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Bitter taste

1615¬Poor old Sugababes are challenging for our all-time lowest album rating (JLS since you ask). They're on 3.2 so far for their Sweet 7 album¬True¬

Middle of the road

1613¬Moderate reviews so far for the Scottish AOR pop rock singer-songwriter. Into the chart with a 5.5¬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¬

Driving force

1620¬The long-serving Georgia riffmasters enter the chart with a 7.2 for their 8th album of Southern rock¬True¬

Making his mark

1604¬Orcadian folk artist Kris Drever gets a 6.6 rating on his entry into the chart with his second solo album¬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¬

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

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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

In the loop

1618¬Highly positive early reviews for the latest album of loop-based electronic experiments from the long-standing UK band¬True¬

Book mark

1598¬The US performance artist gets a 6.5 rating on her chart entry with her latest collection of chamber pop¬True¬

No chance

1625¬Severe disappointment among critics at the 4th collection of electro beats and spoken-word lyrics from the hip hop duo. Into the chart with 4.6¬True¬

Maximum impact

1612¬Into the chart with an impressive 7.5 is the 2nd album of minimal indie pop with jazz & electronica overtones from the Oregon duo¬True¬

Split vote

1628¬Only moderate reactions so far to the solo effort about his marriage split from the member of alternative hip hop act Why?¬True¬

Made in China

1619¬A couple of glowing reviews, and one stinker, so far for the artist labelled 'China's Bjork'¬True¬

Mexican waves

1617¬General approval for this concept album about the Mexican-American war from the legendary Irish folkies and equally legendary guitarist¬True¬

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¬