Not to be confused with Madonna’s own “Superstar” (which featured backing vocals from Lourdes Leon) from 2012’s underrated breakup record MDNA, MARINA has given us the second single of the same name from her forthcoming LOVE + FEAR album. An unabashed love song that addresses the latter category in the record’s title as well, MARINA likens the reverence that comes with celebrity worship to her own personal superstar, the one she loves.
And unlike the so-called fans of a superstar, MARINA is thankful that, in the case of the person she admires in l’amour, “You never judge me for any of my fears/Never turn your back, always keep my body near/All of the days that we spend apart/My love is a planet revolving your heart.” In this way, the superstar (though that might be something of an overstatement to describe MARINA) becomes the adorer, a reversal of roles that can only occur in the famous person’s relationship with a “commoner.” At the same time, the song can also apply to the the many diamonds that unconditionally love MARINA (you’ll get that reference if you’re aware of the backstory on her former moniker, Marina and the Diamonds). Or so they would like to believe, as most fans are constantly seeking to convince themselves they have a truly personal relationship with the celebrity they’re devoted to (see: Chris Cocker).
Throughout the thread of “Superstar,” MARINA makes it evident that, with all the hard work (well, once upon a time) it takes to become famous, there is still nothing more rewarding than the fruit of the labor that comes from making a romantic rapport work. Or, as explained by MARINA, “I love the way we worked so hard/Yeah, we’ve come so far/Baby, look at me, you’re my superstar/When I’m afraid, when the world’s gone dark/Come and save my day, you’re my superstar.” Marveling at the simultaneous absurdity and miraculousness of the phenomenon of what it means to be in love, there is an undeniable correlation to those same qualities in the culture of celebrity.
At times lyrically evocative of Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One,” “Superstar” seeks to bow down to the wondrousness of having someone to turn to “through the storm.” Just as a stan does when it comes to listening to their favorite musician’s records or watching their favorite actor’s movies. Except in the case of an authentic relationship not based from a place of exaltation without really knowing someone, it’s slightly less creepy.
Genna Rivieccio, thanks a lot for the article post.Much thanks again. Fantastic.