March 8 was a big day for those who love and listen to Ariana Grande. After three years, the famous artist has finally released her seventh studio album, titled, “Eternal Sunshine.” The album cover displays Grande leaning on her own shoulder, showcasing the theme of self-consolation embedded within the record.
Ariana Grande has been a relevant star in pop-culture for years; however, she disappeared from the limelight after her release of “Positions.” When she got the role of Glinda in the “Wicked” film, she stopped focusing on pop songs and turned her attention to broadway music.
However, because of the WGA strike, she flew to New York and started making music again. She met up with famous producer, Max Martin, and created 13 songs for her concept album, “Eternal Sunshine.”
The album is centered about “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind;” a movie about two people who erase their memories of each other after breaking up. Many have speculated that the theme of the movie relates to Grande’s life. Sure enough, her album is full of vulnerable tracks that touch on heartbreak and lost-love.
With the release of her new album, she has returned in more ways than one. On Saturday, she performed her two songs, “we can’t be friends”, and, “imperfect for you,” on SNL. Grande then flew to LA to present at the Oscars on Sunday night. Both appearances gained public attention, her SNL performance getting over 2.3 million views on YouTube. In fact, her entire album was met with widespread attention and acclaim, reaching #1 on the global Spotify charts.
Fans are thoroughly enjoying the album, as it includes a diversity of sounds and beats. For those who need a good cry, Grande wrote, “i wish i hated you.” On the other hand, for those who want disco-pop, her song, “bye,” delivers. She even brought in hints of 90’s pop on, “the boy is mine.”
Grande’s new album begins with an interesting question, asking how to know if she is in the right relationship. The entire record circles back to that question, capturing the feelings of simultaneous frustration, love, grief, and fear that surround a breakup. Her Nonna is featured in the last song, “ordinary things,” answering Grande’s initial question. In her opinion, “Never go to bed without kissing’ goodnight…and if you can’t…you’re in the wrong place.”
The vocals on “Eternal Sunshine” also prove Grande’s versatility and effortlessness when it comes to her voice. Not only did she write every song, but she produced each track on the album too. While this album is a vocal masterpiece, it also displays Grande’s skillful craftsmanship.
