"Primadonna"
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] It reached the top five in Austria, Ireland and New Zealand and the top twenty in the United Kingdom, Hungary and Switzerland.

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 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 30 October 2020, sales and streams of "Primadonna" passed 400,000 units and was awarded a Gold 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

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'
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[52] Platinum 70,000^
Austria (IFPI Austria)[53] Gold 15,000*
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[54] Platinum 30,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[55] Platinum 15,000*
United Kingdom (BPI)[19] Gold 400,000‡
United States (RIAA)[21] Platinum 1,000,000‡
Streaming
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[56] Platinum 1,800,000†

* 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"
Region Date Format(s) Version(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States 20 March 2012 Digital download Original Elektra [5]
Australia 6 April 2012
  • Original
  • Benny Benassi remix
  • Riva Starr remix
  • Burns remix
  • Evian Christ remix
 Warner [57]
United States 14 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 Kingdom 15 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]
Italy 4 May 2012 Radio airplay Original Warner [58]
Germany 18 May 2012
  • CD
  • digital download
  • Original
  • Benny Benassi remix
 [28][29]
United States 5 June 2012 Contemporary hit radio Original Roadrunner [59]

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. 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. 30 October 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  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.
  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.
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