The year 2018 was a landmark year for Ariana Grande with the release of her hit album "Sweetener". This new era for her as an artist is marked as bridge between the pop princess persona to a more mature and exploratory one. She touches on other genres such as Soul and R&B music and pushing away from her original pop sound. She even features moguls within the R&B community, such as Missy Elliott, Nicki Minaj, and Pharrell.
We broke down the 15 track album with a countdown of our current favorites.
Ariana Grande | Youtube | ELLE
1. God is a woman
Arguably one of her most critically receptive songs to date. Between its edgy Hip Hop feel, catchy vibe, and almost liberating femininity, it's one we still can't get out of our heads. The accompanying music video for the hit track was a commercial success as well as its ability to confidently speaks volumes for women across the globe. The song was nominated for both a Grammy and MTV VMA award for both its audio and visual quality.
Ariana Grande | Youtube | Insider
2. breathin
The pop single or rather inspirational song portrays struggles with anxiety in a more fluid & upbeat manner. The album "Sweetener" was released a year after the Manchester Bombings and the same year of her ex, Mac Miller's passing. Grande has been open about her experience with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health issues following the event. The track is similar to a journal entry as she dives into support she receives and the internal dialogue she experiences on a daily basis. The single was certified platinum in multiple countries as well as topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts after its release.
Ariana Grande | SoundCloud
3. better off
This personal track strays away from the pop music center that most of her music falls into and is a more vulnerable story than other songs on the album. It openly discusses her relationship, what happens behind closed doors, and unapologetically opens the world to the conversations that she has with herself & closest friends. The song alludes to a past relationship with rapper Mac Miller and quotes it as more of a 'toxic' connection. This track brings a more intimate feel into her music and reaffirms her new voice within music & songwriting
4. goodnight n go
Drawing inspiration from "Goodnight And Go" by artist Imogen Heap, released in 2006, the song mixes pop with house music as she describes a giddy type of love, alluding to her then relationship with Pete Davidson. She performed the single live and even included Imogen's verse to ode the inspiration for the elegant track, which highlights her lighter vocals and brings a softness into the album.
5. succesful
the R&B-centered song is one we can't seem to forget. From it's positive energy, uplifting mantra, and inspirational themes, she connects right with her fans as she motivates others to follow in her footsteps of success. The funky and celebratory beat helps break up the album between it's more sultry and passionate songs with a fresh & fun beat.
6. R.E.M
Another crowd R&B and soul favorite, produced and co-written by Pharrell Williams, toys with the actuality of REM sleep - being in both a dream state and reality. The intimate and dreamy love song peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and is a personal favorite of the singer.
7. everytime
A recognizable track on the 2018 album touches on both rap and pop music with an edgy spin that was critically acclaimed by fans and music reviews. Although she describes being in a push & pull toxic relationship, she does so with her head held high and pure truthfulness on her lips. The song beautifully highlights not only the lower tones in her register but puts a spotlight on the higher end of her vocal range.
8. no tears left to cry
Perhaps the most memorable track from the album, the single begins with a lullaby-like verse followed by a more R&B-centric focus until the two join forces for the remainder of the song. The song describes her walking above the negative mentality, persona, and storyline that was given to her and rising from it all. The song won best pop and best female video - international at the MTV VMA awards with over 10 nominations in 2018 & 2019.
9. sweetener
A self-empowering love song from the pop star was a quick commercial success after its release. It was the first completed song on the album and is a catchy tune that quickly topped the charts. She describes being given difficult life situations and handling it with grace & love as she thanks her partner for the support they've given her. It went certified platinum in the US, gold in Australia and silver in the UK.
10. borderline (feat. Missy Elliott)
Joining forces with one of the biggest inspirations for current pop music, Missy Elliott, the single broadens her artistic landscape as she drew inspiration from 'Misdemeaner' herself. Yet another love song that details Grande's internal dialogue about a lover she's devoted to pursuing.
11. get well soon
One of the main themes in this album is mental & emotional health, which Ariana continues in this single. From casting a light on internal demons and battles she endures to family and friends rushing to her side in support. It's main theme is self-care and working through the pain as mental health is of upmost importance for her. It was co-written by Pharrell who helped curate this personal story into a beautifully significant song that in a way is therapeutic.
12. blazed (feat. Pharrell Williams)
A staggering love song delivered to by Grande and producer Pharrell is a flirty and cheerful beat that is the perfect break up between the heavier tracks on the album. The song describes the realization of intimate connection between two partners and the idea of having them forever. Despite its simplicity, it's a romance tune that was much needed.
13. pete davidson
The background of this song discusses her current relationship with celebrity, Pete Davidson as she thanks him for the impact he's had on her life during a difficult time, through thick & thin. It was the final song on the album and co-written by Grande's friend Victoria Monét. The track emits pure happiness and fans across the globe felt every bit of her soul.
14. the light is coming (feat. Nicki Minaj)
Longtime friend, Nicki joined the artist in the studio and brought another rap track onto the Sweetener album. It features Ariana not only conveying her pure vocal talent but talent in rapping, which hasn't been featured in previous albums. It sets itself apart from her previous work as well as the other songs on the album, through its production quality, thanks to Pharrell but its complete composition. The song was a commercial success and topped the charts in multiple countries.
15. raindrops (an angel cried)
The beginning of the album begins with the angelic verse from Ariana herself to introduce us to the soulful emotions of the entire piece of art. With no background vocals, instruments, or other additives, the song features the pure talent of Grande herself as she lays her heart out with these soul-crushing words that paint a picture of grief, recovery, hurt, and anguish.
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