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This article is about the album. To see alternate articles, check out the song with the same name.

FROOT is the third studio album by Marina Diamandis, released under her previous stage name 'Marina and the Diamonds' on March 13, 2015.

The album was originally set to be released on April 3, 2015, but had to be pushed forward as CDs had shipped early, ultimately leaking the entire album online in February 2015.

Background[]

For a timeline on the creation and release of FROOT click here.

Inspiration[]

In an interview with Line of Best Fit, Marina said:[1]

I think the cynicism's gone a bit. I guess it's probably because I'm happy. It sounds very uninteresting, but I think when you aren't happy with yourself you tend to be much more cynical about life. [...] It's almost celebrating being happy. Maybe it's the same sort of thing I'm talking about in that I want to live an amazing life and I want to live the best life that I can. It's all to easy to complain and be cynical about things, but I feel like this emotional shift I've had means I don't feel like that anymore. I really want to enjoy life, whatever that life entails.

I'm just thinking about relationships as they're the biggest source of creativity. This time, because I'd had a very different experience in a relationship, I'd written about different things. I see albums as chapters of your life. That's it. It doesn't matter if it's commercial or not commercial, a product or not a product... for me it's a way of chronicling my life. For the fan, to see how someone progresses... I mean I love seeing that in artists I'm a fan of. It's because you become attached to them, and you hope that good things are happening for them and certain things are mended in them. To see that progression is really satisfying. That's what I'm here for, that's what I'm interested in doing.

In an interview with Nylon, Marina further expanded on how her previous relationship inspired parts of FROOT:[2]

With Electra Heart, I was definitely the heartbroken. With Froot, I was the... ender. It's a relief putting it into songs, but with Electra I loved it, because I was like, 'I hope he fucking hears these songs!' Whereas with this one I was like, 'I hope he fucking doesn't.'

Name[]

Marina said the title track was one of the last songs to be written for the album, and one of the most difficult,[3] she wanted the album to be named after one of the songs and felt Froot fit the most in terms of how she was feeling and what she wanted it to symbolise.[4] Describing the track as "a very positive song" about happiness, readiness to love, and "living the best life that you can." This was an idea she felt had never been talked about in her music before.[5]

The title is a deliberate misspelling of "fruit":[6]

I didn't want the name of the album to hold any previous connotation. I wanted to have its own identity, like a non-entity.

Composition[]

In an interview with Line of Best Fit, Marina said:[1]

In the past because I was new and I was someone who really needed praise, I very much listened to other people, perhaps when I shouldn't have. So because of that, on FROOT, I wanted to create the whole thing. I think one of the biggest challenges was saying what I wanted to do for once. Whoever you are as an artist, you have to know who you are so that you can do what you want to do... so that no one's going to tell you what your identity is. [...] I used to listen to my team a lot, and I think that came from a lack of experience and maybe not being very self-assured, whereas now... I tried a lot of different things.

In the same interview, she said she felt FROOT was a "much more reflective" album, adding "it's also centred around extremely different things; half of the album is about a relationship that I had to end."[1]

Writing[]

Marina started writing for her third album two months after the release of Electra Heart.[7] After releasing a high collaborative album, she wanted to write in a different way. Instead of being at her piano and trying to do the chords, melody and lyrics she would make the music by itself and then do the melody and lyrics on top of that.[8] She said the best experience about the album was writing the album entirely by herself and not answering to anyone,[9] and believed it improved her confidence as a songwriter as she listened to her instincts and believed in her own abilities.[1] Diamandis stated she wrote 15 tracks for FROOT, but only recorded 14, this unrecorded song would be When You Take Away Control.[10]

One of the first songs to be written was Better Than That,[1] along with Gold, which was written in September 2012 whilst on tour.[11] Savages was written after the Boston Bombings in April 2013.[12] Froot, despite being the title track, was one of the last to be written.[13] Forget would also be a last minute song, as it was written in February 2014, following the BRIT awards.[14]

Production[]

In an interview with VICE, Marina revealed that she worked on the album for "months" with a producer she had worked with before, but came to the realisation she wanted to make a "live sounding" record.[15] In an interview with Line Of Best Fit, Diamandis called her sound "a fusion of alternative and rock music", and explained her frustration at the disconnect between recorded and live versions of her songs:[16]

It always really frustrated me that I wasn't able to achieve the consistency, so when I started writing this album and I was looking for a producer, I remember saying to my A&R that I need to be produced as a band, because that's how I feel on stage. I feel like I'm the frontwoman of a band and in two albums, that's not been communicated.

Initially, like The Family Jewels, Marina made her own home demos,[17] and was recommended "three or four" producers that she researched and met, ultimately deciding to work with David Kosten, as she felt he understood what she wanted to do with the album.[18] Kosten recalled this meeting in an interview with Nylon:[19]

Twitter (21 Nov 2017) 1-003

Marina and David Kosten in the studio

"I told her I wanted to make a record that says, 'Back off, motherfuckers,'" says Kosten, via phone. "Something that is hopefully untouchable in a creative way. She liked the idea, and that line—'Back off, motherfuckers'—is immortalized in song now ['Can't Pin Me Down']." [..] "We made an album paying homage to Pat Benatar or Like a Prayer-era Madonna."

To fix the problem of the sonic gap between the recorded and live versions, specifically disliking the sound of electronic drums, the decision was made to record with a live band. She told her A&R that she needed to be produced as a band. Through David Kosten she met Everything Everything, and members Alex Robertshaw and Jeremy Pritchard went on to play the guitars for the album.[1]

The album was recorded in London over three months,[20] and midway through, a conflict rose between Marina and her label. They refused to pay for the mixing of the album for four months, leading Marina to make the decision to pay for it herself.[21]

Release and Promotion[]

For information on the Critical Reception, Commercial Performance, and Charting of FROOT click here.

The album's title track, Froot, premiered on Marina's 29th birthday, on October 10, 2014,[22] and was released digitally on November 11.[23] On November 9, the tracklist was revealed[24] and the album cover was unveiled the following day.[25]

Froot of the Month[]

On November 11, 2014, with the official announcement of her third studio album, Marina launched her "Froot of the Month" club:[26]

My new album is called "FROOT". I've come up with a plan which I hope you'll love, it's called "Froot of the Month"...

When you pre-order "FROOT" I'll send you a new track every month up until album release. So, 6 new "Froots" over 6 months. 🍒🍋🍊🍇🍏🍓 Our first "Froot of the Month" =🍇!

You'll get the song "Froot" right away when you pre-order the album on iTunes, Amazon or on my Official store (you can find links on my Facebook page). I want to create an experience we can all take part in together, so no matter where you live in the world you'll all recieve the same track on the same day.

Diamandis initially wanted to issue "two songs a month that were polar opposites sonically, like double A-sides," but had issues with iTunes,[27] she had also intended to release a Spotify playlist each month,[28] but only released the first 'La Dolce Vita.'[29]

Whilst the singles were assigned a 'froot' with with the 'Froot of the Month' campaign, the non-singles were then given a 'froot' on Marina's Website.[30]

Note:
For an unknown reason, the vinyls have a completely different pairing, that contradicts the 'Froot of the Month' campaign.[31]

Singles[]

For more information on the singles go to their respective pages linked below, to see any charting information click here.

Out of the six 'Froot of the Month' songs, only four were officially released as singles, with Blue being released separately from the campaign a few months later.

Scrapped Repackage[]

In April 2015, Marina said she wanted to add seven additional songs,[32] which could possibly mean she wanted to add another song for each of the six 'froot' and perhaps a song that didn't fit or would embody all of them, such as True Colours.

In May, she expressed her plans to repackage FROOT, with a "new name" and 4-5 more songs. Mentioning she had "a few" unfinished songs that didn't make it onto the original tracklist, but would be "really fitting" for the repackage.[33]Saviour and I'm Not Hungry Anymore were recorded for the original tracklist but didn't make the cut, and When You Take Away Control was written, but Forget was recorded in its place. It is unknown if Disconnect was also intended for the repackage, as it was written and performed in 2015, and did not receive much promotion when it was finally released in 2017. On the 21st, Diamandis posted to Instagram:[34] Writing in Dallas.

In June, in response to a fan's question asking if the songs would be ready for the Neon Nature Tour, Marina said:[35]

Tbh, I don't know. I'm always writing- and you will definitely get one more song from the FROOT sessions (hehe..) - but I'm undecided about whether I will do a repack or start a new piece of work/ new projects. We'll see!!!

In July, Marina was in the studio, likely for the repackage.[36]

On April 5, 2016, the FROOT era ended through her announcement on Instagram and Twitter.[37]

Ten Year Anniversary Release[]

In an Instagram post celebrating the album's ninth year anniversary in March 2024, MARINA said she plans on 'releasing something special next year'.[38]

Neon Nature Tour[]

Main Article: Neon Nature Tour

After announcing a number of festival dates in February 2015, Marina announced the first dates of her third headlining tour, the Neon Nature Tour, in the summer of 2015.[39][40] The show was split into 3 different "acts" as to include songs from each of her studio albums.[41]

Artwork[]

Froot album artwork
Credits
Photographer
Charlotte Rutherford
Designer
Sam Coldy
Photoshoot
Media

The visuals for Electra Heart were partly inspired by internet stars. Who or what has inspired the concept behind FROOT?[42]

I’ve been really obsessed with the idea of using shapes and symbols from nature—like certain flowers and trees and fruits—and representing them in almost a “cyber” way. So that translates more to what I’m going to be doing on stage. But in terms of beauty and styling, I’m kind of taking really classic feminine references and interpreting them in a modern way, via different fabrics and colors. At the moment, I’m really loving pantsuits, so I’m looking at a lot of ’70s fashion photography. Essentially, anything that allows you to be feminine but also feel strong.

In 2021, Marina revealed she paid for the photoshoot herself due to conflicts with her label.[43]

Booklet & Credits[]

All tracks Written by Marina Diamandis

Produced by David Kosten and Marina Diamandis

Marina Diamandis: keyboards, lead vocal, backing vocals on all tracks
David Kosten: keyboards, percussion, programming on all tracks
Jason Cooper: drums on all tracks except Gold
Jeremy Pritchard: Bass on Happy, Better Than That, Blue, I'm A Ruin
James Ahwai: Bass on Forget, Immortal. Solitaire, Weeds, Froot, Can't Pin Me Down
Chris McGrath: Bass on Savages
Fyfe Dangerfield: Piano on Happy
Fyfe Dangerfield: Guitar on Better Than That
Keith Bayley: Guitar On Weeds, Immortal and Forget
Alexander Robertshaw: Guitar on Happy, Froot, Better Than That, Blue, Can't Pin Me Down, Forget, Gold, I'm A Ruin, Savages, Solitaire

Recorded at Mutley Ranch, London
Drums recorded at Kore Studios, London and Assault & Battery Two, London

Engineered by David Kosten. Additional engineering by Mo Hausler
Assistant drum recording engineers: Al Lawson and Drew Smith

All tracks mixed down and additional programming by Wez Clarke*
All tracks mastered by Lewis Hopkin at Star Delta Mastering
*Happy mixed by David Kosten

Management by Jess Keeley at Quest Management
Marina Diamandis published by Warner/Chappell Music Publishing Ltd
Photography By Charlotte Rutherford
Artwork by Sam Cody

Thank You

References:
CD.[44] Cassette.[45]

Tracklist[]

Froot album artwork Label: Atlantic
Format: Digital download • Streaming • CD • Vinyl
Released: 13 Mar 2015
Region: International
Link: iTunesSpotify
Photography: Charlotte Rutherford
Design: Sam Coldy
Standard Edition
No.TitleCo-Writer(s)Producer(s)Length
1.HappyN/ADavid KostenMarina Diamandis4:01
2.FrootN/AKosten • Diamandis5:31
3.I'm A RuinN/AKosten • Diamandis3:44
4.BlueN/AKosten • Diamandis4:18
5.ForgetN/AKosten • Diamandis4:10
6.GoldN/AKosten • Diamandis4:14
7.Can't Pin Me DownN/AKosten • Diamandis3:26
8.SolitaireN/AKosten • Diamandis4:37
9.Better Than ThatN/AKosten • Diamandis4:36
10.WeedsN/AKosten • Diamandis4:08
11.SavagesN/AKosten • Diamandis4:16
12.ImmortalN/AKosten • Diamandis5:25
Total length:53:09

Outtakes[]

Note:
This is an abridged version of events, for more (sourced) information, go to each song page.

In March 2015, Marina stated that she wrote 15 songs, but only recorded 14,[46] this matches the recording list for FROOT, which only has 14 tracks.[47] In 2019, Diamandis again stated she only had 14 songs for FROOT, which she cut to 12.[48]

When You Take Away Control was intended to be recorded, but Forget took its place instead, this was perhaps because of her limited recording time of three months.[49]

I'm Not Hungry Anymore and Saviour were meant for the album, but were never finalised. Marina has never mentioned Saviour, and planned to include I'm Not Hungry Anymore on the repackage, but expressed difficulty in producing the track.[50]

Standalone Releases[]

True Colours, a cover, was released on Marina's YouTube channel on January 5, 2016. It is speculated to have been on the repackage, though this has not been confirmed. It has also been speculated the song was supposed to be for Marina's campaign for World AIDS Day in December 2014.

Disconnect was written in collaboration with Clean Bandit during the FROOT era. Initially performed at Coachella in April 2015, it would not be released for two years due to difficulties with production,[51] and is released under Clean Bandit, with Marina as the feature.

Unknown Songs[]

"Pop Cemetery" sessions, in October 2013, Marina tweeted she was recording in a studio called "Pop Cemetary".[52] None of the FROOT songs were officially recorded here, meaning this could possibly be for Marina's home demos.

Unknown Song with Little Mix, Marina featured on an outtake for Little Mix's third studio album Get Weird.[53]

Unknown Song with Dan Dare, in 2013 and 2014, producer Dan Dare claimed to be working with Marina, however, Marina responded to a fan that the pair had only worked together once, for Just Desserts. Dan then went onto delete his tweets, it could be assumed that Dan was lying for an unknown reason.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Day, Larry (10 November 2014). "Marina Diamandis talks candidly about growing up and finally taking control of her sound and identity with third album FROOT". The Line of Best Fit.
  2. https://www.nylon.com/articles/marina-and-the-diamonds-cover-story
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYLpKzBqZWA
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7NUNgQ8OBc&t
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7NUNgQ8OBc
  6. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/marina-and-the-diamonds-on-new-froot-why-shes-not-pop-159034/
  7. https://youtu.be/qs89vb0X1QE?t=90
  8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7NUNgQ8OBc&t
  9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYLpKzBqZWA
  10. https://www.theaquarian.com/2015/03/25/an-interview-with-marina-and-the-diamonds-ripe-for-the-picking/
  11. Written "a countryside hotel in Magdeburg, Germany, on a day off from touring with Coldplay" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkRlyOp20nQ Marina toured Germany with Coldplay in September 2012 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mylo_Xyloto_Tour
  12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkRlyOp20nQ
  13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7NUNgQ8OBc
  14. https://youtu.be/pkRlyOp20nQ?t=90
  15. https://www.vice.com/en/article/rq48qw/froot-marina-and-the-diamonds-interview
  16. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/marina-and-the-diamonds-froot/
  17. https://www.nylon.com/articles/marina-and-the-diamonds-cover-story
  18. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/marina-and-the-diamonds-on-new-froot-why-shes-not-pop-159034/
  19. https://www.nylon.com/articles/marina-and-the-diamonds-cover-story
  20. https://www.theaquarian.com/2015/03/25/an-interview-with-marina-and-the-diamonds-ripe-for-the-picking/
  21. https://youtu.be/Ic0uop7v1-M?t=2240
  22. http://www.nme.com/news/marina-and-the-diamonds/80306
  23. http://www.7digital.com/artist/marina-and-the-diamonds/release/froot-1
  24. https://twitter.com/MarinaDiamandis/status/531549640165175296
  25. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a609075/marina-and-the-diamonds-confirms-track-listing-for-new-album-froot.html
  26. https://www.instagram.com/p/vQVujlpPp1/
  27. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31838270
  28. https://www.facebook.com/7839826754/photos/a.100910846754/10152584390136755
  29. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0OysZ2S3OA7rVPylrFWgTC
  30. https://web.archive.org/web/20151104012658/http://www.marinaandthediamonds.com/ might take a while to load, it's on the "lyrics" tab
  31. Strikethrough represents a contradiction:
    Froot (fanpack) - Grape Froot/Happy
    Happy (fanpack) - Lemon Immortal/I'm a Ruin
    Immortal (fanpack) - Blueberry Blue/Solitaire
    I'm a Ruin (fanpack) - Cherries Better Than That/Can't Pin Me Down
    Forget (fanpack) - Apple Savages/Weeds
    Gold (fanpack) - Orange Gold/Forget
  32. https://www.celebuzz.com/2015-04-17/marina-and-the-diamonds-diamandis-music-fashion-froot-instagram/
  33. https://youtu.be/4Fvi0bv4Duc?t=315
  34. https://planetfroot.tumblr.com/post/119544840638
  35. https://planetfroot.tumblr.com/post/122263381138/i-drove-16-hours-to-see-the-pittsburgh-show-on-my
  36. https://www.instagram.com/p/5FL42lJPup/
  37. https://twitter.com/MarinaDiamandis/status/717480101164818432
  38. https://www.instagram.com/p/C4e5TlmuBFo/
  39. https://twitter.com/MarinaDiamandis/status/613084602354245632
  40. https://twitter.com/MarinaDiamandis/status/613090125887709184
  41. https://twitter.com/MarinaDiamandis/status/646072079318675456
  42. https://www.rookiemag.com/2015/02/marina-and-the-diamonds/
  43. https://youtu.be/Ic0uop7v1-M?t=2254
  44. https://www.discogs.com/release/6790329-Marina-And-The-Diamonds-Froot
  45. https://www.discogs.com/release/7526102-Marina-And-The-Diamonds-Froot/image/SW1hZ2U6MjAxMDc1MzI=
  46. https://www.theaquarian.com/2015/03/25/an-interview-with-marina-and-the-diamonds-ripe-for-the-picking/
  47. https://meandthefroots.tumblr.com/post/136885944158/frootorabilia-just-unearthed-from-the-sorry-mess
  48. http://marinaandthediamonds.com/
  49. https://www.theaquarian.com/2015/03/25/an-interview-with-marina-and-the-diamonds-ripe-for-the-picking/
  50. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1zwSrvBiX8/
  51. http://www.idolator.com/7652655/clean-bandit-interview-marina-disconnect-rockabye-tears-2016
  52. https://twitter.com/MarinaDiamandis/status/387604962794307584
  53. https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/little-mix/news/new-album-nearly-finished
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