Ariana Grande Singles Review
February 19, 2019
On November 3rd, 2018, Ariana Grande surprise dropped a new single called “thank u, next.” This was the first song released for her fifth studio album of the same name that came out on February 8th, 2019. “Thank u, next,” is an ode to her multiple past relationships in which she sings, “”Thought I’d end up with Sean, but he wasn’t a match. Wrote some songs about Ricky. Now I listen and laugh. Even almost got married, and for Pete, I’m so thankful. Wish I could say, ‘thank you’ to Malcolm ’cause he was an angel.” Fans instantly became obsessed with those lyrics that give a little shoutout to Grande’s exes Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, Pete Davidson, and the late Mac Miller. Although instrumentally the song is kind of boring, it went to number one in plenty of countries.
The next song released before the album came out was the promotional single, “imagine.” This slower song showcases Grande’s vocal range, with her showing off her powerful whistle tones at the end of the song. On January 18, 2019, the next single off the album was released, “7 rings.” This song interpolates “My Favorite Things,” from The Sound of Music. This song has more of a hip-hop feel to it and Grande is almost rapping in some parts of it. It’s a “friendship anthem,” as the seven rings Grande is singing about are the matching rings she gave to her best friends Victoria Monét, Courtney Chipolone, Alexa Luria, Tayla Parx, Njomza and Kaydence Krysiuk.
In my opinion, the two best songs are “needy,” and “NASA.” To me, “bloodline,” is a little silly as she sings, “don’t want you in bloodline.” She rather have a one night stand than a relationship. “Fake smile” is a typical song about not wanting to have to hide your emotions anymore. “Bad idea” is like the lesser version of “Bad Decisions” on her “Dangerous Woman” album.
The most recent single and closing track of the album, “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored,” is a song about Ariana falling in love with a taken man however in the music video, she breaks up with the boy so she can love herself. This album is full of songs that clearly reflect the whirlwind of emotions Ariana has felt in the past few months. Although this isn’t her best album in my opinion, I definitely think there are some highlights on this record, as well as a clear shift from what Ariana is being told to make, into what she actually wants to make.