Multi-talented Californian musician Marlena Anna, who also plays piano and guitar, has released her visceral love ballad, “Fuckin Real”, as a single. The song, about “transparency and the realness of being in love”, was produced by Marlena’s longtime friend and musical collaborator Dayyon Alexander. The track will also form part of her upcoming full-length album, to be entitled “Habitual”. “I decided to name it ‘Habitual’ because it was all written during a time when I was trying to get over someone that had become a habit in my life,” says Marlena.
“Fuckin Real” is an intoxicating brew of affection, melancholy and self-awareness. Marlena’s far-reaching voice moodily croons and soars between sentimental diagnosis and discovery, all warmly cushioned by an unexpectedly gorgeous musical arrangement.
The keyboard layered beat is supplemented by ethereal backing voices and slow hand-clapping percussion which keeps the heart beating momentum steady. Marlena Anna’s vocals are a balance of sweet and raw here, which adds the necessary emotion to this power ballad.
The verses and bridge creates that airy, drifting, free-fall feeling, allowing the chorus and lyrics to creep in, surprise, and knock you to the floor like a ton of bricks.
In truth, there are a lot of fascinating sonic detours that make “Fuckin Real” decidedly interesting, besides just the six-letter word, which will obviously become the song’s talking point. It’s important to note, however, that Marlena Anna never appears to be pandering to any particular fan base, with the use of strong language – which in fact is only one word.
She just lets her voice shine and her emotions show. The lyrics are simply a consequence of her vivid emotional state. Marlena’s vocals show a genuine depth and versatility, imparting an earnest warmth and determination which results in “Fuckin Real” being emotive and compelling, from beginning to end.
Unlike most pop divas – and in this song at least – Marlena Anna doesn’t seem to be playing a character or channeling an alter-ego. The song sounds like an extract from her personal diary set to music, which makes the project more relatable, more authentic and more real. Actually, to be bluntly honest; it all sounds quite “Fuckin Real”!
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