A confident return missing some magic.
Marina’s (stylized MARINA) sixth studio album, Princess of Power, marks a career changing moment and a powerful return for the singer-songwriter. The album is a glitzy fusion of synth-pop and dance-pop, drawing from musical icons like Madonna, ABBA and Kylie Minogue. Released independently through Queenie Records, Princess of Power is Marina’s first self-released album, a statement of independence and a celebration of personal transformation. The album presents a confident and cohesive sonic identity, but ultimately falls short of recapturing the emotional depth and whimsical charm that defined Marina’s earlier work.
Tracks like “Cuntissimo” burst with glam-pop bravado, blending cheeky cultural references with an infectious sense of autonomy. “Butterfly” offers shimmering falsetto and lavish production, with on-the-nose yet charming lyrics on metamorphosis and rebirth. “Adult Girl” stands out as an introspective moment—an emotional piano ballad grappling with the liminal space between youth and maturity. The album’s energy is consistently buoyant, and Marina’s vocals remain as charismatic and distinct as ever.
While the maximalist style of Princess of Power is often fun and audacious, it sometimes sacrifices intimacy for spectacle. Songs like “Final Boss,” which leans heavily on video-game metaphors, and the over-the-top theatricality of “Cuntissimo” risk veering into gimmick rather than offering meaningful storytelling. Its clear gearing towards queer audiences doesn’t quite work out. Troye Sivan’s “Rush,” Kylie Minogue’s “Padam Padam” and even Charli XCX’s “360” all contain the same self-assuredness that “Cuntissimo” winks at, but they have a genuine dirt that Marina’s album lacks. A dependency on lyrical cliches doesn’t measure up to the emotional and conceptual richness of her earlier work. Albums like Electra Heart and FROOT were not just musically compelling but also deeply rooted in Marina’s carefree, eccentric persona—something that feels largely absent here.
Princess of Power is a solid and enjoyable addition to Marina’s discography. It offers playful production, memorable moments and a strong sense of personal autonomy. Yet, despite its confident flair, the album lacks the whimsical creativity that once made Marina’s music feel so singular. For longtime fans, this record is as a celebration of growth, but also as a reminder of just how enchanting Marina was when her music still felt like an emotional diary dressed in glitter.
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