Tomorrow, March 8, 2024, Ariana Grande will be releasing her upcoming seventh studio album, “Eternal Sunshine.” For me, that’s very soon! A mere six hours! It’s her first album in four years, although it does not feel like that at all. I swore Positions came out like two years ago lol Maybe it’s because we lost two+ years to the pandemic. Or, maybe it’s because I don’t really… listen to Ariana Grande that much? Which is strange. Other than Beyoncé, (because let’s be real, that woman is in her own stratosphere and has been since Lemonade) I genuinely believe that Ariana Grande has the most listenable and impressive discography of any popular artist out. They’re all at reasonable and digestible lengths, they’re sonically identifiable, and full of soaring vocals and interesting and engaging production. You can clearly tell, for example, what song belongs on Dangerous Woman, Sweetener or Positions, because of how unique and singular each album is. It is very rare that I will skip a song, if I am deciding to listen to an Ariana Grande album. Each album perfectly encapsulates the era that she made it. She even managed to be ahead of her time with a few projects. After hearing yes, and, I’m a little convinced that she is now heading towards the house/dance boom that Beyoncé ushered in, but with a more direct 80’s influence a la Madonna and Paula Abdul. I personally think Ariana can literally sing anything, and while I will always prefer her R&B-leaning records, I cannot ignore how phenomenal yes, and sounds as a track.
Her career, of course, hasn’t been without controversy. The latest one I care less about honestly. The homewrecking allegations are mainly unfortunate and just aren’t particularly interesting. Although, it does seem to have a chokehold on the general public and how people are responding to her music and new persona. I cannot tell if this is mainly about the downfall of celebrity culture in general or if people are choosing to be hyper critical of her now, but it honestly feels as if people won’t let her breathe! Now, the blaccent and blackfishing era was WILD as I look back on it —especially if you’re comparing it to how she speaks and looks now. She was BROWN ya’ll. Like, there is no reason for her to be the same color as Nicki Minaj. And the way she used to speak in interviews, chile. The blaccent was on and it was THICK. She got some backlash during the thank u, next era and rightfully so lol
And who can forget DONUTGATE, where she licked a donut? Gross! And maybe a little fatphobic? People can enjoy things that are full of fat and sugar and calories! But, people decided to hyperfocus on her saying I hate America or I hate Americans. Well, she had a point, clearly! There were also some diva allegations that started earlier in her career, which were more fun than serious, in my opinion. It seemed to all stem from her being tiny lol
Ultimately, and comparatively, I find her to be one of the least offensive and most talented singers out there now. Like, if there was a graph that charted how offensive she has been versus how talented she is, idk, I feel like it all works out mathematically in the end. She’s a streaming juggernaut and her technique of vocal layering is rightfully being studied and no matter the genre, she knows how to sell a song with her voice — the most important part about being a singer, actually! I don’t have much else to say other than I think she is very excellent at her job — which you can’t say about everybody!
In celebration of her upcoming album, I thought I’d do a top fifty ranking of her discography which is FULL of heavy hitters across six albums! I also included an album ranking because people seem to be invested in that too. Genuinely excited to see where Eternal Sunshine ranks among her work!
50. Baby I (Yours Truly)
Baby I is Ariana’s second single to ever be released. Her and her team had to make sure the Mariah Carey comparisons would continue. This sounds like it was straight out of the late 90’s and early 2000’s. Immaculate vibes — probably proven to increase endorphins.
49. Moonlight (Dangerous Woman)
This is the opening track on Dangerous Woman, which is still deeply confusing to me. Its inclusion on the album has sparked that there was definitely an entire different album called Moonlight at one point, but most of those songs got scrapped. Either way, this song has all the characteristics of an Ariana song you come to love — soaring vocals, a doo wop backing track, and a simple but catchy melody.
48. Focus
Focus was hated on when it came out and is not associated with an album, but I don’t care. To me, this is Ariana’s version of Countdown. It’s very loud, brash and in your face, but once you put horns on a song, you cannot turn back! I actually find this song extremely enjoyable and I think Ariana should make more songs like this! And it has a billion views on Youtube which means everyone can’t be hate-watching.
47. Bad Decisions (Dangerous Woman)
Now you might be wondering why a girl from Boca Raton, Florida is claiming to have that “hood love” with her partner. Obviously, we know she has nothing of the sort. But there is something so charming and classic Ariana of this song. It’s coy and suggestive in all the right ways. Songs like this make me understand why people love Dangerous Woman (album) so much.
46. nasty (Positions)
Although I at first thought it sounded like Ariana was cosplaying other women in R&B on the Positions album, I have always liked nasty. It’s simple, straightforward and more laidback than many other tracks on the album. She said what she said!
45. Side to Side (Dangerous Woman)
Every time I think I like this song less than I actually do, I am proven wrong. It’s just a bonafide hit. It’s kind of an insane song to release as a single, not because it isn’t catchy or the pseudo-reggae trap-infused beats weren’t built for radio at the time, but because lyrically… it is… out there! But that’s kind of what makes it amazing and as always, Nicki Minaj turns up with a memorable refrain and verse.
44. test drive (Positions)
I hate that this song is two minutes. Artists need to stop doing that. This song works perfectly as a throwback song while feeling incredibly current. The backup vocals actually make the song if you ask me.
43. borderline (Sweetener)
I will take every moment of every day combating the Sweetener hate because it doesn’t make any sense. What it really is is anti-blackness, but that’s much too complicated of an issue to explain here. My main point is that borderline bangs. The production is sick and it flows better than a lot of other songs in its genre. It is kind of a perfect mix of what Ari loves and what Pharrell loves and I think it’s one of their best collaborations.
42. December (Christmas & Chill)
This is classic Ari with a Christmas flair and that’s why this Christmas EP worked so well. She would obviously do well with the Christmas classics, but as a pop artist who has very much established her own sound, hearing it holiday-fied was a pleasure.
41. You Don’t Know Me (My Everything)
If you become a pop artist, you’re destined to release a song about how the general public couldn’t possibly understand who you are and what you’ve been through. The tabloids, media, and blogs make up things about your character. You’re not perfect, you will make mistakes, and you won’t apologize for it. I very much enjoy this genre of song, although I can see how it might get annoying for others. I think the throwback production of it all brings an extra sort of drama to it.
40. I Don’t Care (Dangerous Woman)
The song starts with strings. Ariana loves her some strings. She constructs one of her best melodies ever in this song. I love how the chorus slides up nonchalantly. I don’t think I’ve heard Ariana sound this smooth!
39. bloodline (Thank U, Next)
Ariana made several points in this song. An anthem for many generations of women. Weddings, graduations, funerals!!
38. R.E.M (Sweetener)
When Beyoncé’s version of this song leaked, I truly realized the genius of this song. Two fantastic singers successfully gave their take on the song and Ariana’s is definitely more dreamier and fantastical and it totally worked for the album. She is one of very few people who can make music seem like magic.
37. Santa Tell Me
A Christmas classic in its own right, Santa Tell Me is just pure holiday fun.
36. fake smile (Thank U, Next)
So, this was a fan favorite for many when the album first came out. I didn’t really get it. I had always thought it was kind of meh. Then, lo and behold, it all clicked for me. And just like that, it became one of my favorite songs by her. The production is sleek and the lyrics are searingly honest, without feeling harsh or heartbreaking.
35. Love Me Harder (My Everything)
The Weeknd and Ariana have found somewhat of a musical courtship. Their voices work so well together and they simply know what the people want to hear. Their first collaboration, Love Me Harder, is certainly not their best, but it might just be their most notable!
34. Let Me Love You (Dangerous Woman)
Lil Wayne and Ariana Grande don’t quite make sense on paper. But in practice? Very excellent. Wayne actually has some charisma here and to me, it is one of his last notable verses. He’s never really had a problem fitting the mood of a song, but he does it incredibly well here!
33. 7 rings (Thank U. Next)
Forget the backlash. Forget the hate. Forget everything. And just LISTEN to the SONG. You’ll immediately realize that it FLOWS. The Favorite Things sample against the dark trap-leaning beat is nothing less than a stroke of genius. And yes, we can critique decadence and capitalism and commercialism, but I can’t make the song not bop! “I want it, I got it” is a reasonable thing to aspire to, matter of fact!
32. get well soon (Sweetener)
Sweetener is definitely Ariana’s most experimental album thus far. Get well soon carries that experimental energy. The piano notes being an essential part of the beat while Ariana floats over it with her vocals is such a good choice to make musically. It might be one of her most complex songs, period.
31. goodnight n’ go (Sweetener)
I was shook when I found out the majority of this song is a sample of a song by Imogen Heap that has the same title. The way Ariana changes the structure of the song and adds her own lyrics should be commended. It’s a gorgeous cover/remix or whatever you want to call it. Super impressed by what she did with this one.
30. My Everything (My Everything)
I love a good sad ballad and this fulfills me in ways I cannot explicate. A piano ballad with angelic vocals will always rank among one of my favorite songs.
29. love language (Positions)
Oh my gosh. Guys. This song is so good. This might be one of my favorite tracks of her production-wise. She just slides on it and I can admit, no one else could do it like this. I still don’t really understand why it ends like that, but I’m not mad at it!
28. ghostin’ (Thank U, Next)
I’m not going to lie. It feels really weird to rank this song. It’s so personal and devastating and Ariana didn’t even want it to be released. But I wanted to signify how beautiful this song is someway somehow. And this is how I chose to do it. Her soft vocal delivery really hits and lyrically, it’s simply spectacular. I love how the bridge has her vocals soaring as the music swells. What a perfect choice to make to end the song.
27. everytime (Sweetener)
This song should be studied in schools. I absolutely love how the song is structured, with the “back to you” refrain aptly repeating. Her ad-libs became instantly memorable and she is one of the only people to properly reference Shakespeare in a song in my opinion. It took me awhile to realize that the song was called everytime but I appreciate that that is the title!
26. better off (Sweetener)
I really don’t have much to say about this song. It is so clearly top tier that everyone has to be on the same page as me.
25. The Way (Yours Truly)
The song that started it all! (Yes, I am blatantly ignoring Put Your Hearts Up by Cat Valentine-lite). She debuted and had something to prove! Of course it has that throwback feel and an irresistible bounce where it can instantly lift your mood. Very good vibes all-around. The cadence and rhythm of the verses are also so damn catchy — you can’t help but to sing along. It’s kind of an anthem when you really think about. And when she hits those faux whistle-notes at the end. *chef’s kiss” And of course, Mac Miller delivers the best rap verse to be featured in an Ariana Grande song.
24. worst behavior (Positions)
Well, yes! More songs should include snapping methinks. It’s a shame how short this song is, but artists continuously do this when it comes to the best songs in their discography, so I’m not surprised.
23. Only 1 (My Everything)
Hot take: Ariana Grande can run me under a table. I think this song is the best showcase of her ability when it comes to running. The chorus might just be the best chorus she’s ever made. Ariana is a master singer on these kinds of early 2000’s productions, so it makes sense why this is so successful. I can’t believe that this is a DELUXE track. The thought of this almost going unreleased is haunting. Thank God she came to her senses.
22. off the table (Positions)
Remember when I said Love Me Harder is certainly not their best? Well, this is an absolute contender for that spot. I don’t even know if The Weeknd sounds this good on his own songs! They are a musical match-made-in-heaven. I don’t really vibe with The Weeknd personally ever since the Idol mess, but I can appreciate genius when I see it. Anyone able to match Ari’s vocal prowess gets recognition from me. Why this especially works for me is because it’s a classic R&B track with their voices on it. It’s their perfect genre, so when they do it together, it’s magical.
21. pete davidson (Sweetener)
LOL I don’t really think it’s unfortunate that she named this song pete davidson. It’s like a time capsule. It’s really funny if you ask me. It’s also funny that it became like, one of her best song even though it clocks in at under two minutes. It might be the only song to ever speak positively about Pete Davidson, and that’s an achievement on its own. But in all seriousness, it’s kind of sweet. The beautiful thing about writing music is that you’re able to catch lightning in the bottle — the emotions you’re feeling at the time, and record it, and then, possibly, remember fondly when you felt that way about a person. idk it’s really good!
20. main thing (Positions)
If you’re paying attention, you might think Ari hates me — yet another brief song being one of her greatest. SIGH. Another track with a trap-inspired beat and essence — her sweet vocal delivery juxtaposes with it quite nicely.
19. Why Try (My Everything)
Is it this song that Ariana called boring? Sometimes singers simply don’t have any taste. Because this track is something special. The build, the drama, the backing vocals — everything comes together to create a surprisingly sonically complex masterpiece. It is actually one of her more engaging songs where each piece does something interesting so for her to call it boring is WILD. I will admit, I like this song less than I did when I was younger, but it still made my top twenty, so you know it’s the real deal!
18. breathin’ (Sweetener)
I know people think a lot of songs that talk about anxiety and healing are corny or misguided, but this song really works for me. It explains what it is to go through a panic attack really well. It’s obvious that she had someone to help her through it, (Pete Davidson I assume, who has been very vocal about his struggles with mental illness) but she definitely knows what it’s like to be in your head about it. Speaking about being in your head…
17. In My Head (Thank U, Next)
This song is such a flex. “Look at you, boy, I invented you. Gucci tennis shoes, running from your issues,” is actually one of the hardest bars — you can quote me on that. Calling her imagination too creative is soooo true, especially seeing the kinds of guys she routinely goes after. No shade!
16. Almost Is Never Enough (Yours Truly)
Sometimes, all you need is two great singers, two microphones and a dream. And snaps! Never forget about the snaps! I have no idea what Nathan Sykes is doing right now, but every now and then I thank him for doing this. Probably one of the only, if not THE only male singer to keep up with Ariana. I mean, he has a voice like BUTTER. Him and Ariana go back and forth in the best way possible. Probably the best duet in recent memory? Like, it’s a REAL duet. I should also talk about how really well it captures going through the pain and confusion of the end of a relationship that seemingly had everything… or almost everything.
15. Just A Little Bit of Your Heart (My Everything)
Now that I am very familiar with Harry Styles’ pen, this is SUCH a Harry Styles song. It would have even fit well on his first album. The melodies, the structure of the chorus with the piano underneath, the swell in the final chorus… very very Harry. Of course, Ariana’s vocals set it apart and altogether, it becomes one of her best.
14. Dangerous Woman (Dangerous Woman)
One of her most instantly recognizable hits, I reckon and definitely top two when it comes to lead singles. Can you imagine if guitars sounded like this all the time? I know why Ariana felt like she must name her album this. This felt like the start of such a shift for Ari musically, and even image-wise. I mean, no ponytail! The blatant sultriness of it all is so alluring. This is an all-timer for sure.
13. Greedy (Dangerous Woman)
I don’t think you understand, I’m OBSESSED. I’m not quite sure exactly when this happened — greedy seemed to be a hit or a miss, even for Ariana’s biggest fans. But can we finally acknowledge just how PHENOMENAL this song is??? It’s wild now that when I say the title that people will automatically assume Tate McRae.
This is probably Ariana’s most daring song in her discography. Not only is it a BANGER that should get anyone of any age onto the dancefloor, but it almost sounds like it should have been an indicator of where Ariana would be headed musically. This sound is perfect for her, but she really hasn’t made another song in this vein? Which is unforgivable.
12. pov (Positions)
Probably the most straightforward pop track on Positions, pov has all the makings of an iconic love song. I love a mature song that points out how your current beau sees you in a way that you wish you could see yourself. I want this for myself!
11. needy (Thank U, Next)
SIGH. This song is under three minutes. You know what that means. Dare I say, Ariana’s most relatable song? Ariana, along with Victoria Monet, Tayla Parx and Tommy Brown, wrote such vulnerable lyrics that are among Ari’s best. It’s that song you listen to when you’re driving at night or when you’re about to go to sleep or at any time of the day when you’re an overthinker like me!
And before we get into the top ten, let’s take a look at some honorable mentions!
Honorable Mention
Daydreamin’ (Yours Truly)
Touch It (Dangerous Woman)
yes, and (Eternal Sunshine)
just like magic (Positions)
sweetener (Sweetener)
One Last Time (My Everything)
raindrops (an angel cried) (Sweetener)
Lovin’ It (Yours Truly)
bad idea (Thank U, Next)
Be My Baby (My Everything)
10. safety net (Positions)
Ty Dolla Sign makes everything better. It is a proven fact. Leon Thomas III is a co-writer on this joint so you know that' it’s fire because of him too. For the most part, it’s your run-of-the-mill R&B song, but it’s EXTREMELY well made. It feels like it could have been released 10 years ago, but it also makes sense as a current release.
9. Best Mistake (My Everything)
When the piano was going off in the beginning, I knew that we were in for a treat. This was my favorite song for a very long time — maybe all of 2014. I was obsessed with the live performance pictured above. Honestly, to this day, her and Big Sean are my favorite of her relationships, but I digress. A perfect song from beginning to end. It feels so intimate and special, and no other Ariana song accomplishes what this one does! Big Sean also delivers a pretty notable conversational verse that slots flawlessly into the song.
8. honeymoon avenue (Yours Truly)
If you would have told me that eleven years after I heard Yours Truly for the first time, that this song would still be in my top ten favorite Ariana songs, I would have totally agreed with you. I have even warmed up to the “It’s the Rascals” producing tag. Reminds me of a simpler time. But really, it is so rare that we begin with strings on songs, and putting it at he beginning of your debut album is ingenious. The melody of the chorus is endlessly catchy and Ariana’s voice sounds so sweet and warm. I love how at the beginning of the verses we take out a lot of the instrumentation and focus on the main vocal, the backup vocals, and the drumkit. All of the musical choices made in this song are so refreshing, which is probably why it sounds so good an entire decade later. I am not going to acknowledge the live version she did a few months ago — mostly because I hate it. But I love the one that was released! So, there you have it!
7. no tears left to cry (Sweetener)
I don’t think I’ve ever loved a song as quickly as this one. Nearly a year after the tragic Manchester Arena bombing that took 22 lives and injured over a thousand people, Ariana Grande announced her return to music with “No Tears Left to Cry.” We all assumed that it would be a ballad and we were all bracing for how devastating it was going to be. And it sure starts off that way, with a glimmer of positivity, and, of course, exploded into an absolute banger. It’s incredibly uplifting and a dance party. The liberating and ethereal feel of the song can lift me out of any funk.
6. God is a woman (Sweetener)
As I alluded to before, it is nearly impossible to be a pop star without causing controversy. And let’s be real, when it comes to religion, pop stars have been pushing the envelope for over 40 years. So, the title raised a few eyebrows and concerns and had people calling it blasphemy and sacrilege! Well, THIS Christian absolutely loved the song. For one, it’s not even about genuinely thinking God is a woman. This newsletter is in no way meant to be a deep analysis of… anything, but I will say briefly that it’s obviously more pointed at the power of women being so unbelievable, singular and otherworldly, that impossibility becomes a possibility. And celebrating female strength will never piss me off! Secondly, it blends genres of pop and trap that haven’t been done this well since Katy Perry’s Dark Horse. There’s even a HINT of reggae and of course the choir coming at the end gives it a swelling gospel finale. Arianators, is this the first time she noticeably says “yuh?” That’s HISTORY, right there! All of these elements come together and just make a fantastic song!
5. Into You (Dangerous Woman)
I wonder if people will get upset with me that a chunk of my top ten are her hit singles. Eh, it doesn’t matter because I don’t really care. Into You was always going to be a pop hit. The production is a little dark and mysterious and as the intensity of the song grows, it eventually opens up into an irresistible jam. The song drives itself forward that you can’t help but to sing and dance along. Ariana’s adlibs only serve to elevate the track. And then, just like that, the song is over. What a rush! What a thrill!
4. my hair (Positions)
I immediately knew that this was going to be a standout track for me on Positions. Mostly because it sounds nothing like the rest of the album, and is more of a combo of Dangerous Woman, Sweetener and thank u next rolled into one, with a lighter and simpler production. Why do I like this song so much? It’s groovy as all hell. I personally believe that more songs should have trumpet solos. Ariana sounds at home performing alongside these instruments and I’ll be remiss if I don’t mention that final chorus which is remarkably all whistle notes. I didn’t even know you could sing actual words in that register. I kind of wish the song didn’t fade out so we could hear her alongside the trumpet solo. But hey, beggars can’t be choosers. I’m just glad that this is actually a song in her discography.
3. Leave Me Lonely (Dangerous Woman)
If you know me, you know I LOVE DRAMA. I just can’t stay away from it. And my favorite thing ever is MUSICAL DRAMA. The best music is the most DRAMATIC, whether that means lyrically or sonically. Macy Gray kicks it off with that one-of-a-kind voice. The haunting ooo’s and ahhh’s in the background really set the tone for what’s to come. You can tell the song is building to a climax, but it’s impossible to tell how utterly stellar it is until you’re letting the music wash all over you. When those drums get hit and those keys get smashed, it’s tremendous. It’s the closest thing Ariana has ever made to a classic soul song and even though their genres, aesthetics and general vibes are so different, Macy Gray and Ariana collaborate so well together, so much so that it quickly became my favorite Ariana collab!
2. Tattooed Heart (Yours Truly)
If you asked me yesterday, I would have probably told you that Tattooed Heart is still my favorite Ariana song ever. It makes use of the doo-wop style and Ariana’s sensational vocals and is a well-written ballad. There’s really not much else to say because anyone with ears can tell why I ranked this one at number two. With the successes of songs like Love on the Brain by Rihanna, Perfect by Ed Sheeran and Lover by Taylor Swift, Tattooed Heart will always get the upper-hand. It’s simply the best.
1. Imagine (Thank U, Next)
Wow. That was my immediate reaction upon hearing imagine for the first time. And the second time. And the hundredth time. It has all the comfort and intimacy of some of the quieter tracks on thank u, next like ghostin’ and needy, but its focus on complete fantasy is what separates it from the rest. Ariana crafts a make-believe world where she can spend quiet, alone time with her significant other. And it’s glorious. It’s the best she’s ever made. What more can I say?
And because I know you want it — here’s a Spotify playlist with all the songs!
Album Ranking
6. My Everything
Ariana, or more likely, her label, was throwing everything at the wall when this album was released. But they also kind of knew what they were doing. How else do you turn a beloved child star with a moderately successful debut album into a worldwide pop superstar? You build what’s already there, of course, but you also have them dip into the trends of the time. You get Max Martin and Shelback. You get Ryan Tedder. You get Zedd. You get features from artists that have their fingers on the pulse like Childish Gambino, Iggy Azalea and The Weeknd. You do a collaboration with your current, also famous boo. And bam! You create a global pop sensation. However, when you’re doing that, you also create a mess. And that is exactly what My Everything is. A mess. There’s no theme, or rhyme, or reason to the songs that made the album. They’re just there to be consumed. Which is fine! Of course, the individual songs HIT, but looking at it as a cohesive album? It absolutely falls apart, with ease. It’s not bad at all, just a sensory overload, really. Vocally, it is one of her finest albums with interesting lyrics, sounds, and arrangements — it was just all thrown together haphazardly.
5. Dangerous Woman
Ya’ll — how is this your favorite album by her? I cannot tell you how many times I’ve listened to this album and I STILL forget how the entire second half sounds. I think that means it’s just a bit forgettable. Often, I am listening to Dangerous Woman because I can’t remember how some of the songs sound. Not to mention that the lead single is SO good, that most of what came afterward was a letdown. It’s honestly just as sonically disparate as My Everything, but the sequencing feels at least a little more crafty and intentional. I wish it sounded darker to match the edge of the aesthetic put forth. Why this ranks above My Everything is that it captures the essence of who Ariana as an artist. It feels a LOT more authentic than My Everything. The features on this album are Future, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj and Macy Gray which are very purposeful. It felt like Ariana was finally finding her sound, or at least was making music that she liked!
4. Positions
Positions was underwhelming to me on first listen, but I certainly warmed up to it. It is probably her most sonically cohesive album, unless you think thank u, next achieved that before. It is more directly R&B music, which you could tell she’s been wanting to make for years. I just think that the individual songs on the album are pretty generic and not very unique to Ari. I get that she wrote a lot of the lyrics, but frequently, I felt like she was imitating songs she’s already heard from R&B artists. There are absolutely some exceptions to this, but it’s always been why I cannot rank the album in my top three. Don’t get me wrong, it does sound amazing and is very expertly mixed and produced… I’m just wondering if she could have been a little more daring in her official foray into the genre — put a new twist on it! That’s what was missing for me.
3. Thank U, Next
Well, I always thought I liked this album less than I do, but every time I revisit it, I can’t deny. It’s GREAT. And while I still think that the replay value isn’t astronomically high, it was still a cultural reset! Ariana co-opted a more explicit black sound (and look) for this album and it really worked in her favor. Somehow, this led us to getting, across the board, weaker vocals from her, which is really upsetting when you think about it. But I’m being too negative for an album that is coming in at number three. The sound engineering, particularly on her vocals, are impressive, and are only bested by Positions. One thing I have to remember is that it’s important to think of thank u, next as a sister, or at least a cousin to Sweetener. While Sweetener was optimistic and healing, thank u next is darker and more sinister and cynical. Lyrically, it’s probably her best yet.
2. Yours Truly
It’s exceedingly rare for the debut album of a pop artist to be THIS good and to establish a recognizable sound and aesthetic for an artist. Yours Truly did that for Ariana. I know I used to call her Baby Mariah, but at this point, we have to realize that that is one of the biggest compliments to give her. Although a major complaint was that a couple of the songs feel quite childish, listening to it again, it really doesn’t. It sounds fresh and fun and flirty! And coming off of not one, but TWO Nickelodeon shows, it makes sense if this album feels a little ~ clean ~ at first. There’s youthful energy all throughout and up and down this album and that momentum carries the record and has carried her career thus far. It’s feel-good music, but also excellent balladry that works. Not many people can come out swinging like Miss Ariana did! Pure excellence.
1. Sweetener
We love a concept album. We really do. Sweetener is a fresh breath of air and is an era that is Ariana’s most visually and sonically cohesive. Even the platinum blonde locks matches the bright sound and subject matter. An album about needing to heal, rejuvenate and take care of yourself in order to “sweeten” your life after tragedy and trauma really resonated with me. It never took itself too seriously with its light and airy vibe, but still had a lot of substance and heart. Out of all of Ariana’s albums, I listen to Sweetener most frequently because it brings me so much JOY and LIFE. It feels as though it’s a love letter to herself, her lover, and to her supporters. It’s a survivors guide or the best kind of self-help book. Forever appreciative that this album exists and if Eternal Sunshine radiates similar energy, we’re in for a treat!
Well, that’s all folks!