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It has been almost four years since Ariana Grande dropped Positions, a romantic song dedicated to her soon-to-be husband, Dalton Gomez. In this new album, she delves into the quick breakdown of that relationship, as well as navigating her newfound love and the media backlash that comes with it. The first single, Yes, And?, perfectly captures Grande’s perspective on gossip and the invasion of privacy: “Your personal life is yours, and mine is mine/ Why are you so concerned about who I am with?”
The delivery of the line is done with such restraint that its impact is initially unnoticed. This technique is utilized by Grande, who has a powerful voice, throughout the album. Whether alluding to cheating on the title track, or requesting forgiveness on the standout song “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)”, Grande maintains control and power. This is evident in the pulsing synths and upbeat tempo of “We Can’t Be Friends”, which stands out amidst the laid-back, midtempo R&B tracks on the album. Grande also experiments with lush vocal layering on “The Boy Is Mine” and creates sharp melodies that are reminiscent of cut glass on “Supernatural”. This album is refined and subtle, yet still has a hint of boldness and edge, particularly on the darkly-tinged track “True Story”. Overall, “Eternal Sunshine” feels like a cathartic release of emotions.
Source: theguardian.com
