Marina and The Diamonds - The Top 10 [Unreleased Tracks]

 Continuing with the next instalment of 'The Top 10', we go back to pop artist Marina and the Diamonds (Marina Diamandis). Following the release of her new album, FROOT (you can check out our review of the album, here), it seems only fitting to re-visit the singer and instead of counting down her Top 10 released tracks (pre-FROOT era), we're doing a round for the unreleased songs this time! Starting us at number 10 is: 

10: Perfect Stranger 

Kicking off our list is 'Perfect Stranger' which is a stripped-down piano ballad which is perfect to showcase Marina's exquisite vocal ability, so if you're looking for a song which truly highlights that then this is definitely the one for you. It's a bit more 'natural' than other high-production songs, so you can really feel the emotion bleed through it. As always in our "Top 10's", you can listen to the track below: 

9: Candy

Who better to sing a song entitled 'Candy'? Of course, there's always a bit of a double meaning going on when the Electra Heart singer is at the reigns, and this is no exception. The subtle bass-line and the ever so familiar piano really frames the track and combines with Marina's vocals for a more refined but still pleasing sound. 

8: Troubled Mind

This is possibly one of the more disturbed but intriguing Marina tracks, but it is exactly the reason why 'Troubled Mind' has made its way onto the list. A song that suitably mentions the infamous 'Peter Pan' and his struggles with growing up, citing his 'troubled mind'. Bonus points for containing some of the most memorable lyrics ever: "He hides his dreams deep within a wooden box/ He hides his secrets deep within his woollen socks". 

7: Sinful 

(fan art pic by dead-interface on deviant art)

Picking up the tempo to something a little bit more invigorating is the delightful 'Sinful' which incorporates catchy electro beats and deep vocals from Marina, which give it an addictive edge. We love the build on this track, and the chorus is certainly memorable. If you're looking for a track with a bubblier exterior and a bit of a darker interior then this is probably one you can easily enjoy, and as such, earns its way to number 7 on our list. 

6: Jealousy

Fans of the Electra Heart era, this one is most definitely for you. The pop-tastic 'Jealousy' is at #6 and has that double-edge to it, with sweet sounding vocals but rather dark lyrics; a certain trademark of the singer. The dark but sometimes too often true reality that 'Jealousy' is based on makes this song much more than just your average pop number, and contains some real lyrical gems: "I'll never say a word/ in case I come off needy/ I'll never say a word/ leave you before you leave me". 

5: Hermit the Frog 

Yep. That's a play-on-words with good old Kermit the Frog. And it's everything you ever wanted. Featuring a killer humming opening, this one's a real 'Marina classic' which shows off her sassy and wilder side with notable lyrics: "They call him Hermit the Frog/ He's looking for a dog/ Did you find your bitch in me?". There's not much else to say about this song other than if you haven't got it, add it to your playlist now. 

4: Scab & Plaster 

I stepped into a room of clocks and found...a new Marina and the Diamonds track! (yes, we did just quote actual lyrics from the song). Similar to 'Sinful' in a few ways, 'Scab and Plaster' is the perfect remedy for your boring weekday evenings. This once has a wicked dance and electro vibe and the production is very slick indeed. Combine that with some great, deep lyrics and Marina's vocals and you're onto a winner. 

3: Miss Y

Mrs D, Mrs I, Mrs F, F, I. Mrs C, Mrs U, Mrs L, T, Y. Yes, it can only be 'Miss Y' (and triple bonus points if you know what that is from) from Marina and the Diamonds. Let's give a hand for the great Miss Y in this superb track dealing with being left on the sidelines and feeling out of place. "I walked all night long in the dark just to be standing here/ Only to feel like nobody/ I'm Miss Y am I here?" - we feel you Marina. 

2: Rootless

It was certainly hard to call it between these last two. But just being out-done by our number 1 is 'Rootless' which secures its spot at number two. This track is a real undiscovered gem of Marina and the Diamonds' and it's not hard to see why. Similarly to 'Miss Y', this one's all about feeling 'Rootless' in the sense that there is no space to call 'home', and there is no feeling of satisfaction with your current situation. Throw in some electro-pop and you've got the perfect concoction of simmering sadness disguised as flavoursome pop fare. 

1: The Outsider

"Don't get on my bad side, I can work a gun." Yes, we're channelling our inner-Marina with our 'Top 1', in the form of 'The Outsider'. This one pretty much combines everything you could possibly love about the singer: wacky sense of humour, originality, sense of isolation, sassiness and just a twinge of solemness. Also working the piano again as well as multiple other instruments, 'The Outsider' is the track you don't necessarily want but need in your life. Get ready to hit the repeat button multiple times. 

BONUS TRACK: Just Desserts

OK, OK, OK. This one isn't exactly an 'unreleased' track, but it's still pretty darn awesome. Combining the talents of both Marina and Charli XCX, this one should have been the new 'Fancy', as both singers are spectacular together and it's just a whole heap of fun. Who knows when we will see our next Charli and Marina collab?