Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land (song)

Last updated

"Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land"
Marina - Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land (song).png
Single by Marina
from the album Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land
Released19 May 2021 (2021-05-19)
Genre
Length3:26
Label Atlantic
Songwriter(s) Marina Diamandis
Producer(s)
Marina singles chronology
"Purge the Poison"
(2021)		"Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land"
(2021)		"Venus Fly Trap"
(2021)
Music video
"Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land" on YouTube

"Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land" is a song written and recorded by Welsh singer-songwriter Marina for her fifth studio album of the same name (2021). It was released as the album's third single on 19 May 2021, through Atlantic Records, premiering alongside the announcement of a livestreaming concert titled Ancient Dreams: Live from the Desert. The song is a pop rock, disco, and electropop track with a glam rock type beat, and was produced by Marina and James Flannigan. Critics called it reminiscent of Britney Spears' 2008 single "Womanizer". An accompanying VHS-inspired music video debuted the day of the song's release.

Contents

Background and release

In January 2020, Marina announced that she had begun work on her fifth studio album, the follow-up to Love + Fear (2019). [1] The first single for the project, "Man's World", was released in November following a lengthy delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [2] She followed with second single "Purge the Poison" in April 2021, and revealed the title of the album, Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land , and its track listing. [3] Additionally, she announced that she would release two more singles, in support of the album, within a month. [4] "Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land" serves as the album's third single. [5] James Flannigan produced the song with Marina, who is credited as the sole songwriter. [6]

Marina first teased a snippet of the title track on 11 May 2021 via her Twitter account. [7] It was officially released on 19 May 2021 for digital download and streaming, through Atlantic Records. [8] On that same day in the US, the song was bundled with previous singles "Man's World" and "Purge the Poison"" as part of a digital extended play on Spotify. [9] The song's premiere coincided with the announcement of a livestreaming concert, Ancient Dreams: Live from the Desert, scheduled to be broadcast on 12–13 June 2021. [10] [11]

Composition and lyrics

"Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land" is a pop rock, disco, and electropop song with a glam rock style beat. [5] [12] [13] [14] [15] It is backed by drums and a "cinematic guitar riff". [5] Danielle Chelosky from Stereogum opined that the song has the same energy of Britney Spears' "Womanizer" (2008) and previous single, "Purge the Poison". She also referred to it as Marina's possible return to the "idiosyncratic, internet-influenced anthems that populated Tumblr for years". [16] Similarly, Vicky Greer from Gigwise described the song's sound as Marina's return "to the intoxicating dance-pop of the late '00s, with a much more modern message." [17] The Arts Desk 's Thomas H. Green described it as "an electro-glam-pop stomper" that is, musically, reminiscent of both "Womanizer" and Goldfrapp's 2003 single "Strict Machine". [18]

According to Tristan Kinnett from Mxdwn, the song's lyrics find Marina envisioning "the possibility of leaving her Earthly form behind her". [5] She sings the refrain ("I am not my body, not my mind or my brain / Not my thoughts or feelings, I am not my DNA") in a high-pitched vibrato. [5]

Critical reception

Chelosky provided a positive review of "Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land", predicting that it will mark Marina's return "to possessing an interesting image that imbues the music with personality". [16] Abigail Firth, of Dork , called the song "one of her most unabashedly fun and vibrant" releases, and felt it recalled the sound of her debut album, The Family Jewels (2010). [19] A contributor to Contactmusic.com called the song equally as strong as both "Man's World" and "Purge the Poison". [13]

Music video

The music video to "Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land", referred to as the song's "visual", was released on 19 May 2021. [20] Damian Jones from NME called the video "VHS-inspired", while the Contactmusic.com contributor described it as "retro, semi-psychedelic, Barbarella meets Bond". [12] [13]

Track listings

Digital download/streaming [8]
No.TitleLength
1."Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land"3:26
Streaming –Spotify EP edition [9]
No.TitleLength
1."Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land"3:26
2."Purge the Poison"3:16
3."Man's World"3:28

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land"
RegionDateFormat(s)LabelRef.
Various19 May 2021
 Atlantic [8]
United StatesStreaming (Spotify EP edition) [9]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Debbie Gibson</span> American singer and actress (born 1970)

Deborah Ann Gibson is an American singer, songwriter, and actress.

Glam metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that features pop-influenced hooks and guitar riffs, upbeat rock anthems, and slow power ballads. It borrows heavily from the fashion and image of 1970s glam rock.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loreena McKennitt</span> Canadian musician

Loreena Isabel Irene McKennitt is a Canadian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer who writes, records, and performs world music with Celtic and Middle Eastern influences. McKennitt is known for her refined and clear soprano vocals. She has sold more than 14 million records worldwide.

<i>Open Up and Say... Ahh!</i> 1988 studio album by Poison

Open Up and Say... Ahh! is the second studio album by American glam metal band Poison, released on April 27, 1988, through Enigma Records. It proved to be the band's most successful release, and spawned four hit singles: "Nothin' But a Good Time", "Fallen Angel", "Your Mama Don't Dance" and their only number one single to date, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn". The album peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200.

"Cry Tough" is the debut single by the American glam metal band Poison. It was featured on the group's first album Look What the Cat Dragged In.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Your Mama Don't Dance</span> 1972 single by Loggins and Messina

"Your Mama Don't Dance" is a hit 1972 song by the rock duo Loggins and Messina. Released on their self-titled album Loggins and Messina, it reached number four on the Billboard pop chart and number 19 on the Billboard Easy Listening Chart as a single in early 1973.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Womanizer (song)</span> 2008 single by Britney Spears

"Womanizer" is a song by American singer Britney Spears from her sixth studio album, Circus (2008). It was released on September 26, 2008, by Jive Records as the lead single of the album. Produced and written by The Outsyders, the song was re-recorded after a snippet was leaked onto the internet. "Womanizer" is an up-tempo electropop and dance-pop song. Described by Spears as a girl anthem, the song's lyrics recall a womanizing man, while the protagonist of the song makes clear she knows who he really is.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marina Diamandis</span> Welsh/Greek singer-songwriter (born 1985)

Marina Lambrini Diamandis, known mononymously as Marina and previously by the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, is a Greek-Welsh singer and songwriter.

<i>The Family Jewels</i> (Marina and the Diamonds album) 2010 studio album by Marina and the Diamonds

The Family Jewels is the debut studio album by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds. It was released on 15 February 2010 by 679 Recordings and Atlantic Records. Diamandis collaborated with several producers including Pascal Gabriel, Liam Howe, Greg Kurstin, Richard "Biff" Stannard, and Starsmith during its recording. She identifies the lyrical themes as "the seduction of commercialism, modern social values, family, and female sexuality."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marina Diamandis discography</span>

Welsh singer and songwriter Marina Diamandis, known professionally as Marina and formerly Marina and the Diamonds, has released five studio albums, seven extended plays, 26 singles, five promotional singles and 34 music videos.

Pop metal is an umbrella term for commercial heavy metal and hard rock styles which feature prominent pop music elements such as catchy hooks and anthemic choruses. It became popular in the 1980s among acts such as Bon Jovi, Europe, Def Leppard, Poison, Mötley Crüe, and Ratt.

<i>Electra Heart</i> 2012 studio album by Marina and the Diamonds

Electra Heart is the second studio album by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds. It was released on 27 April 2012 by 679 Artists and Atlantic Records. Diamandis collaborated with producers including Liam Howe, Greg Kurstin, Dr. Luke, Diplo and Stargate during its recording, and subsequently transitioned from the new wave musical styles seen throughout her debut studio album, The Family Jewels (2010). Their efforts resulted in a concept album consisting of electropop and dance-pop music, a distinct departure from her earlier projects. Lyrically, the album discusses topics of love and identity. Diamandis created the title character "Electra Heart" to represent female archetypes in popular American culture.

"Teen Idle" is a song by Welsh singer-songwriter Marina Diamandis, professionally known as Marina and formerly as Marina and the Diamonds. The ninth track on her second studio album, Electra Heart (2012), it was released on 27 April 2012 along with the whole record. While the production was handled by Liam Howe, the song was written solely by Diamandis. Too obscure to be released as a single, almost not even making to the final tracklist of the album, the track received a warm reception from her fanbase and grew to become a substantial song in Diamandis' discography, which is noted to define the Tumblr "sad girl" subculture and did influence later singers like Billie Eilish and Melanie Martinez. The song incorporates eerie downtempo music as the lyrics articulate problems with youth lifestyles and include metaphors for the issues such as the loss of virginity, eating disorders, and suicide. The ingenious title exudes the contrast between the absurdity of an idolized teenage dream media portrayal and adolescent depression. "Teen Idle" was the second non-single track from Marina's discography to be certified Gold in the United States, following a TikTok-revived sleeper hit, "Bubblegum Bitch".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bubblegum Bitch</span> 2012 song by Marina and the Diamonds

"Bubblegum Bitch" is a song by Welsh singer-songwriter Marina Diamandis, professionally known as Marina and formerly as Marina and the Diamonds. An opening track on her second studio album, Electra Heart (2012), it was released on 27 April 2012 along with the record. While the production was handled by Rick Nowels and Dean Reird, the song was written by Diamandis and Nowels. Despite not having been released as a single, the song entered international charts after experiencing a resurgence on social media platform TikTok in early 2021, thanks to which it subsequently was certified gold in the United States in March and silver in the United Kingdom in September the same year.

<i>Love + Fear</i> 2019 studio album by Marina

Love + Fear is the fourth studio album by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis and her first under the mononym Marina. It was released in full on 26 April 2019 by Atlantic Records, though the album's first half was released on 4 April 2019 as a surprise. Diamandis took a hiatus after she concluded touring in support of her third studio album Froot (2015) with plans of retiring from music. However, she began working on a new record with several producers like Sam de Jong, Oscar Görres, Joel Little, Jack Patterson, Mark Ralph, James Flannigan, and Oscar Holter during its recording.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Man's World (song)</span> 2020 single by Marina

"Man's World" is a song recorded, written, and produced by Welsh singer-songwriter Marina for her fifth studio album, Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land (2021). The song was also produced by American musician Jennifer Decilveo, who Marina enlisted as part of her effort to work with an all-female production team. It was released as the album's lead single on 18 November 2020 by Atlantic Records. A stripped-down version of the song was made available the next month. Atlantic commissioned two remixes of the song, which were produced by Muna and Empress Of featuring Pabllo Vittar, and released in 2021. "Man's World" is a midtempo alternative pop track with a piano-driven beat and a dreamy sound. Its lyrics criticize history's oppressive treatment of women and minority groups, and Marina states that she no longer wishes to live in a world exclusively led by men.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Purge the Poison</span> 2021 single by Marina

"Purge the Poison" is a song written and recorded by Welsh singer-songwriter Marina for her fifth studio album, Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land (2021). It was released as the project's second single on 14 April 2021, through Atlantic Records, alongside the album's announcement. The song was produced by Jennifer Decilveo and previously teased by Marina in 2020. It was promoted through the creation of a news alert website called AllMyFriendsAreWitches.com. The song is a guitar-heavy pop, electropop, and power pop anthem, sung from the point-of-view of Mother Nature. Its lyrics preach about a better society, that is free of capitalism, climate change, and patriarchy.

<i>Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land</i> 2021 studio album by Marina

Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land is the fifth studio album by Welsh singer-songwriter Marina and her last under a major label. The album was released on 11 June 2021 through Atlantic Records. She began writing music for the record in August 2019, five months after the release of her fourth studio album, Love + Fear (2019). The album was produced by Diamandis, Jennifer Decilveo and James Flannigan; the latter collaborated on her previous album. Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land is a pop, electropop, and dance-pop record that explores themes such as feminism, global warming, misogyny, heartbreak, and racism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Venus Fly Trap (song)</span> 2021 single by Marina

"Venus Fly Trap" is a song written and recorded by Welsh singer-songwriter Marina for her fifth studio album, Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land (2021). It was released as the project's fourth single on 9 June 2021, through Atlantic Records, and was produced by Marina and James Flannigan. A Kito remix featuring Tove Lo was released on 16 July.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land Tour</span> 2022 concert tour by Marina

The Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land Tour was a concert tour by Welsh singer-songwriter Marina. The tour supported her fifth studio album Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land (2021), and visited North America and Europe. The tour began on 2 February 2022 at SF Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco, California, and concluded on 18 November 2022 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. The tour was promoted by Live Nation Entertainment.

References

  1. ↑ Clarke, Patrick (27 August 2020). "Marina says she's 'close to finishing' writing for her next album". NME . Archived from the original on 19 November 2020. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  2. ↑ Bell, Keaton (18 November 2020). "Marina Diamandis Doesn't 'Wanna Live in a Man's World Anymore'". Vogue . Archived from the original on 19 November 2020. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  3. ↑ Ginsberg, Gab (14 April 2021). "Marina Announces New Album 'Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land,' Drops 'Purge the Poison': Listen". Billboard . Archived from the original on 15 April 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  4. ↑ Kenneally, Cerys (12 May 2021). "Marina teases new track and confirms two singles will be released 'in the next month'". The Line of Best Fit . Archived from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Kinnett, Tristan (19 May 2021). "Marina Releases New Song 'Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land' and June 2021 Ancient Dreams Live From The Desert Live Stream". Mxdwn. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  6. ↑ @marinadiamandis (19 May 2021). "💫🌙⁣⁣⁣⁣ 'Ancient Dreams In a Modern Land' 💫🌙⁣⁣⁣⁣ Out now!" – via Instagram.
  7. ↑ @MarinaDiamandis (11 May 2021). "Ancient dreams in a modern land" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  8. 1 2 3 "Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land" (Spotify digital EP). Marina. Atlantic Records. 2021. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  9. ↑ Malt, Andy (20 May 2021). "One Liners: Burna Boy, St. Vincent, Marina, more". Complete Music Update. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  10. ↑ Graves, Shahlin (20 May 2021). "Marina releases new song 'Ancient Dreams In a Modern Land'". Coup de Main. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  11. 1 2 Jones, Damian (19 May 2021). "Marina shares new song and announces livestream album launch party in the desert". NME. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  12. 1 2 3 "Marina – Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land (Official Visual) Video". Contactmusic.com. 21 May 2021. Archived from the original on 29 May 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  13. ↑ Golsen, Tyler (May 2021). "Marina shares new song 'Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land'". Far Out Magazine. Archived from the original on 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  14. ↑ Morris, Damien (13 June 2021). "Marina: Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land review – ambitious manifesto pop". The Observer . Archived from the original on 13 June 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  15. 1 2 Chelosky, Danielle (19 May 2021). "Marina – 'Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land'". Stereogum . Archived from the original on 19 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  16. ↑ Greer, Vicky (8 June 2021). "Album Review: Marina – Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land". Gigwise . Archived from the original on 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  17. ↑ Green, Thomas H. (7 June 2021). "Album: Marina – Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land". The Arts Desk . Archived from the original on 8 June 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
  18. ↑ Firth, Abigail (9 June 2021). "Marina – Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land". Dork . Retrieved 9 June 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.