Love + Fear
by MARINA
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Apr 26, 2019
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 343 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 269 out of 343
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 343
  3. Negative: 36 out of 343
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. nickolaskm
    Apr 30, 2019
    10
    LOVE + FEAR is Marina’s first bet on contemporary pop music after ditching her former stage name “Marina And The Diamonds” and letting her alternative style aside for a while after her well succeeded album “FROOT” released four years ago. This two part album is very different from anything Marina has done in the past. In general, it has much simpler lyrics and way less distinctiveLOVE + FEAR is Marina’s first bet on contemporary pop music after ditching her former stage name “Marina And The Diamonds” and letting her alternative style aside for a while after her well succeeded album “FROOT” released four years ago. This two part album is very different from anything Marina has done in the past. In general, it has much simpler lyrics and way less distinctive production than her previous projects but still delivers important messages and great content. The first half of the album “LOVE” is very wide and diverse in terms of sounds and lyrical content, it goes from feeling connected with the outside world on gorgeous lead single “Handmade Heaven” to celebrating human diversity on “To Be Human”. The only thing that feels a bit misplaced here is Clean Bandit’s mainstream collaboration “Baby” featuring Luis Fonsi. Even though the song talks about Love it has latin music elements that don’t really suit the rest of the album at all. “LOVE” ends with the fantastic and cinematic ballad “End Of The Earth” which has the most unique production on this side. The second half of the album “FEAR”, is not as wide and diverse as the first one and it’s songs tend to sound quite similar at first but it is definitely more cohesive than the first set of songs. In this side Marina delivers some fresh bops that sound very compatible with today’s pop hits but with a touch of sadness and bitter feelings. The main topic in discussion here is the fear surrounding human relationships. Marina talks about traumatic experiences and the feeling of being unable to understand what’s happening on her life. On Fear’s block opener “Believe In Love” Marina talks about the leak of confidence on her capability to love again after having her heart broken many times. On The following song “Life Is Strange” she talks about how ephemeral life can be and how hard it is to feel constantly stuck and empty. Diving a bit deeper in this side to the bold, unique and great “Emotional Machine”, Marina delivers some alternative “FROOT” alike vibes for the first and last time on this album, while she exposes the complex feelings of a harmful relationship. The underrated bop and honorable mention “No More Sucker”, shows Marina’s decision to get rid of any sort of toxic relationship with people she call energy drainers. At the end of the album Marina claims that she finally feels like the Fear is gone and love has to be “Soft To Be Strong” which is the album’s last track.
    After all Marina ,as the incredibly great artist she is, did an excellent job at creating a fresh and interesting pop album but not so well on satisfying public expectations as she decided to abandon some of her signature features. The leak of a highly developed concept as previously done at electropop masterpiece “Electra Heart”, the low presence of complex and ultra descriptive verses as previously done on “FROOT” and the leak of risky, authentic musical choices as found on “The family Jewels” are some of the reasons for this primary rejection. Love + Fear makes evident Marina’s wish to be seen in a more natural, human way, with no character or persona and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, as she states on track number 6, “True” “You don’t need nobody else when you are true to yourself” and that’s about it.    … Expand
  2. frootonator
    Jul 12, 2019
    6
    Girl, this is your failure. Glad for your mental recovery but lyrics sound with... lack of soul, creativity and risk. But actually I have to admit that the sound and production is nice unlike concept. To Be Human, Emotional Machine, Believe In Love - the strongest parts, unfortunately, can't compete with the weakest parts of FROOT. A step back... A huge step back.
  3. Wael
    May 1, 2019
    5
    After "FROOT", which was her most organic, cohesive and well-written and structured work of her career, Marina decided to drop her "diamonds" in the name and play it very safe. "LOVE + FEAR", which is broke down into two parts, feels like pop songs with no real identity to them for the most part. They all follow the same formula when it comes to composition, lyrics, and themes, so they allAfter "FROOT", which was her most organic, cohesive and well-written and structured work of her career, Marina decided to drop her "diamonds" in the name and play it very safe. "LOVE + FEAR", which is broke down into two parts, feels like pop songs with no real identity to them for the most part. They all follow the same formula when it comes to composition, lyrics, and themes, so they all short, and they even sound repetitive. The first half, "LOVE", sounds and feels better than the second, with songs like the magical 'Handmade Heaven', or the political magnificent highlight 'To Be Human'. However, the songs on "FEAR" feel repetitive, and to a certain extent, boring.

    It's a shame that someone as talented as Marina decided to be so traditional with such a promising concept of a record. For now, "FROOT" remains the most interesting, most notable entry in her catalog, and it seems like it'll be hard for her to top it off if she sticks to the formula she overplayed for "LOVE + FEAR".    … Expand
  4. Kevinrpan
    Apr 30, 2019
    10
    A perfect album. with beautiful and happy songs. Marina is really happy in this new era.
    I love so much "Karma" and "To Be Human".
  5. ClippyB
    Apr 29, 2019
    10
    Sem dúvidas um dos melhores álbuns do ano, o pop cativante de Marina te faz ficar viciado no álbum, Há sim uma leve evolução quando comparado com o Froot
  6. longjetty7
    May 1, 2019
    9
    It's been a long wait since Froot, but it was well worth it! This really is a very strong album. I can't say there are any bad tracks, which is impressive considering there are 16 of them. It was a good decision to split this into two albums, in my opinion, since they can each stand on their own and don't drag on too much, which is what usually happens for albums this long.

    That being    It's been a long wait since Froot, but it was well worth it! This really is a very strong album. I can't say there are any bad tracks, which is impressive considering there are 16 of them. It was a good decision to split this into two albums, in my opinion, since they can each stand on their own and don't drag on too much, which is what usually happens for albums this long.

    That being said I do have a couple criticisms. In some ways the music and lyrics aren't as original as the material on Family Jewels or Froot. It does feel a bit formulaic at times and overall rather safe, though even if there's nothing groundbreaking here, it's hard to fault it since Marina is so good at what she does. There are some amazingly catchy melodies and choruses, and her singing is as beautiful as ever. In addition it's an incredibly consistent album, so I imagine I'll be listening to this many more times.

    Standout tracks: Superstar, Karma, Handmade Heaven, True    … Expand
  7. heike-makatsch
    Apr 30, 2019
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Through 'Love+Fear' Marina tries to tell us a catharsis storyline, lyrically it's a really well done album but it feels flat when it comes to sound and production.… Expand
  8. maugzz6
    Apr 29, 2019
    7
    A good body of work although is not Marina's best, but I find myself enjoying it. A cohesive and clear album, different from her complex previous works. Its refreshing seeing Marina trying to use a contemporary style. I would recomend it.
  9. oxmarxrey
    Apr 29, 2019
    10
    Marina is finally back after a 4 year hiatus! Love + Fear shows her evolution as an artist transitioning from a more laid back production to a full modern day production pop record. Songs like “Soft to be strong” “To be human” and “Too Afraid” show the raw emotions that MARINA has always delivered off her previous records. The record is fun playful and fresh.
  10. alejxxxdro
    Apr 29, 2019
    9
    Love + Fear is good a cohesive album, but it suffer from a lack of diversity, honestly I expected more from the lyrical content, every word sound corny and cliché. I'm a big marina fan, but after all i can say that is a good album, I only need to hear it more
  11. srtafozex
    Apr 29, 2019
    3
    The album sounds very fake to me. It's as if Marina sings about subjects she does not really know about. Definitely disappointed me
  12. davecastro1
    Apr 29, 2019
    10
    Incredible album, so cohesive with fresh songs and production. Love + Fear is probably one of the best albums of the year, MARINA u really did that!!!!
  13. Flawlessasurnot
    Apr 30, 2019
    7
    Her comeback was epic, to be honest. The lyrics are as deep as her first two albums but hasn't reached her top work: Froot. The production was kind of poor and repetitive in some fragments of the album. However Marina has finally found herself with this 16-track-length album regarding to the content and the strength of the messages. 75/100
  14. shedone
    Apr 29, 2019
    0
    It's just not what I was expecting from her and due to all the noise she was making about I thought It was going to be amazing but she came put with basic lyrics and beats, worse than Electra Heart. Definitely not worth it.
  15. memorylapse
    Apr 30, 2019
    0
    90% of the user reviews are fans trying to raise the user score of this album not accepting that this is, sorry, garbage.
    Although Marina already proved to be a great songwriter and vocalist, Love+Fear doesn't make her justice. All the tracks are filled with cringeworthy lyrics, common sense and a generic sound that literally any other artist can do. In Electra Heart she made pop music,    90% of the user reviews are fans trying to raise the user score of this album not accepting that this is, sorry, garbage.
    Although Marina already proved to be a great songwriter and vocalist, Love+Fear doesn't make her justice. All the tracks are filled with cringeworthy lyrics, common sense and a generic sound that literally any other artist can do. In Electra Heart she made pop music, but she putted her personality, emotion, stories and creativity on every track. To Be Human is the only song she wrote by herself in the whole album, it shows all her songwriting skills but fail miserably at the production, that turns it into another trap influenced soulless ballad. Note that Froot was entirely written by herself and produced by her and another collaborator only. On Love + Fear she didn't produce ANYTHING, and every track comes with hundreds of writers that probably sucked her creativity.
    Emotional Machine is the only good song in terms of production and melody, but the lyrics are so lazy that seems like something that a 7 year old child would write. Biggest disappointment of the year.    … Expand
  16. omarruiz
    Apr 29, 2019
    10
    MARINA formerly known as Marina and the Diamonds has come back from her 4 year hiatus. At first glance and at first listen this project may seem as her weakest but that is the on the contrary. After a few listens you can hear the progression and evolution Marina has gone through. The production of this record is very fresh, fun, and exceptional. The use of tropical influence and trap likeMARINA formerly known as Marina and the Diamonds has come back from her 4 year hiatus. At first glance and at first listen this project may seem as her weakest but that is the on the contrary. After a few listens you can hear the progression and evolution Marina has gone through. The production of this record is very fresh, fun, and exceptional. The use of tropical influence and trap like beats shows how the current wave of 2019 music sound has been adapted by Marina. The lyrics show how marina has evolved as a person as well, she is now in a very happy place with a new love something she has struggled with based on her previous records. Nonetheless Marina has come back to prove herself as a phenomenal pop superstar.… Expand
  17. viniciuspotlght
    Apr 29, 2019
    5
    She did what Katy Perry tried to do with Witness: let her pop persona go without falling, but, negatively, also without taking risks, wich I think she must have done with such a strong album title. It could be refined. Let's wait for Marina's next album without her diamonds.
  18. vthfcwgkm
    Apr 30, 2019
    10
    It touched me in several ways, that I can not even describe the deep when it came to my most sensitive feelings, leaving me so sad and happy at the same time, Believe in love and No more suckers are the most beautiful tracks
  19. WEEZY00
    Apr 29, 2019
    10
    Marina has come back with a powerful self evolutionary album that has new modern musical influences. She has grown so much as an artist especially through her 4 year hiatus. The production of this album reminds me of every season which means I can play this album any time I want and feel refreshed and happy. The dark Sounds of some songs also show how Marina is still sticking to herMarina has come back with a powerful self evolutionary album that has new modern musical influences. She has grown so much as an artist especially through her 4 year hiatus. The production of this album reminds me of every season which means I can play this album any time I want and feel refreshed and happy. The dark Sounds of some songs also show how Marina is still sticking to her initial roots as an artists. Such an amazing project.… Expand
  20. imsounworthy
    Apr 30, 2019
    10
    Marina, you're talented 100%. thank you for this wonderful album. you're always working on good stuff!!! I love to see you happy :)
  21. iamgxddy
    Apr 30, 2019
    10
    Marina did not come to play!! Her follow up to 2015's FROOT is a massive triumph in the acceptance of love and the dismissal of fear, sporting a new minimalist, contemporary pop style. While many fans are upset that she's no longer writing about having panic attacks in a supermarket, this Marina isn't at that point. By listening to both sides of the album, along with following along withMarina did not come to play!! Her follow up to 2015's FROOT is a massive triumph in the acceptance of love and the dismissal of fear, sporting a new minimalist, contemporary pop style. While many fans are upset that she's no longer writing about having panic attacks in a supermarket, this Marina isn't at that point. By listening to both sides of the album, along with following along with the promotional campaign of the album, it's very obvious that this is a more mature, evolved Marina then we've previously seen.

    On the Love side of the album, Marina easily swats away any semblance of Fear, starting off strong with the ballad lead single "Handmade Heaven". Immediately, we're thrust into a world of calm, beautiful sonic imagery with positive energy easily flowing from Marina's beautiful vocals. Following into the next track, "Superstar", Marina continues to keep that positive consistency. The whole side of Love is essentially that: it's drenched in good intention and meaning, stuffed to the brim with her love and happiness. The following tracks like "Orange Trees", the Clean Bandit & Luis Fonsi assisted "Baby", "Enjoy Your Life", and True" all contain fun, positive messages with a fun pop sound to match. "To Be Human" and "End Of The Earth" show a resounding burst of sonic and lyrical energy, and even with the foreboding lyrics of "To Be Human", it's still very obviously from a place of love for unity, not a place of fear for pain.

    The jump from Love's closer "End OF The Earth" to Fear's opener "Believe In Love" is extremely well blended. When listening to the album, you can definitely feel a linear shift. While songs do keep a little bit of positivity, it's not all "yay life is happy all is good haha" as Marina deals with serious questions of life and love. Even though Marina feels balanced, she can still feel fear. By highlighting that no one is ever truly happy, she's able to properly outline the human condition. Songs like "Blive In Love", "You", "Karma", and "Emotional Machine" all stand out as lyrical shifts while still keeping both a lyrical and sonic connection to the Love portion of the album. Album closer "Soft To Be Strong" is an emotional highlight of the album, as Marina has finally accepted after everything that sometimes love needs to be soft to be strong. The Fear side builds and corresponds beautifully with the Love side, containing slick, modern pop productions with true, approachable lyrics.

    This album, while received coldly by some fans, is a beautiful showcase of the human condition and how anyone can truly find happiness and a way to enjoy their life. The Marina on this album isn't the Marina you cry to while you cut up pictures of your ex-boyfriend, this is the Marina that you sing along to with friends as you drive down the sunny highway, excited for the future as you wave goodbye to the suckers in your rearview mirror.

    Standout Tracks: "Handmade Heaven". "Orange Trees", "Baby", "Emotional Machine", "Enjoy Your Life", "True", "Believe In Love", "You", "Karma", and "No More Suckers"    … Expand
  22. Mark1998
    Apr 29, 2019
    7
    Marina's last studio album present interesting ideas, such as dividing the musical project into two separate themes and present subjects such as human psychology and nature vs nurture. Still, the lyrical representation, melodies and production present a misstep when compared to her previous album, Froot.
    Standout Tracks: To Be Human, End of the Earth, Life Is Strange.
  23. alexandregodoi
    Apr 30, 2019
    10
    Marina flutua toda sua experiência de vida em um pop gostoso, bem costurado e com um conceito psicológico por trás. Letras intensas com uma sonoridade onde mostra todo o seu amadurecimento artístico. Love+Fear é incrível e sua volta não poderia ser melhor.
  24. Xar
    Apr 29, 2019
    0
    Después de tanto alboroto cln que era su mejor álbum el resultado es algo que parece hecho en dos meses, ritmos pegajosos sí pero calidad no.
  25. sirleonardo
    Apr 30, 2019
    10
    Existencialismo além de love and fear, nunca falhou através de seus conceitos.
  26. alexpafs09
    May 5, 2019
    0
    Marina demuestra una vez más que la mejoría en sus vocales y en las líricas es casi imperceptible pero aquí lo que se juzga es la falta de calidad y producción que se había visto en su único buen álbum "Froot", así que se podría deducir que el álbum es malo no por Marina, si no por la falta de creatividad y la pobreza del potencial que la cantante de "Baby" generó en las expectativas deMarina demuestra una vez más que la mejoría en sus vocales y en las líricas es casi imperceptible pero aquí lo que se juzga es la falta de calidad y producción que se había visto en su único buen álbum "Froot", así que se podría deducir que el álbum es malo no por Marina, si no por la falta de creatividad y la pobreza del potencial que la cantante de "Baby" generó en las expectativas de promoción.… Expand
  27. JOVAN00
    Apr 29, 2019
    10
    Marina is truly one of a kind. She is criminally underrated, she is a popstar that defies what a typical pop star is. Her new record just shows her versatility as an artist and the evolution she has gone through.
  28. bluebeardtattoo
    May 2, 2019
    2
    Попса... Такой большой альбом и ниочем... Честно говоря даже немного раздражает звучание, никакого удовольствия от прослушивания.
  29. Jish
    May 1, 2019
    10
    Una renovación total de la música de Marina, con letras frescas y sonidos pegajosos. Definitivamente de sus mejores albums.
    Love es grandioso y Fear muestra una parte con la que realmente puedes conectar.
    Simplemente Arte.
  30. SaulFranco12
    May 2, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. El álbum representa un cambio drástico en lo conceptual, dando entender con simples palabras que puede llegar a comprender el(la) oyente, para no complicar la temática con palabras difíciles de comprender, la parte de "LOVE" es suave, un poco realista pero cada pista tiene su propio toque musical en especial "End Of The Earth" en el intro al inicio cuando menciona "love" se completa con la oración, con las palabras "end of the love" dando a entender que es el fin de la parte de "LOVE" e inicia la etapa "FEAR", mientras que "FEAR" tiene cada pista un toque único tanto especial como lírico, cada canción tiene un profundidad en la letra , esta basando en el amor & miedo en especial en la forma emocional, sentimental & psicológico, un álbum que pocos llegaran a entender, pero es PERFECTO, se puede sentir cada canción una emoción que cada una se tiene relacionada.… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Most Discussed Album of 2019
57
#57 Most Shared Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. musicOMH.com
    May 17, 2019
    60
    As ever with Diamandis, there’s some decent pop music here, but it seems like we’re still waiting for her to produce that genuine killer album, Diamonds or no Diamonds.
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    May 14, 2019
    40
    There are suggestions of better directions not taken. [Jul 2019, p.113]
  3. AllMusic
    May 2, 2019
    80
    As the first offering of a new stage in her career, Love + Fear not only reveals its creator as newly hopeful, but it also gives hope that future efforts might be carved in a similar fashion. Marina's Electra heart still beats, it's just pumping smoother and with a confidence born from a renewed and mature perspective.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »