today We Love

Listen on Spotify

Today's playlist

Click that iPod play button


Chart debut

1571¬The uncompromising Seattle art rockers enter the chart with a respectable rating for their debut album¬True¬

Glad tidings

1603¬A set of mainly very positive early reviews for the 60s-influenced psych-rock / krautrock and blues debut from the first English band signed to Jagjaguwar¬True¬

Danger signs

1599¬Into the chart with a 7.1 rating comes the latest pop project from Danger Mouse, teamed up with Shins frontman James Mercer¬True¬

Lights' out

1586¬The debut album from the much talked-about singer-songwriter is into the chart - but only with a 6.3 rating so far¬True¬

Playlist Archive

Those we have loved (or quite liked anyway)

9¬False¬
The Family Jewels

Marina And The Diamonds

The Family Jewels

Debut release of assorted pop stylings from the much-hyped Welsh singer and former actress

Critics average rating

6.8

Label
Atlantic
Release date
22/02/2010
  1. 9.0 |  NME

    The perfect summation of a singer simultaneously wracked with doubt and unfailingly secure ... with a debut this astonishing, we think the time for Marina to stop worrying is here
    Read Review

  2. 9.0 |  Click Music

    One minute she's a femme fatale, the next she's a fragile little flower - hints of crazy sprinkled throughout - but it just works. It works because instead of conflict between these personalities, there's beautiful cohesion. The woman's a genius.
    Read Review

  3. 8.0 |  Q

    Print edition only

  4. 8.0 |  The Music Fix

    The electro hooks and unique vocals should entice the adventurous but it’s with repeat listens that the album truly comes of age as you realise just how different it is to what else is around
    Read Review

  5. 8.0 |  The Irish Times

    Diamandis reveals such a playful, interesting approach to song structure that you can only view this album as the opening chapter in a very, very promising career
    Read Review

  6. 8.0 |  State

    Marina’s produced something distinct, easy to relate to and amazingly assured. Believe the hype
    Read Review

  7. 8.0 |  Daily Telegraph

    Her arch, clever debut may be too spiky and brash to be really lovable, but, if Marina has her way, you’ll probably find yourself singing along whether you like it or not
    Read Review

  8. 8.0 |  Evening Standard

    This is straightforward fun music, carefully crafted and delivered with verve and panache
    Read Review

  9. 8.0 |  The Times

    ...starts like a Jackie photo story, parachuting you into the world of a singer who wants your attention but hates compartmentalisation
    Read Review

  10. 8.0 |  The Observer

    With so many angles, she could well have a sparkling career
    Read Review

  11. 7.0 |  The Line Of Best Fit

    This album represents a definite accomplishment, Marina’s arrival as a mainstay on the scene
    Read Review

  12. 7.0 |  music OMH

    The Family Jewels isn't the classic debut album that her early singles suggested was on the way, but there's enough promise here to carry her through the hype
    Read Review

  13. 7.0 |  The Fly

    ...the record is hugely entertaining; a joyful romp through quirky pop-ville
    Read Review

  14. 6.0 |  Mojo

    Print edition only

  15. 6.0 |  Clash

    ...it’s a frustrating listen. Cherry pick wisely
    Read Review

  16. 6.0 |  The Sunday Times

    Are You Satisfied?, is another potential hit, but you have to buy into that voice to enjoy the rest
    Read Review

  17. 6.0 |  Independent on Sunday

    Once or twice she actually thinks outside the box, raising hopes that there's more to her than a Hazel O'Connor meets Alanis Morissette persona. But that will have to wait till album two
    Read Review

  18. 5.0 |  Drowned In Sound

    The Family Jewels seems to be to be symptomatic of a broader trend at the moment to demand our female artists be both credible and commercial at the expense of achieving anything great in either camp
    Read Review

  19. 5.0 |  Rave Magazine

    There is some good pop to be found on The Family Jewels if you’re able to get past the over-inflated persona of Diamandis herself
    Read Review

  20. 4.0 |  Uncut

    Print edition only

  21. 2.0 |  The Independent

    Tracks such as "Shampain" and "Hermit the Frog" are every bit as annoying as their punning titles, with queasy, prancing piano and synth figures labouring away methodically, Mika-fashion, while she searches unsuccessfully for worthwhile lyrical routes
    Read Review

Roll over video for more options

Track preview & download

Marina And The Diamonds: The Family Jewels

  • Download full album for just £7.99
  • 1. Are You Satisfied? (album version) £0.89
  • 2. Shampain (album version) £0.89
  • 3. I Am Not a Robot (album version) £0.89
  • 4. Girls (album version) £0.89
  • 5. Mowgli's Road (album version) £0.89
  • 6. Obsessions £0.89
  • 7. Hollywood (Album Version) £0.89
  • 8. The Outsider (album version) £0.89
  • 9. Hermit The Frog (album version) £0.89
  • 10. Oh No! (album version) £0.89
  • 11. Rootless £0.89
  • 12. Numb (album version) £0.89
  • 13. Guilty (album version) £0.89
  • Service provided by 7Digital

Past masters

1614¬As expected, the compilation from one of the most influential indie rock bands of recent years is into the Compilation & Reissues chart with a big score¬True¬

Wake up call

1611¬First batch of reviews for the London trio's shoegaze debut are very encouraging¬True¬

Early warning

1612¬Just about to make an impact on the chart is the 2nd album of minimal indie pop with jazz & electronica overtones from the Oregon duo¬True¬

One to watch

1601¬Some extremely favourable reviews for the Montreal band's 3rd album of psych-flavoured multi-layered indie rock¬True¬

Self help

1602¬The erstwhile nu-ravers have grown up, self-released and self-produced their 2nd album, and reviewers are mostly in favour¬True¬

Middle of the road

1613¬Moderate reviews so far for the Scottish AOR pop rock singer-songwriter. Into the chart with a 5.8¬True¬

Sufi so good

1607¬The LA post-hip hop rapper's "hallucinogenic head-nod" album meanders gently into the chart with a batch of strong reviews¬True¬

Star signs

1608¬Highly promising early reviews for the Texas instrumental ensemble's 4th album of acoustic and piano compositions¬True¬

Hot metal

1610¬Something for metal heads to get excited about: some seriously strong praise for the latest from the Californian stoner metal trio¬True¬