Power & Control

Last updated

"Power & Control"
Marina and the Diamonds - Power & Control.png
Single by Marina and the Diamonds
from the album Electra Heart
Released20 July 2012 (2012-07-20)
Genre
Length3:46
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Greg Kurstin
Marina and the Diamonds singles chronology
"Primadonna"
(2012)		"Power & Control"
(2012)		"How to Be a Heartbreaker"
(2012)
Music video
"Power & Control" on YouTube

"Power & Control" is a song by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, from her second studio album, Electra Heart (2012). It was released on 20 July 2012 by 679 Artists and Atlantic Records as the second single from the record. Diamandis collaborated with Swedish House Mafia member Steve Angello while writing the track, and enlisted Greg Kurstin to oversee its production. An electropop, power pop, and dance-pop track, "Power & Control" describes the struggle between romantic partners in achieving superiority in their relationship.

Contents

"Power & Control" was hailed by contemporary music critics as a stand-out track from Electra Heart. However, the song peaked at number 193 on the UK Singles Chart, and failed to impact additional record charts internationally. An accompanying music video for "Power & Control" was directed by Casper Balslev and released on 30 May 2012. Its simplistic concept received generally favourable reviews from critics.

Background and composition

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
"Power & Control"
A sample of the chorus of "Power & Control".
Problems playing this file? See media help.

In June 2012, it was announced that "Power & Control" would be released as the second single from Diamandis' second studio album Electra Heart (2012). [1] It followed the lead single "Primadonna", which was premiered on 13 March 2012. [2] "Power & Control" was written by Diamandis and former Swedish House Mafia member Steve Angello; it was produced by Greg Kurstin at Echo Studio in Los Angeles, California and was later mixed by Serban Ghenea at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Jessie Shatkin, John Hanes, and Kurstin handled the engineering of the track, while the latter was additionally responsible for the programming and played the keyboards, guitar, and bass. Tim Roberts and Phil Seaford are credited with assisting throughout the process. [3]

According to Diamandis, "Power & Control" details "the power struggle in relationships [where] there's always one person who wants the upper hand." It draws stylistic inspiration from "spacey synths and barely-there beats with a haunting chorus", which struck Robert Copsey from Digital Spy as a stark contrast from the musical elements showcased in "Primadonna". [4] Noted for its prominent experimentation with electropop, power pop, and dance-pop styles, [5] [6] [7] the track has received comparisons to the catalogs of Swedish group ABBA and American recording artist Lady Gaga. [8] [5] Diamandis' vocal delivery is treated with a "layered" effect throughout "Power & Control", and is complemented by its subtle "hammering beats", "dance floor pulsations", and piano instrumentation. [6]

Reception

Greg Kurstin (pictured) co-produced four tracks for Electra Heart, one of which was "Power & Control". Greg Kurstin studio 7053 Peter Hill (cropped).jpg
Greg Kurstin (pictured) co-produced four tracks for Electra Heart, one of which was "Power & Control".

"Power & Control" received generally favorable reviews from contemporary music critics. Surprised by the relatively lackluster reviews Electra Heart received upon its release, Rich Juzwiak from Gawker recognized "Power & Control" as a highlight from its parent record; he felt that the exaggerated pronunciation of the word "make" in the refrain provided the track with "at least half of its hookiness", and praised the line "you may be good looking but you're not a piece of art" as "the best take-down I've heard in a pop song all year." [8] Josh Webb from WhatCulture simply opined that the song was "amazing", and focused less on the "deep psychological messages being conveyed" and more on his appreciation for "good pop music." [9]

Writing for MuuMuse, Bradley Stern classified the song as "a personal favorite from the album", and spoke favorably of its "surging chorus" that felt "ready to split at the seams at any second." [6] Robert Copsey from Digital Spy gave the track three out of five stars; he jokingly noted that Diamandis comes across as the dominant person in a relationship, citing the "anguish" in her vocals as an indication that "this man doesn't stand a chance." [10] However, Ben Hewitt from NME was disappointed by "Power & Control"; he felt that its production was "anaemic" and "piss-weak", and criticized the lyrics "Women and men we are the same / But love will always be a game" for sounding like an excerpt from a self-help book. [5] In 2012, the track was nominated for the Popjustice £20 Music Prize, although it lost to "Jealousy" by Will Young. [11]

"Power & Control" debuted at number 193 on the UK Singles Chart; it underperformed by comparison with "Primadonna", which peaked at number 11 in the United Kingdom. [12]

Music video

Marina Diamandis in the music video for Power & Control Power&Control.jpg
Marina Diamandis in the music video for Power & Control

An accompanying music video for "Power & Control" was directed by Casper Balslev; [13] it was released on 30 May 2012 as the sixth installment of her eleven-part "The Archetypes" video series. [14] A blue tint is applied throughout the clip; [9] it takes place in an empty mansion, presumably the same location where the music video for "Primadonna" was filmed. [15] A blonde Diamandis is seen engaging in a series of mind games with her romantic interest. [15] Rich Juzwiak from Gawker appreciated a reference to the music video for "Freedom! '90" by George Michael, which he complimented as "a nice touch". [8] Bradley Stern from MuuMuse stated that the clip was "absolutely gorgeous" despite its simplistic concept; he enjoyed the appearance of a Newton's cradle in the beginning of the video, and felt that it represented the lyrics "you can't have peace without a war" by exemplifying that the concept that "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction". [16] Writing for WhatCulture, Josh Webb thought that it was interesting to see an "understated" Diamandis in the clip, and stated that the overall product was an "aesthetically very pleasing" visual. [9] Referencing the emptiness of the mansion, Eliot Glazer from Vulture jokingly offered to "suggest an interior decorator". [17]

Track listing

"Power & Control" – Remix EP [18]
No.TitleLength
1."Power & Control" (Michael Woods Remix)6:38
2."Power & Control" (Eliphino Remix)4:42
3."Power & Control" (Brackles – Drum and Squares Remix)4:26
4."Power & Control" (Krystal Klear Remix)3:54
5."Power & Control" (Brackles – Dub Mix)4:49
Total length:24:29

Credits and personnel

Song credits

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Electra Heart . [3]

Recording
Personnel
  • Marina Diamandis – songwriter
  • Steve Angello – songwriter
  • Greg Kurstin – keyboards, programming, guitar, bass, engineering, producer
  • Jessie Shatkin – engineering
  • Serban Ghenea – mixing
  • John Hanes – engineering
  • Tim Roberts – assisting
  • Phil Seaford – assisting

Video credits

Credits adapted from Balslev's website. [13]

  • Casper Balslev – director
  • Natricia Bernard – choreographer
  • Will Bex – DP
  • Mark Connell – art director
  • Celestine Cooney – stylist
  • Darren Evans – hair
  • Jason Ewart – Steadicam op
  • Jen Farrell – production manager
  • Love – production company
  • Lasse Marcussen – grade
  • Nathan Matthews – gaffe
  • Paul McKee – executive producer
  • Alan Parks – commissioner
  • Niamh Quinn – make-up
  • Sarah Rollason – focus puller
  • James Rose – editor
  • Rachel Rumbold – producer
  • Lucy Sanderson – set dresser
  • Regina Sinatra – set dresser
  • Stephanie Zari – Ist AD

Charts

Chart (2012)Peak
position
UK Singles (OCC) [12] 193

Release history

CountryDateFormatLabelRef.
United Kingdom20 July 2012 Digital download – remix EP
[18]

Related Research Articles

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

Marina Lambrini Diamandis, known mononymously as Marina, and previously by the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, is a Welsh musician.

<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">Hollywood (Marina and the Diamonds song)</span> 2010 single by Marina and the Diamonds

"Hollywood" is a song by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, from her debut studio album, The Family Jewels (2010). It was released digitally on 29 January 2010 and physically on 1 February 2010 as the third single from The Family Jewels.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Am Not a Robot</span> 2010 single by Marina and the Diamonds

"I Am Not a Robot" is a song by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, from her debut studio album, The Family Jewels (2010). It was released digitally on 23 April 2010 and physically on 26 April 2010 as the album's third single. The track originally appeared on Diamandis's second extended play, The Crown Jewels EP (2009). The single was added to BBC Radio 1's A List in April 2010. A choral version of "I Am Not a Robot" was used in an advertisement for British healthcare provider Bupa in March 2011. Additionally, the song was heavily sampled by American rapper Hoodie Allen for his debut single "You Are Not a Robot" (2010).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oh No! (Marina and the Diamonds song)</span> 2010 single by Marina and the Diamonds

"Oh No!" is a song by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, from her debut studio album, The Family Jewels (2010). It was released as the album's fourth single on 2 August 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radioactive (Marina and the Diamonds song)</span> 2011 promotional single by Marina and the Diamonds

"Radioactive" is a song by Welsh recording artist Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, from the deluxe version of her second studio album Electra Heart (2012). It was released on 23 September 2011 as the first promotional single from the record; it preceded the premiere of the official lead single "Primadonna" on 20 March 2012.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Primadonna (Marina and the Diamonds song)</span> 2012 single by Marina and the Diamonds

"Primadonna" is a song by Marina and the Diamonds, the stage name of Welsh singer-songwriter Marina Diamandis, from her second studio album, Electra Heart (2012). It was released on 20 March 2012 as the album's official lead single. It reached the top five in Austria, Ireland and New Zealand and the top twenty in the United Kingdom, Hungary and Switzerland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How to Be a Heartbreaker</span> 2012 single by Marina and the Diamonds

"How to Be a Heartbreaker" is a song by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, from her second studio album, Electra Heart (2012). It was released on 7 December 2012 by 679 Artists and Atlantic Records as the album's third and final single. Diamandis worked with Ammar Malik, Benny Blanco, Cirkut, Daniel Omelio, and Dr. Luke during the songwriting process, and enlisted Blanco, Cirkut, and Dr. Luke to oversee its production.

"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 a substantial song in Diamandis' discography, which is noted to define the Tumblr "sad girl" subculture and did influence singers like Billie Eilish or 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">The Lonely Hearts Club Tour</span> 2012–13 concert tour by Marina and the Diamonds

The Lonely Hearts Club Tour was the second concert tour by Welsh singer-songwriter Marina Diamandis, formerly known as Marina and the Diamonds.

"Memory of You" is a song by British all-female pop group Girls Aloud recorded during sessions for their fifth studio album Out of Control (2008). The song was written by Girls Aloud, Miranda Cooper, Brian Higgins and his production team Xenomania, and produced by Higgins and Xenomania. Described as "more dance oriented than pop," the track is influenced by trance and progressive house music, originating as a track entitled "Japan" by trance project Cadence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electra Heart (song)</span> 2014 song by Betatraxx

"Electra Heart" is a song recorded and produced by American disc jockey Betatraxx. It features guest vocals from Welsh singer-songwriter Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds, who co-wrote the track with him. Diamandis first used the song in a music video in August 2013, as part of a visual series created to promote her second studio album, Electra Heart (2012). The finalized version of "Electra Heart" was digitally distributed as a promotional single on May 5, 2014, through Pilot Records. A classical version and two remixes of the song, including one by Teddy Killerz, were released shortly after.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Froot (song)</span> 2014 single by Marina and the Diamonds

"Froot" is a song by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis, released under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds. It was released for streaming on 10 October 2014, to coincide with the singer's birthday, and later received a full digital release as the lead single of her third studio album of the same name. Diamandis premiered the single on YouTube.

<i>Froot</i> 2015 album by Marina and the Diamonds

Froot is the third studio album by Welsh singer Marina Diamandis and her last under the stage name Marina and the Diamonds. It was originally scheduled to be released on 3 April 2015 by Neon Gold Records and Atlantic Records, although it was ultimately released on 13 March 2015 due to unauthorised Internet leaks. Written entirely by Diamandis, she collaborated with David Kosten for production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neon Nature Tour</span> 2015–16 concert tour by Marina

The Neon Nature Tour is the third concert tour by Welsh recording artist Marina in support of her third studio album, Froot (2015). The tour was officially announced three months after the release of the album, on 23 June 2015. The tour began on 12 October 2015, in Houston, Texas at the Revention Music Center and concluded on March 20, 2016, in Santiago, Chile, with a total of fifty-two shows over six months.

<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.

References

  1. ↑ Bustos, Kristina (1 June 2012). "Marina and the Diamonds releases 'Power & Control' music video - watch". Digital Spy. Hearst Corporation . Retrieved 2 May 2014.
  2. ↑ "Marina And The Diamonds debut new single 'Primadonna' online – listen". NME . IPC Media. 13 March 2012. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
  3. 1 2 Electra Heart (Media notes). Marina and the Diamonds. 679 Artists. Atlantic Records. 2012.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  4. ↑ Copsey, Robert (26 June 2012). "Marina and the Diamonds: 'Power & Control' - Single review". Digital Spy. Hearst Corporation. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 "Marina And The Diamonds - 'Power & Control'". NME. IPC Media. 7 July 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  6. 1 2 3 Stern, Bradley (30 April 2012). "Marina And The Diamonds: Electra Heart (Album Review)". MuuMuse. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  7. ↑ Caroline (2009). "Marina and the Diamonds - Electra Heart". Entertainment.ie . Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  8. 1 2 3 Juzwiak, Rich (11 June 2012). "Today's Song: Marina & the Diamonds 'Power & Control'". Gawker. Gawker Media . Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  9. 1 2 3 Webb, Josh (15 June 2012). "Marina and the Diamonds – Power & Control: Music Video Review". WhatCulture. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  10. ↑ Copsey, Robert (26 June 2012). "Marina and the Diamonds: 'Power & Control' - Single review". Digital Spy. Hearst Corporation. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  11. ↑ "The 2013 Popjustice Twenty Quid Music Prize". Popjustice. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  12. 1 2 "Chart Log UK: New Entries Update". Zobbel. 4 August 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
  13. 1 2 "Music Video". CasperBalslev.com. Archived from the original on 18 January 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  14. ↑ "Part 6: ♡ "Power & Control" ♡". YouTube. Google. 30 May 2012. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  15. 1 2 Bain, Becky (31 May 2012). "Marina And The Diamonds' "Power & Control" Video: Watch". Idolator. Spin Media . Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  16. ↑ Stern, Bradley (31 May 2012). "Marina And The Diamonds Premieres Video for "Power & Control"". MuuMuse. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  17. ↑ Glazer, Eliot (4 June 2012). "Watch a New Music Video From Marina and the Diamonds, 'Power and Control'". Vulture. New York Media. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  18. 1 2 "iTunes - Music - Power & Control (Remix Bundle) - EP by Marina and The Diamonds". iTunes Store (GB). Apple Inc. 20 July 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2014.

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.