Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land
by MARINA
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Jun 11, 2021
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 629 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 564 out of 629
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 629
  3. Negative: 49 out of 629
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Eichelliebe
    Jul 3, 2021
    10
    Una obra de arte. Es un álbum sentimental, hace crítica de la sociedad patriarcal y capitalista mientras tiene un ritmo pop; cosas que solo Marina logra hacer
  2. mystified
    Jul 15, 2021
    10
    Spectacular songwriting, visuals, voice... nothing out of the normal for Marina. Probably her best
  3. RicardoJiGo
    Jul 22, 2021
    10
    Marina did a great job mixing her thoughts on social issues and how they have changed as well as the personal issues that she has gone through over the last few years.
  4. Marcie02
    Jul 23, 2021
    10
    Llalalalalaa lalalala lalalal llalaaa lalalala lalaa
    Yo me llamo John soy súper fan y la amoooo
  5. tbyml
    Jul 25, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. ejfhqEIOADBHPUISGHEUIuhjdfsuiejhfuailsfwehfiohioahhhhhhhhhhwfilsdjuhusdjkhcuefhioerursofnhijf… Expand
  6. maxwellapollo
    Jul 25, 2021
    10
    Probably her best, most coherent album yet. She took the best parts of all her previous work and multiplied it by ten. Her lyrics never fail to leave me in awe, wether that be from laughing, crying or being lost in contemplation. She didn’t hold back with her sociopolitical imagery, and managed to perfectly intertwine it with intimate songs about heartbreak. There are no throw-away tracksProbably her best, most coherent album yet. She took the best parts of all her previous work and multiplied it by ten. Her lyrics never fail to leave me in awe, wether that be from laughing, crying or being lost in contemplation. She didn’t hold back with her sociopolitical imagery, and managed to perfectly intertwine it with intimate songs about heartbreak. There are no throw-away tracks and every song feels truly purposeful and has something to say. I don’t think I could’ve asked more from this album. It definitely feels like her most “Marina” album to date. Just. So. Good.… Expand
  7. smake132
    Jul 25, 2021
    10
    prefect. amazing. beautiful. so good. like just ugh goooddddd it’s such a prefect album
  8. elgui
    Jul 25, 2021
    10
    que arteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee su mejor album sin duda asies
  9. kateisgod
    Jul 26, 2021
    10
    incredible amazing brilliant we love marina she is the best artist of all time
  10. ratemark
    Jul 28, 2021
    10
    le quiero este álbum de marina y pienso que es uno de el mejor álbumes de su carrera.
  11. willsevero
    Jul 29, 2021
    10
    Melhor maneira de reafirmar a identidade dela. Um ótimo sucessor do questionável L+F.
  12. Replen
    Jul 30, 2021
    10
    Uma junção dos álbuns froot mais o electra heart. É um álbum maduro, cheio de crítica e ao mesmo tempo dançante. Parabéns Marina
  13. celticnature
    Aug 1, 2021
    10
    Her best work since Froot!!!!

    Man's World, Highly Emotional People and New America are my favorite tracks
  14. luvcherrymotion
    Aug 3, 2021
    10
    músicas divertidas com letras profundas e com significados, ela brinca com as palavras e entonação e isso deixa as músicas com mais emoção
  15. recliany
    Aug 11, 2021
    10
    Muito bem produzido, vocais de tirar o folego, instrumentais envolventes! Uma verdadeira obra de arte.
  16. leoohmuniz
    Aug 14, 2021
    10
    esse álbum mostra literalmente tudo o que a marina quis mostrar pra gente nos álbuns anteriores dela, ela é simplesmente perfeita escrevendo essas músicas e eu me sinto orgulhoso de ser fã dela
  17. NicholasNasc
    Aug 19, 2021
    10
    Really good! Very well written and excelent melodies. Very similar to "The Family Jewels", at least I think it is. Love the way she creates her music and don't care about the numbers (even though she have the good ones). Thank you for the album, Marina! Love ya.
  18. wtflusc
    Aug 20, 2021
    10
    Obrigado MARINA por mais essa obra prima.
    Meses após seu lançamento, o album não sai do topo do meu Apple Music. Faixas como "Flowers" e "Pandora´s Box" 'envelheceram' como vinho. "New America" tem uma letra diferente de tudo que já ouvi em músicas pop, além de ter vocais e sonoridade excelentes. Os singles foram muito bem escolhidos, "Venus Fly Trap" além de ser maravilhosa em todos os    Obrigado MARINA por mais essa obra prima.
    Meses após seu lançamento, o album não sai do topo do meu Apple Music. Faixas como "Flowers" e "Pandora´s Box" 'envelheceram' como vinho. "New America" tem uma letra diferente de tudo que já ouvi em músicas pop, além de ter vocais e sonoridade excelentes. Os singles foram muito bem escolhidos, "Venus Fly Trap" além de ser maravilhosa em todos os sentidos, ainda ganhou um videoclipe de alto padrão, revisitando as eras antigas da cantora e entregando tudo que os fãs queriam. Terminar o álbum com "Goodbye" foi um golpe baixo, que música linda!
    O álbum tem a cara da marina "The Family Jewels" e certamente foi um dos destaques de 2021.    … Expand
  19. rawr___213
    Oct 22, 2021
    10
    literally so good like wtf marina came to slay and end and thats EXACTLY what she did!!
  20. DanLoz03
    Oct 24, 2021
    10
    Marina slayed throughout this album! The messages she's trying to send out, an even spread of energy, one of her best song intros yet, beautiful imagery on Flowers, this album is everything! 10/10!
  21. criss1975
    Mar 22, 2022
    10
    A gem from start to finish!
    An album that overflows with positive energy in 10 excellent tracks. With the beautiful voice of Marina and an exquisite production.
    10/10
  22. asgaan
    May 10, 2022
    10
    Another pop bible written by the welsh god Marina. I truly love her and i think this is her best album since TFJ.
  23. someonewhocares
    Jul 9, 2022
    10
    Ancient Dreams In a Modern Land is a stunning return-to-form after losing footing with Love + Fear. An album of only 10 songs, all the songs are strong and solid; there are no bad tracks. Marina has no doubt stunned us like she always does with her last album released under a major record label.
  24. selenatolete
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse ac efficitur lacus. Vivamus gravida iaculis feugiat. Pellentesque sit amet efficitur eros. Nunc urna massa, varius ornare est in, tempor consectetur nisl. Proin et sodales magna, eu bibendum lacus. Nullam sit amet metus purus. Suspendisse et turpis id eros ullamcorper efficitur quis sed massa.… Expand
  25. Sahidelrey
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    El electro pop que Marina nos da en este álbum es maravilloso hablando de temas sociales que pocos artistas tocan, la producción es realmente maravillosa, todas las canciones tienen un mensaje bastante profundo, fue arriesgado pero le salió muy bien
  26. lovemusic123
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    this is WITHOUT A DOUBT the best album that Marina could have created and in all time, just being written and produced by herself makes it incredible and unique, I love it
  27. rianalmd
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    This album is literally perfect. Marina has strong opinions about policial problemas that everybody should care about and she's not afraid of showing the world her opinion about patriarchy and what should be done about it!
  28. alexisguti637
    Aug 1, 2023
    10
    Marina nos enseño con este album que aun tiene el talento y el sonido para ser una buena artista esperemos y pronto muchos la conozcan mas y pueda ser conocida
  29. Athenyal
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    incredible album, Marina touching every edge of humanity's thoughts on the world and how we treat each other
  30. arthursamuel
    Sep 16, 2022
    10
    This album is definitely a masterpiece!!! Marina's writing is so freaking good, especially when it comes to political songs. I love this album so much, one of my favorite albums in life.
  31. Eefeepee
    Oct 4, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Marina perfectly fuses pop and rock, lively and sad, heartbreak and political themes, always wrapping everything with satire.… Expand
  32. juanselopez340
    May 14, 2023
    10
    Álbum saboroso, rico, lindo e inspirador traz à tona tudo de extraordinário e bom que leva ao belo, comprei e não consigo parar de ouvi-lo em todas as plataformas que baixei. MARINA A MELHOR
  33. danpaaduaa
    May 30, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. O maior álbum do mundo. Falo sem medo. Aqui ela foi tão gigante. Falou sobre política, ansiedade, depressão, capitalismo, feminismo e diversos assuntos importantes pra nossa sociedade.… Expand
  34. ASwiftie
    Mar 23, 2023
    10
    A wonderful experience all the way through with the first half making you want to dance and the second half making you want to sob all over your floor.
  35. vperezac
    Jun 12, 2021
    9
    It's a strong return to The Family Jewels, but much more mature, as if she was carrying a luggage of the highs of her previous eras. A good departure from Love + Fear, she lyrically took the sentiment from To Be Human (the best song of that album) and translated it to an album that instrumentally sound as polished as Froot, with a sassy attitude from Electra Heart and the quirky identityIt's a strong return to The Family Jewels, but much more mature, as if she was carrying a luggage of the highs of her previous eras. A good departure from Love + Fear, she lyrically took the sentiment from To Be Human (the best song of that album) and translated it to an album that instrumentally sound as polished as Froot, with a sassy attitude from Electra Heart and the quirky identity from The Family Jewels. This is album is the perfect mix of all the good things we love about Marina throughout the eras.… Expand
  36. evicenteh
    Jun 11, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Suena fresco... Renovada. Una Marina muy distinta a la de su último trabajo.… Expand
  37. MangoKiwi
    Jun 11, 2021
    9
    Claramente este álbum es una reinvención de Marina como artista, combina la crítica social actual con un ritmo que dices woow, es de tontos comparar con sus demás álbumes ya que este tiene un toque único que lo separa del resto.

    Super recomendado
  38. jandersarquis
    Jun 11, 2021
    9
    She did her way baby! Nothing in this world can change her. This album proves that Marina has a unique pop-punk-rock-indie criticism music style.
  39. Ronyr
    Jun 14, 2021
    9
    É um dos melhores álbuns que já escutei na vida. Infelizmente não gostei de poucas partes da composição de Purge The Poison, por esse motivo não pude dá 10.
  40. im_osw
    Jun 15, 2021
    9
    Marina has returned in a big way, with a very refreshing album full of fun songs and beautiful ballads, where her voice stands out the most. Songs like highly emotional people and venus fly trap stand out with creative and original production, as well as their lyrics. Definitely one of the best pop albums of this 2021
  41. JakobMe
    Jun 25, 2021
    9
    Such a well thoughtful and consciousness album with a lot of political references. Like someone commented before "you will be slapped on the face while dancing along". She's in her best.
  42. pisceanjulia
    Jun 25, 2021
    9
    It may not be Marina’s best album, but it’s definitely amazing, I love all the lyrics. “Goodbye” is a masterpiece.
  43. marlonfauzi
    Oct 2, 2021
    9
    From the incredible beats of previous centuries to the beautiful piano ballads. Marina served rich production on her album and her voice is so angelic. What an experience!
  44. Danilo342
    Aug 23, 2022
    9
    Love this album all of her songs are master piece, she always bring us new awesome music
  45. jorsian
    Feb 16, 2023
    9
    This record is a return to form for Marina as she casts away the previous era with reckless abandon and forges a new path forward, come hell or high water. There is something very daring about this record. It feels risky, but also completely authentic. Clearly, Marina does not care what you, I or anyone else thinks. Her vision comes through crystal clear here as she speaks on issues suchThis record is a return to form for Marina as she casts away the previous era with reckless abandon and forges a new path forward, come hell or high water. There is something very daring about this record. It feels risky, but also completely authentic. Clearly, Marina does not care what you, I or anyone else thinks. Her vision comes through crystal clear here as she speaks on issues such as climate change, feminism, America and spirituality. There is definitely a camp vibe to the first half of this album as the songs sound almost cartoony but still, there is an urgency and emotional gravity to her voice that shines through. Marina's greatest gift is her ability to emote, and we are gifted with some of her most personal songs on the back end of this album. The change in direction from talking about worldly issues to intensely personal ones is a tad confusing at first, but the transition is ultimately welcome as we are graced with two of her most beautiful ballads to date - "Flowers" and "Goodbye". It feels like she came at this record full force - throwing herself into it regardless of what the outcome might be. As a result, the songs sound full of life, conviction and energy. This may very well be one of her best, if not her best album to date.… Expand
  46. Menios
    Jun 12, 2021
    8
    I love the fact that she keeps getting better album by album. Such sincerity, nice vocals, and poetic lyricism. Waiting for her first 10/10 album for me. Don't think it's gonna take much more time.
  47. xandepaim
    Jun 20, 2021
    8
    Marina came back with a little bit of the best she put into each one of her first three albums, but still she made it sound brand new. Even though some lyrics sounded a little too cliche, even for Marina, it's one of her best albums, undoubtedly
  48. gonzapap
    Jun 11, 2021
    8
    After “Love + Fear” her weakest album, “ADIAML” is a very pleasant album, well produced and with mature lyrics.
  49. hausoflilluis
    Jun 13, 2021
    8
    I feel a lump in my throat after knowing the whole process that Marina has been going through in recent years. Maybe that's why her penultimate LP didn't fit me, which I consider inglorious. Today, I can notice a different girl, but the same one who wrote The Family Jewels, Electra Heart, and FROOT. Marina has definitely returned. It's gratifying to realize that it isn't longer difficultI feel a lump in my throat after knowing the whole process that Marina has been going through in recent years. Maybe that's why her penultimate LP didn't fit me, which I consider inglorious. Today, I can notice a different girl, but the same one who wrote The Family Jewels, Electra Heart, and FROOT. Marina has definitely returned. It's gratifying to realize that it isn't longer difficult for her to sing us her truth, her pain ("Flowers", Highly Emotional People"). She also missed the sarcastic way of describing society ("Man's World", "Purge the Poison"). Her pop-rock sound is flawless, unique and exquisite, as it always has been.

    fav tracks: "Goodbye", "Man's World", "Venus Fly Trap", "Highly Emotional People" & "Flowers"
    KEY-TRACK: "Ancient Dreams In A Modern Land"    … Expand
  50. hpfan92
    Jul 30, 2023
    8
    An amazing album with fantastic production and lyrics. A couple of songs kind of lagged behind the rest but overall it’s a well rounded album
  51. normanfgabriel
    Jun 14, 2021
    8
    Uma fusão incrível de um pop único, muito característico da marina, resgatado do seu primeiro álbum, com uma escrita política muito sólida, provocante, e divertida. Não considero um álbum perfeito porque acredito que depois de "New America" esse conceito descrito se quebra, ela passa pra um pop mais clássico e romântico, claro, que ainda permite fazer ligações feministas com o que elaUma fusão incrível de um pop único, muito característico da marina, resgatado do seu primeiro álbum, com uma escrita política muito sólida, provocante, e divertida. Não considero um álbum perfeito porque acredito que depois de "New America" esse conceito descrito se quebra, ela passa pra um pop mais clássico e romântico, claro, que ainda permite fazer ligações feministas com o que ela estava cantando anteriormente, mas é uma quebra sentida.… Expand
  52. TheDaneIpsen
    Jun 11, 2021
    8
    Brilliant
  53. LancerReviews
    Jul 10, 2021
    7
    Marina’s fifth full-legnth record offers a sense of pretentiousness, it’s always a topic that she hovers around its surface, never diving deep and providing passion to its writing. Feels like an activist on acid that spitballs socio-political issues in a glittery production with a dash of pretentiousness.
  54. Eddie680
    Jun 24, 2021
    7
    Such a nice album. I loved it but i dont think its her best work, however each song brings something new and different and this is something i really appreciate. Marina did outdo herself with this album, singing about real things that are affecting our world, which are not talked about enough in music.
  55. Bagarags
    Jun 14, 2021
    7
    Interesting one. This album is everything I missed from Marina while going into her previous work, but it doesn't mean that this new album is completely free from everything I didn't like in "Love + Fear" and that's ok. I couldn't ask for anything better from her and I'm very proud she could combine the usual lack of subtlety with the weird-ish vibrant style from her previous albums.
  56. MetacriticOnur
    Apr 1, 2022
    6
    admirable
    [ ad-mer-uh-buhl ]

    adjective
    worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.
  57. Alexey_McEuriv
    Jun 20, 2021
    5
    I have nothing against Marina, but the album is boring and outdated. I don't understand the surrounding hype. He's not bad, and he's not good.
  58. Camifklyf
    Jun 14, 2021
    5
    Ancient Dreams is about a Marina who makes it clear that she is not content to be “just another - insta - girl on 21th century”. The lyrics really addresses a variety of modern topics - from the social problems of the world and mainly the US to environmental issues - through a distinctive pop - sound that is close to something done in the past by her in FROOT. The conversations the songsAncient Dreams is about a Marina who makes it clear that she is not content to be “just another - insta - girl on 21th century”. The lyrics really addresses a variety of modern topics - from the social problems of the world and mainly the US to environmental issues - through a distinctive pop - sound that is close to something done in the past by her in FROOT. The conversations the songs initiate don't always come to a conclusion, but society's wounds are widely exposed, and need to say: she never sacrifices fun for content, Purge The Poison,title track and Venus Fly Trap are such alt parties bopz!… Expand
  59. elianavaldez
    Jun 15, 2021
    5
    This album is really good. Not only the music but the lyrics. Probably the best of the year. I’m kinda upset that New America is still not a single when it should be
  60. ckcff
    Jun 14, 2021
    4
    Below average. It has elements from their first 3 albums, but it sounds messy, repetitive, forgettable. Hard to hear again, it's a pity.
  61. PatrickEyestar
    Aug 15, 2021
    2
    It's not that good and I guess she needs to improve her music...............
  62. Jamierenton
    Oct 24, 2021
    1
    I’m sorry marina I loved you so much but I really can’t get into this new era sorry xox sending love
  63. alexrbertsx
    Jul 25, 2021
    0
    she somehow managed to make this album overrated but still a flop. kudos i guess
  64. Jggrx
    Jul 24, 2021
    0
    The truth is that is boring, Marina is great but this album ain’t it for me.
  65. dougsbueno
    Jun 14, 2021
    0
    Marina achieved in this album an impeccable maturity in her composition on social issues and on love relationships. The way Marina manages to produce a frantic melody with information-rich lyrics without seeming boring or tedious is very accurate. The ballads are of a beautiful level that they express in their voice along the piano, it almost sounds like an acapela. In this album MarinaMarina achieved in this album an impeccable maturity in her composition on social issues and on love relationships. The way Marina manages to produce a frantic melody with information-rich lyrics without seeming boring or tedious is very accurate. The ballads are of a beautiful level that they express in their voice along the piano, it almost sounds like an acapela. In this album Marina manages to transmit everything she wanted in a mature, linear way that catches our attention when we listen to it.… Expand
  66. diogosilva2403
    Jun 20, 2021
    0
    well it's not that good, i have to admit. At least i didn't like it that much.... or is that just me? welllll.............
  67. Aredsong15
    Aug 14, 2021
    0
    Ok... Não tem nada de bom nesse álbum, não entendi porque uma nota tão alta pra isso
  68. joehonkers
    Jun 11, 2021
    0
    disappointing as hell. it sounds like a freak hybrid of the family jewels and froot (her two best albums) but in the end just sounds like a jumbled mess.
  69. bloomy3910
    Nov 22, 2021
    0
    MARINA sacrifices any bit of self-disclosure she shed in Love + Fear and departs into a platitude filled album without any of the activism. I expected more from the artist who brought such great projects as her debut album, Family Jewels and her final before shedding the Diamonds, Froot. There are small glimmers of hope in this album but the light has been dimmed further than theMARINA sacrifices any bit of self-disclosure she shed in Love + Fear and departs into a platitude filled album without any of the activism. I expected more from the artist who brought such great projects as her debut album, Family Jewels and her final before shedding the Diamonds, Froot. There are small glimmers of hope in this album but the light has been dimmed further than the disappointing release of the one-note Love + Fear. Those slight glimmers of hope would be the… Expand
  70. mmdgshshdh
    Sep 22, 2021
    0
    tttttttttyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyýyyyyyysgshshsbsbshsnshshffhhh
  71. animeshsoni
    Jul 25, 2021
    0
    boring. bland. someone tell her to hire a few songwriters. sis is down bad.
  72. Segundoleo26
    Oct 23, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Es un álbum realmente bueno pero Marina parece no aprender a reinventarse se siente como cualquier otro álbum… Expand
  73. Josemendez1
    Oct 22, 2021
    0
    Marina jamás podrá superar su primer álbum este no tiene ninguna canción que salve el álbum
  74. adrian11
    Oct 23, 2021
    0
    Marina pudo haberlo hecho mejor, hay pocas canciones que salvan el álbum y eso es un poco triste debido a que Marina puede dar más.
next
Page:

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. The Observer (UK)
    Oct 7, 2021
    60
    The music is pleasantly accessible, rather than daring.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    Jun 18, 2021
    80
    At a brisk ten tracks, Ancient Dreams is a quick dose of what makes Marina great: heartfelt honesty from a fellow misfit consistently pushing the boundaries of pop.
    Read full review
  3. Pitchfork
    Jun 17, 2021
    66
    Everything is delicate, but nothing is muted. This aesthetic certainly isn’t for everybody, but after her ambivalent pop experiments, Marina no longer needs her albums to be. It’s a beacon out for the highly emotional people of the world, of whom she clearly is one; it’s for her.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »