Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land
by MARINA
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Jun 11, 2021
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. AllMusic
    Jun 18, 2021
    80
    At a brisk ten tracks, Ancient Dreams is a quick dose of what makes Marina great: heartfelt honesty from a fellow misfit consistently pushing the boundaries of pop.
  2. PopMatters
    Jun 14, 2021
    80
    Marina re-embraces her inner strength and quite possibly creates her magnum opus with Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land.
  3. Under The Radar
    Jun 11, 2021
    80
    The first half of the album is intoxicating—it is danceable and full of fun energy. The second half of the album is all heartbreak and slow piano-filled ballads carried by Marina’s whimsical and hollowing vocals.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 11, 2021
    80
    12 years after the tracks ‘Obsessions’ and ‘Mowgli’s Road’ introduced us to a singular musical talent, Marina’s melodies and vocal hooks still don’t sound like anybody else’s.
  6. The Line of Best Fit
    Jun 11, 2021
    80
    Her vocal dynamism translates particularly well in rock-leaning settings, where her leaping registers make their way through enthralling kicks and mean guitar riffs.
  7. Clash Music
    Jun 11, 2021
    80
    A 10-track wonder that is a more mature and eclectic take on her gloriously femme and thundering electro-pop.
  8. Pitchfork
    Jun 17, 2021
    66
    Everything is delicate, but nothing is muted. This aesthetic certainly isn’t for everybody, but after her ambivalent pop experiments, Marina no longer needs her albums to be. It’s a beacon out for the highly emotional people of the world, of whom she clearly is one; it’s for her.
  9. The Observer (UK)
    Oct 7, 2021
    60
    The music is pleasantly accessible, rather than daring.
  10. musicOMH.com
    Jun 14, 2021
    60
    Concise and defined, the 10 tracks here distill Marina’s thoughts on modern day society and all its horrors into a short, sharp shock. ... If there’s anything the album lacks though it’s some of the knowing playfulness of her previous work.

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Most Discussed Album of 2021

User Reviews

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User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 629 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 564 out of 629
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 629
  3. Negative: 49 out of 629
  1. Jhontt
    Jun 12, 2021
    10
    Again Marina made music for those who like good lyrics and sound quality. An album far superior to what has been seen in the current musicAgain Marina made music for those who like good lyrics and sound quality. An album far superior to what has been seen in the current music scene... 10/10!… Full Review »
  2. SaturnSon111
    Jun 11, 2021
    10
    Original, poético, melódico, y muy real, casi cómo un "The Family Jewels" pero más maduro y trascendente con un toque nuevo y fresco, "AncientOriginal, poético, melódico, y muy real, casi cómo un "The Family Jewels" pero más maduro y trascendente con un toque nuevo y fresco, "Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land" es el regreso que nos demostró que Marina sigue siendo una artista completa; Música, Letra y Voz.… Full Review »
  3. JessRoss
    Jun 11, 2021
    10
    I love the way Marina is giving us an album that contains real and hard feelings. And also we get songs to dance and feel free. That's herI love the way Marina is giving us an album that contains real and hard feelings. And also we get songs to dance and feel free. That's her style:something real, something human, anything but ordinary. I admired her and her uniqueness.… Full Review »
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