The Family Jewels

Pop · 2009 · 13 tracks · 53m

The Family Jewels

MARINA's debut, "The Family Jewels," is a theatrical, synth-driven pop album that blends sharp social commentary with deeply personal introspection, marked by distinctive vocals and glossy production.

2009 · 679

"The Family Jewels" is a dazzling, often biting journey through early 2010s synth-pop, where MARINA's distinctive voice acts as both a siren and a satirist. It feels like a glittering, slightly off-kilter carnival ride through the anxieties of identity and consumerism, wrapped in undeniably catchy hooks and dramatic flair. This album is for those who crave pop music with substance, a theatrical edge, and a keen, often sardonic, eye on the world, making it an essential listen for anyone seeking intelligent, emotionally resonant pop.

Tracklist · 13 Tracks · 53m

01

Are You Satisfied?

3:21

02

Shampain

3:12

04

Girls

3:28

06

Obsessions

3:29

07

Hollywood

3:50

08

The Outsider

3:17

09

Hermit the Frog

3:36

10

Oh No!

3:02

11

Rootless

3:29

12

Numb

4:16

13

Guilty

3:41

14

I Am Not a Robot (The Shoes' No Shoes remix)

4:03

15

Hollywood (Gonzales remix)

3:43

Moments Worth Listening For

The dramatic, layered synth crescendo that builds into an explosive chorus, showcasing MARINA's vocal power.

A sudden shift from a playful, almost sarcastic verse to a deeply vulnerable, melancholic bridge, highlighting lyrical depth.

The intricate drum machine programming and pulsing bassline driving a track, creating an irresistible, danceable rhythm.

A moment where the production strips back to just a piano and MARINA's raw, unadorned vocal, revealing profound emotional honesty.

Reviews

BBC Music

AllMusic

Where This Album Departs

How does The Family Jewels sound next to the rest of MARINA's catalogue?

Late Night+1.0σ

Late Night saturates this record a touch more than the artist's norm.

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