The clock struck midnight on March 8th, and the sun came out. After four years, Ariana Grande released her seventh studio album entitled, eternal sunshine. Let’s dive in track by track!
intro (end of the world) – the prelude to everything Ari touches upon on this record. Hearing it for the first time was like waking up from a dream. So many questions to be answered!
bye – this one is for all the “Greedy” fans from Dangerous Woman. The high energy mixed with her classic power vocals makes for the perfect dance track, and the production does not disappoint!
don’t wanna break up again – the uproar in the fanbase caused specifically by the first verse was enough for Ari to take to social media and ask for kindness. This track was her realization that her relationship needed to end. We’re proud of her, and a bit protective.
The album is split in two by Saturn Returns Interlude, which is a recording of astrologer Diana Garland describing the extraordinary change a person experiences at around 29.5 years of age. It fits the theme of the entire album perfectly!
eternal sunshine – most significant track to this concept album! Ari talks about wanting to erase the memory of her ex, and the song itself is incredibly 90’s pop in the best way. Her laugh at the very start of the track is so symbolic to this song specifically. She’s coming to peace with her past and the darkness is becoming lighter. The way this song relates to the film she took inspiration from, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – is absolutely chilling.
supernatural – the magic in this song is unreal. The chorus is so spacey and gives major thank u, next era vibes.
true story – a dedication to the fans of the infamous Fantasize leaks. In a way the melody of this track reminds me of Dangerous Woman. The serious, tough girl vibe of the chorus and the mystery embedded in each verse is enough for me to create a full tour production of this track in my head! It’s becoming a favorite!
the boy is mine – in my opinion, the most R&B track. The key change during the chorus is everything. I hear a lot of Yours Truly era in this one, especially with the skips towards the end of the chorus. It definitely reminds me of the very beginning of Ariana’s music career. It’s giving me a lot of nostalgia!
yes, and? – this one will always be remembered as her best comeback single to date. Ari took back her voice and reclaimed her power from the media and critics that attempted to take her down during her hiatus. They lost.
we can’t be friends (wait for your love) – my personal favorite and Ariana’s latest single! What’s interesting lyrically is that it can be interpreted in two ways – a relationship with an ex or how the media and critics are constantly judging and changing their minds about her. The music video does the perfect storytelling of how she wants to erase specific memories of an ended relationship, but listening to the track alone can put a different twist on it. Both scenarios make perfect sense, and the way she seemed to tell two stories at once is insanely impressive!
i wish i hated you – most heartbreaking track recipient. The lyrics have Ari admitting she wishes her ex treated her worse so she would feel more closure about the chapter ending. It’s the way she gets choked up in the second chorus that really puts a knife in your heart.
imperfect for you – most surprising sound on the record! Ariana’s deeper tone matched with a guitar during the verses was as close to country music anyone could’ve ever expected from her. Her diversity and ability to sing any genre really showed through this track!
ordinary things (feat. Nonna) – The last track is the first hint from Ari about her new love. The way she details how even the simplest things they do together will be anything but ordinary is the sweetest part, and truly comforting to her fans knowing she’s in a safer place.
One of the most significant parts about this album is the lyric placement in the first and last tracks. In intro (end of the world), the first line is “How can I tell if I’m in the right relationship?”. In the final track, ordinary things, the last thing heard is Ariana’s Nonna saying: “You’re in the wrong place, get out.” Ariana began her seventh record asking a question, and ended it with the answer she knew she needed to hear.
I’m giving eternal sunshine a flawless 10/10 rating. It’s truly one of Ariana’s best pieces of work, and it’s obvious how much of her heart she put into it. For an album that was never supposed to be, it sure gets a permanent place in my memory.
ROARA Magazine 