and executive, the album is an unfiltered creative vision – glamorous, chaotic, and unmistakably hers.
The record struts between explosive dance-floor declarations and tender introspections. Standouts like Cuntissimo showcase MARINA in full feminist pop glory, name-dropping icons like Salma Hayek and Madonna over pulsing techno beats. Cupid’s Girl delivers synth-pop laced with ironic charm, while Butterfly offers a breath of delicate beauty, floating between chamber pop and house. The production across the album is rich and polished, though at times the sugary sweetness can be a bit OTT, especially on the campier tracks like Hello Kitty and I <3 You, where the glossy satire threatens to overshadow sincerity.
Yet amid the kitsch and sparkle, moments of vulnerability glimmer through. Adult Girl strips things back to a haunting piano ballad, reflecting on aging, identity, and the quiet ache of transition. It grounds the record with a sense of real-world gravity and is a necessary exhale after the album’s bold, theatrical highs and shows that behind the glitter, MARINA still knows how to dig deep.
Ultimately, Princess of Power is MARINA embracing the playful, provocative, and visually indulgent parts of herself through pop maximalism. While longtime fans may miss the rawness of FROOT or Electra Heart, this record isn’t trying to replicate the past. For those willing to dance at the edge of irony and earnestness, MARINA’s glittery new kingdom is well worth the visit.
