I wrote this the day EH leaked, so I doubt everyone saw it!
This is my little (amateur) review I wrote on EH and I even included where
I think each song falls, archetype-wise.
1. Bubblegum Bitch: From the very beginning, you can hear it’s something that Gwen Stefani would sing. The hook is very, well, hooking and will be engraved in your mind whether you like it or not. It’s very short, it is unfortunate because after the bridge of “I’m gonna be my biggest fan”, you’d expect another verse. Not really with the hype of this song, but still, I like it. 8.5/10 (
Teen Idles)
2. Primadonna: I think we’ve all heard this already. I give it an 8.5/10 because to be honest, I’ve grown quite tired of this song. Not because it was released over a month before the album release with that being the only single. But just that while lyrically is Electra Heart, this is the most sonically different of all the album imo. (
Primadonna)
3. Lies: Am I the only one that likes the studio version better than the acoustic? I mean, yes, it was emotion-ridden, but when you hear the sample of dubstep in the background with your HQ earphones, you’re in heaven. It kind of reminds me of Inside Out by Britney Spears, except with better/deeper lyrics and still quite emotional vocals. However, I prefer the longer sampler version, which is what I use on my iPod. 10/10 (
Su-Barbie-A)
4. Homewrecker: When she released this for free, I cannot deny that this song was my JAM until Primadonna was released. The SPOKEN LYRICS, the HOMEWRECKAAAAAAAA chorus, everything about this song was amazing. HOWEVER, that ALSO being said, I do agree with the early reviewers that believed it was the weakest track on the album, even though it’s still amazing. The lyrics are as deep in this song as the rest of the album, and that’s why it gets an 8/10. (
Homewrecker)
5. Starring Role: To be honest, I think the demo that leaked earlier last year WAS the final version, but since it was so early, she revised it. And it seems that she revised it for the better. Ignoring the only immediate difference (“rather walk alone!” backing), I do see a difference in overall production and added strings by the bridge to the end. The lyrics are very somber and it paints a picture of a relationship in which a woman is not loved in by her “love”, yet she believes there’s still hope in it. Beautiful production/lyrics. 10/10 (
Primadonna)
6. The State of Dreaming: When this song leaked, I admit I LOVED it much more compared to Lies. I mean, The Archetypes introduction, the somber vocals, and especially the lyric “I would sell my sorry soul if I could have it all”. While some reviewers do not like this one and believe it’s a “filler”, I think it’s a gorgeous track that makes everyone wish they were in the state of dreaming. I also use the sampler version instead of the album version as The Archetypes beat remains in the entire song instead of cutting before the second verse, giving it a more whimsical feel. However, this song may get boring to some eventually (not to me though). 9.5/10 (
Primadonna)
7. Power & Control: I have the first, second, and fourth demos, and I just need to say that this song wins for the GREATEST IMPROVEMENT SINCE THE DEMO EVER. I mean, with the original terrible quality and repetitive less-than-great lyrics, I love the new clubby beat Marina gave this. Even though it’s not produced by Swedish House Mafia anymore, it can definitely fool me. I also love the control in vocals on this one too, because she uses different ranges in the bridge, chorus, and verses. I envision a dominatrix video coming from this cus the lyrics, however, that’ll most definitely never happen. However, the verses are somewhat miniscule (non-existent?), so it gets sometimes repetitive. 9.5/10 (
Homewrecker)
8. Living Dead: Can I just say that I LOVE THIS SONG? I loved the demo, but the minute I heard the snippet and the changes Marina brought upon this track, I literally got up, and started to disco! I don’t know if I’m the only one that hears the synthy, disco beats? Anywho, it’s great that she kept the lyrics and even added amazing backing vocals cus it was truly all for the benefit of this song. Also, I love this song, cus it’s practically describing my life. 10/10 (
Su-Barbie-A)
9. Teen Idle: Part 2 of songs from Electra Heart describing my life. This song is so creepy and mysterious. I love that the actual beat doesn’t even come out until the second verse. And the backing of SUPER SUPER SUPER! I envisioned her hiring a cheerleading team to do that with her, to be quite honest. The lyrics are exceptionally and the vocals are top notch. Perfect way to describe an “idle teen”. 10/10 (
Teen Idles)
10. Valley of the Dolls: This is probably my favorite song on the entire album. Because even though the last two related with me the most, this was my most anticipated since I saw the title and before even hearing the snippets. This song makes me want to watch Valley of the Dolls cus it’s that perfect. The ethereal vocals, repetition, the beat, and not to mention the deep lyrics. This song really sums about the entire album before it’s done (which Fear and Loathing will do) cus it’s talking about all the Archetypes, I believe. 10/10 (
Su-Barbie-A)
11. Hypocrates: Not going to lie, this was my least anticipated track on the album. But when I heard the official song, I said to myself “OMG THIS IS THE PERFECT SUMMER SINGLE, SHE’D BETTER NOT RELEASE IT IN SEPTEMBER (again)”. I can’t tell if it’s the suburban wife saying this to her husband or the idle teen to her parents/lover. Either, the lyrics really do tell a story and are better than some of the others (Homewrecker tbh). 9/10 (
Teen Idles)
12. Fear and Loathing: This song is probably one of the most perfect things ever. I noticed that I liked the ballads more than the synth single-worthy tracks more. And this is definitely my favorite (VOTD is a close second). Just the lyrics, the vocals, the GRANDMA AT THE END. EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS SONG IS PERFECT. 10/10 (
All)
Average: 94/100
*
album tracks that weren't leaked with the standard edition*
Radioactive--
Teen Idles
Sex, Yeah!--
Homewrecker
Lonely Hearts Club--
Su-Barbie-A
Buy the Stars--
Primadonna
HTBAHB--
Homewrecker
Agree to disagree and ask questions!