Before her upcoming album Princess of Power eats the world – and sets every gay club ablaze – MARINA teases her most daring era yet with three electrifying pre-release singles: Butterfly, Cupid’s Girl, and CUNTISSIMO. These three singles are a delight to her devoted Diamonds while offering an irresistible invitation to a whole new generation of fans. 

Butterfly, the first of the three, may divide fans, but it boldly introduces a fresh face to MARINA’s evolving discography. The addictive tempo shift in the pre-chorus is an instant hook, practically begging for a replay. Her falsetto in the chorus sounds more effortless and refined than ever, with a sharp synth providing a change to her usual works that is a dramatic choice, yet pays off well. The butterfly metaphor, symbolising transformation and self-liberation, perfectly signals the dawn of a new era for MARINA – a true P.O.P princess taking flight.

The pairing of soft, heartbroken lyrics with an upbeat instrumental works seamlessly here, something few artists can pull off. Bringing the whole song together, the bridge echoes FROOT-era vulnerability, a soft stripped-back instrumental, while she sings about killing her past doubt to achieve greatness. MARINA is no stranger to symbolism, and butterflies have so many that it would be impossible to list them all. One of the most compelling, however, comes from ancient Chinese culture, where butterflies are deeply linked to the soul – emblems of freedom and the very essence of humanity. Could she be telling us that, in this new era, she’s freer than ever?

Cupid’s Girl, the second single, instantly sets itself apart from Butterfly with its fast-paced beat that kicks in within the first eight bars. One thing that stuck a lot is the onomatopoeia in the pre-chorus, a firm earworm that will have you humming “dun-dun-dun” for days on end. Cupid’s Girl, in my opinion, is definitely the “Least Marina” but provides a similarity to Butterfly in the falsetto, a healthy, clear tone that is truly enchanting to listen to. The chorus’s falsetto reminds me of a soft siren, and paired with her ‘Lalala,’ it’s truly amazing. The pre-chorus builds beautifully, leading into an enthralling final chorus where her voice blends perfectly with her taunting, slow lyrics and racing rhythm, effortlessly drawing you in, much like the song’s playful theme of love’s inevitability, where resistance is almost futile.

Her vocals here are top-notch for a playful pop song, striking the perfect balance between precision and energy. Not many artists can replicate the sound of an arrow coming toward you and entering your back through their voice, but MARINA pulls it off effortlessly. The sudden sound effect at the end – an arrow hitting wood, signalling Cupid’s miss -adds a surprising and clever twist, making for a perfect conclusion to the track.

Whatever feelings of heartbreak were present in Butterfly, CUNTISSIMO buries them for good. CUNTISSIMO is the most reminiscent of Electra Heart, with pop culture references and nonsense lyrics, and a fast favourite of mine personally. The stark contrast with the first two singles is present and provides the best opening for us to see the perfect introduction to the new era MARINA is ushering in. The CUNTISSIMO vocals in the pre-chorus are a cute addition. Her lyrics about not wanting to settle anywhere and her not caring take us back to Butterfly and her new self taking reign. Her lyrics might signal your typical “bad b” that doesn’t care about anyone. Done again and again, but you would be wrong to insinuate it is boring.

She brings her signature depth with her dynamic vocals and instrumentals, elevating the track into a refreshing display of her unique artistry. The high production quality is evident on this track, paired with campy lyrics to dance your heart out to, creates the perfect music to feel and look your best in.

Yes, the lyrics may be a bit cringe and slightly outdated, but that only adds to the charm. Unlike the first two tracks, which are rich in metaphors and layers to unpack, this one is more fun and light-hearted, exactly what you should expect from a song called CUNTISSIMO. If you’re coming in looking for deep, philosophical lyrics, you might want to skip this one – but if you want a track to let loose to, it’s a must-listen.

Stream these three amazing pre-release singles and pre-order the new album PRINCESS OF POWER—out physically and digitally on June 6th