Primadonna (Marina and the Diamonds song)

Last updated

"Primadonna"
Marina and the Diamonds - Primadonna.png
Single by Marina and the Diamonds
from the album Electra Heart
Released20 March 2012 (2012-03-20)
RecordedOctober 2011
Genre
Length3:38
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Marina and the Diamonds singles chronology
"Shampain"
(2010)
"Primadonna"
(2012)
"Power & Control"
(2012)
Music video
"Primadonna" on YouTube

"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. [1] [2] The song reached the top five in Austria, Ireland and New Zealand alongside the top-ten in the Scotland and Slovakia.

Contents

Background and concept

Diamandis first came up with the title for the track in July 2011. [3] Recorded in October 2011, "Primadonna" was the last song to be recorded for the initial release of Electra Heart and, in her words, "picked itself as the first single off the album." [3]

Diamandis has said of the song:

It's about not needing anybody when it comes to love—your raison d'être [reason to be] is to live for adoration. Girls usually feel like this when they are not appreciated in a relationship. The inspiration for the song came from an ex-boyfriend. He thought it was funny that I was a mega drama queen always talking "global love" this, "global love" that! He called me a prima donna. I love it but I also kind of hate it. Like they say, "You only hate in others what you hate in yourself", so I thought I'd channel this well-known but kind of undesirable character type into a pop song. As the saying goes (that I just made up): You've either been one or dated one at least once in your life. [4]

Composition

"Primadonna" has a length of three minutes and thirty-eight seconds. [5] It is a dance-pop song that blends grinding disco and electropop beats with elements of Europop. [6] [7] [8] [9] Diamandis' vocals in the song have been described as operatic. [10] Revolving around an anti-chorus song structure, the chorus is sung in a high tone over sparkly instrumentation before the beat drops to grinding four on the floor verses, where she sings in the gravelly tones of her lower register. [11] [12]

Critical reception

Robert Copesy of Digital Spy rated the track four out of five stars, writing that in the line "Got you wrapped around my finger babe/You can count on me to misbehave", Diamandis "play[s] out one of many female archetypes that feature on her forthcoming LP—though we suspect it's one she identifies with best." [10] Sam Lansky of MTV Buzzworthy described it as "a monster song" and "a muscular uptempo joint", concluding, "Evoking Kate Bush on the high notes and then cascading down to the gravelly tones of her lower register, Marina's voice packs the track with verve and personality." [12] Katherine St Asaph of Popdust gave the song three-and-a-half stars "edging toward 4", referring to it as "a big ball of irony sprinkled with mockery and shoved beneath a blonde wig, roots be damned". [13] On the other hand, Luke Turner of the NME wrote that in the wake of Madonna's contributions, "plonkers like Marina have got empowerment wrong, coming up with this: Europop fart beats and cloying vocals. Marina would do well to learn that ego needs something to back it up, which you won't find in this giant guff of saccharine nothing." [6] Also, Elizabeth McGeown, writing for Irish webzine State, dismissed "Primadonna" as a "wannabe feminist [anthem] disguised in a Mean Girls -esque dialogue. Admittedly, it doesn't take itself seriously. Heavily pop culture laden, it contains a tongue-in-cheek superficiality." [14]

"Primadonna" was well received within the first hours of its release to radio by fans and new listeners alike, especially on the social networking site Twitter where it was a worldwide trending topic. [15]

Commercial performance

"Primadonna" debuted at number eleven on the UK Singles Chart with 25,337 copies sold in its first week, giving Diamandis her highest-charting single in the United Kingdom to date and only narrowly missing the top 10 by 525 sales. [16] [17] As of 1 February 2018, the song had sold 300,000 combined units in the UK. [18] As of 5 February 2019, the song has sold 334,000 combined units in the UK. [16] On 9 February 2024, sales and streams of "Primadonna" passed 600,000 units and was awarded a Platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry. [19] In its third week on the Irish Singles Chart, "Primadonna" rose to a new peak of number three, becoming Diamandis's highest-charting single in Ireland as well. The song peaked at number four in New Zealand, her first single to chart in that country.

"Primadonna" also saw success on pop radio formats in the United States, bubbling under the respective Billboard Pop Songs chart. [20] The song also saw a certain amount of club play, almost charting on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart. [20] In May 2017, "Primadonna" was certified Gold by the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 copies. [21] In 2021 it crossed the one million sales mark in the United States and was awarded Platinum. [21]

Music video

Marina Diamandis in the music video for Primadonna PrimadonnaVid.jpg
Marina Diamandis in the music video for Primadonna

The music video was directed by Casper Balslev and shot in Copenhagen. [22] It serves as the fourth part of the Electra Heart series, for which Balslev also directed the videos for part 1 ("Fear and Loathing") and part 2 ("Radioactive"). The video premiered on 12 March 2012, the same day as the song's release to UK radio. [23] Two days prior to the video's release, Diamandis released a fifteen-second preview of the video. [24]

Track listings

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "Primadonna'
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [52] Platinum70,000^
Austria (IFPI Austria) [53] Gold15,000*
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [54] Platinum30,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ) [55] Platinum15,000*
United Kingdom (BPI) [19] Platinum600,000
United States (RIAA) [21] Platinum1,000,000
Streaming
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [56] Platinum1,800,000

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Primadonna"
RegionDateFormat(s)Version(s)Label(s)Ref.
United States20 March 2012 Digital download Original Elektra [5]
Australia6 April 2012
  • Original
  • Benny Benassi remix
  • Riva Starr remix
  • Burns remix
  • Evian Christ remix
Warner [57]
United States14 April 2012
  • Walden remix
  • Benny Benassi remix
  • Kat Krazy remix
  • Burns remix
  • Evian Christ remix
  • Riva Starr remix
  • Until the Ribbon Breaks remix
Elektra [27]
United Kingdom15 April 2012
  • Original
  • Benny Benassi remix
  • Riva Starr remix
  • Burns remix
  • Evian Christ remix
[26]
16 April 2012 CD
  • Original
  • Kat Krazy remix
  • Walden remix
  • Burns remix
[25]
Italy4 May 2012Radio airplay OriginalWarner [58]
Germany18 May 2012
  • CD
  • digital download
  • Original
  • Benny Benassi remix
[28] [29]
United States5 June 2012 Contemporary hit radio Original Roadrunner [59]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Starstrukk</span> 2009 single by 3OH!3

"Starstrukk" is a song recorded by American group 3OH!3. It is their third single and their second single to be released from their second studio album, Want (2008). A radio-only and the deluxe album version has been released featuring singer Katy Perry. The version featuring Perry had considerable success worldwide, peaking within the top ten of the charts in Australia, Belgium (Wallonia), Finland, Poland, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. It is the follow-up to their debut single "Don't Trust Me". The song was later included on the deluxe edition of Perry’s third studio album Teenage Dream.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marina Diamandis</span> Greek-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 singer, songwriter, poet and record producer.

<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-songwriter 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-songwriter 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">A Thousand Years (Christina Perri song)</span> 2011 single by Christina Perri

"A Thousand Years" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Christina Perri, and written by Perri and its producer David Hodges, for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1. The song was released as a digital download on October 18, 2011, worldwide, and serves as the second single by Atlantic Records for the movie. Perri re-recorded the song with vocals from Steve Kazee for the sequel The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012). It was also produced by Hodges.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Power & Control</span> 2012 single by Marina and the Diamonds

"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.

<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 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">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-songwriter 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">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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baby (Clean Bandit song)</span> 2018 song by Clean Bandit featuring Marina and Luis Fonsi

"Baby" is a song by British electronic music group Clean Bandit featuring Welsh singer Marina and Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi, released as the fifth single from Clean Bandit's second album, What Is Love?, on 2 November 2018.

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

Love + Fear is the fourth studio album by Welsh singer-songwriter 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. "Marina and the Diamonds debut new single 'Primadonna' online – listen". NME . 13 March 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  2. Thanh (19 June 2012). "Video Remake of Marina and the Diamond's "Primadonna" Featured on Perez Hilton". Elektra Records. Archived from the original on 11 January 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  3. 1 2 wotyougot. "Cup of Coffee: MARINA & THE DIAMONDS" . Retrieved 29 January 2013 via YouTube.
  4. Stern, Claire (19 April 2012). "Marina of Marina and the Diamonds Says New Album Personifies Heartbreak". Elle Girl . Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  5. 1 2 "Primadonna – Single by Marina & the Diamonds". iTunes Store . United States. Archived from the original on 14 April 2012. Retrieved 30 March 2012.
  6. 1 2 Turner, Luke (13 April 2012). "Marina and the Diamonds – 'Primadonna'". NME. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
  7. Tan, Young (14 March 2012). "Marina and the Diamonds release teaser video for Primadonna". So So Gay. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 9 June 2014.
  8. Carr, Eamon (21 April 2012). "Diamond girl gives more glittering pop". Evening Herald . Retrieved 9 June 2014.
  9. Young, Martyn (30 April 2012). "Interview: Marina and the Diamonds". musicOMH . Retrieved 9 June 2014.
  10. 1 2 "Marina and the Diamonds: 'Primadonna' – Single review". Digital Spy . 4 April 2012. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  11. Stern, Bradley (17 April 2012). "MuuMuse Approved: Marina and the Diamonds – "Primadonna"". MuuMuse. Retrieved 9 June 2014.
  12. 1 2 Lansky, Sam. "New Video: Marina & The Diamonds, 'Primadonna'". MTV Buzzworthy . Archived from the original on 30 June 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  13. St Asaph, Katherine (12 March 2012). "Marina and the Diamonds' "Primadonna" Isn't Really A Pop Song – It Just Sounds Like One". Popdust. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  14. McGeown, Elizabeth (3 May 2012). "Marina & The Diamonds – Electra Heart". State . Archived from the original on 23 February 2017. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  15. Renshaw, David (12 March 2012). "Marina and The Diamonds Premiere New 'Primadonna' Video". Entertainment Wise. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  16. 1 2 "Marina announces new single: Her biggest songs revealed". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  17. "Official Charts Analysis: Adele needs just 17k album sales for 23rd week at No.1". Music Week . 23 April 2012. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  18. "Marina & the Diamonds updates fans on new album: "I'm almost ready"". Official Charts .
  19. 1 2 "British single certifications – Marina – Primadonna". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  20. 1 2 "Bubbling Under: Marina & the Diamonds Shine". Billboard . 8 June 2012. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  21. 1 2 3 "American single certifications – Marina & the Diamonds – Primadonna". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  22. Knight, David (14 March 2012). "Marina and the Diamonds 'Prima Donna' by Casper Balslev". Promo News. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  23. Corner, Lewis (12 March 2012). "Marina and the Diamonds premieres 'Primadonna' music video". Digital Spy. Retrieved 13 April 2012.
  24. "Watch the trailer for Marina & The Diamonds' new single 'Primadonna' – video". NME. 10 March 2012. Retrieved 13 April 2012.
  25. 1 2 "Marina & The Diamonds: Primadonna: Hmv Exclusive". HMV. Archived from the original on 12 April 2015. Retrieved 12 April 2012.
  26. 1 2 "Primadonna: Marina and The Diamonds: MP3 Downloads". Amazon . United Kingdom. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  27. 1 2 "Primadonna: Marina and The Diamonds: MP3 Downloads". Amazon. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  28. 1 2 "Primadonna (2track)". Amazon (in German). Germany. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  29. 1 2 "Primadonna: Marina and The Diamonds: MP3-Downloads". Amazon (in German). Germany. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  30. "Marina and the Diamonds – Primadonna". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  31. "Marina and the Diamonds – Primadonna" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  32. Marina — Primadonna. TopHit. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  33. "Marina and the Diamonds – Primadonna". Tracklisten.
  34. "Marina and the Diamonds Chart History (Euro Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  35. "Marina and the Diamonds – Primadonna" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
  36. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
  37. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Primadonna". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  38. "Marina and the Diamonds – Primadonna" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  39. "Marina and the Diamonds – Primadonna". Top 40 Singles.
  40. "Airplay 100 – Cristi Nitzu | Kiss FM – 1 October 2012". Kiss FM. Archived from the original on 27 January 2018. Retrieved 27 January 2018.Note: User may scroll down the 'Podcasturi' menu to play or download the respective podcast.
  41. "Russia Airplay Chart for 2012-05-07." TopHit. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
  42. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  43. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201221 into search.
  44. "Marina and the Diamonds – Primadonna". Swiss Singles Chart.
  45. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  46. "Jahreshitparade Singles 2012". austriancharts.at (in German). Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  47. "Rádiós Top 100 – hallgatottsági adatok alapján – 2012" (in Hungarian). Mahasz . Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  48. "Best of 2012 – Top 20 Singles". Irish Recorded Music Association . Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  49. "Top Selling Singles of 2012". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 17 March 2013.
  50. "Top Radio Hits Russia Annual Chart 2012" (in Russian). TopHit. Archived from the original on 16 March 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  51. "Official Singles Chart 2012" (PDF). UKChartsPlus . p. 4. Retrieved 22 April 2015.
  52. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2012 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  53. "Austrian single certifications – Marina and the Diamonds – Primadonna" (in German). IFPI Austria. 8 July 2014. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
  54. "Danish single certifications – Marina and the Diamonds – Primadonna". IFPI Danmark.
  55. "New Zealand single certifications – Marina and the Diamonds – Primadonna". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  56. "Danish single certifications – Marina and the Diamonds – Primadonna". IFPI Danmark.
  57. "Primadonna (Remixes) – EP by Marina & the Diamonds". iTunes Store. Australia. 6 April 2012. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  58. "EarOne | Radio Date, le novità musicali della settimana" (Press release) (in Italian). EarOne. 4 May 2012. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  59. "FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB . 5 June 2012. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012.