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Ariana has hit us with another surprise with the release of her most recent album Thank U, Next on February 8, 2019. She stayed true to her word that it would not be long before another new album surfaced.
As if we thought she topped enough charts with her previous album, Sweetener, which was released on Aug. 17, 2018; Grande was not even close to being done.
Thank U, Next takes you somewhere that she has never reached before. Of the 12 tracks on the album, you can feel in each one that she is revealing raw and honest emotions. It is unlike any of her other albums and may be her best one to date. The vibes are much different. The songs do not give off the same happy pop tone that Grande is known for. The album has trap beats and a sad tone heard when you listen closely to the lyrics.
After her breakup with Pete Davidson, the release of the single “Thank U, Next” on Nov. 3, 2018 sent a message of women empowerment out to the world. The single is a very catchy anthem basically saying that women are ready to take on whatever life may throw at them, regarding relationships or anything else. “Thank U, Next” is one of the most well known tracks off of the album.
“Imagine”, the first track on the album, gives us a first glimpse at the new feeling Grande is giving off. It is slow and dark, which is unlike what we are used to hearing from her. The lyrics put you in Grande’s head, listening to her deepest fantasies:
We go like up ‘til I’m ‘sleep on your chest
Love how my face fits so good in your neck
Why can’t you imagine a world like that?
Imagine a world
The song also has amazing vocals, specifically to the end where she hits 4 high whistle notes.
The track “7 rings” was another single released before the full album. It is a nice contrast compared to “Thank U, Next”, as it is not an upbeat pop track. It is another anthem for women to stick together against men, specifically in the verse:
“Wearing a ring but ain’t gon be no “Mrs.”/ Bought matching diamonds for 6 of my bitches/ I’d rather spoil all my friends with my riches/ Think retail therapy my new addiction.”
Wearing a ring but ain’t gon be no “Mrs”
Bought matching diamonds for 6 of my bitches
I’d rather spoil all my friends with my riches
Think retail therapy my new addiction
“Break up with your girlfriend, I’m bored” is popular off the album as well, with a similar tone to “7 rings”. While Grande confesses to the not so good side of her own thoughts, it gives off a mysterious, “bad” vibe.
Grande exposes the struggles of one of her relationships in the slow song, “ghostin”. She admits she would rather be with someone else and to putting her significant other through a hard time as she says:
I know that it breaks your heart when I cry again
Over him, mmh
I know that it breaks your heart when I cry again
‘Stead of ghostin’ him
Overall, this is definitely Grande’s most personal album. It is amazing how she has evolved as an artist. She has definitely hit her peak of success with Thank U, Next. As she pours herself out on this record, Grande is finally at a point where she does not feel restricted.
Album Rating: 9/10
Album Review By: Larissa Brulato
