Featured photo by Ariana Grande
Story by Danny Osborn
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Ariana Grande’s seventh studio album, “Eternal Sunshine,” is a ray of sunlight. This full concept album takes inspiration from the 2004 film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” After her sixth studio album, “Positions,” was released in 2020, Grande had a lot to live up to.
Fans have been begging the pop superstar to release music for years, and when Grande started teasing the record in December 2023, they went crazy online.
The Grammy Award winner wasn’t planning on releasing music for a couple more years. While starring in the movie, “Wicked,” Grande has had a full plate for over a year. She revealed that this album wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023. When Hollywood shut down and “Wicked” paused filming, the “Thank U, Next” singer had some extra time on her hands.
“It all just kind of started pouring out…,” Grande said in an interview with Zach Sang.
When meeting with legendary producer Max Martin, “Eternal Sunshine” started coming to life.
After the release of the sassy hit “Yes, And?” back in January, fans were expecting a full-out dance record. But when the album was released, people were surprised to hear that Grande created quite the opposite.
While the album has upbeat moments like “Bye” and “The Boy is Mine,” most of the other tracks are relaxed. Songs such as “Don’t Wanna Break Up Again” and “True Story” have an old-school R&B feel. “Supernatural” and “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)” have a dreamy flow. The record even has a gorgeous ballad titled “I Wish I Hated You.”
There are some witty moments throughout the album that compliment the artist’s vocals and musicality. Grande ironically refers to her marriage as a situationship in “Don’t Wanna Break Up Again,” and in the title track, she sarcastically sings, “Hope you feel alright when you’re in her.” And of course there is the infamous line from “Yes, And?” that goes, “Why do you care so much whose d– I ride?”
After Grande’s divorce from ex-husband Dalton Gomez, the album starts off with a question in the intro song, “End of the World”; “How can I tell if I’m in the right relationship?”
The album then guides the listener through the story of the end of their relationship. After finding new love, the album’s closer, “Ordinary Things,” ends with a voice memo from her Nonna saying, “And if you can’t, and if you don’t feel comfortable doing it/You’re in the wrong place, get out,” seeming to answer the question presented at the front of the album.
“Eternal Sunshine” has been receiving praise from many critics. Expecting to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 Charts, Grande will most likely receive her sixth number-one album. This record is a staple in Grande’s career.
Danny Osborn is a contributing writer for MTSU Sidelines.
To contact Lifestyles Editor Destiny Mizell and Assistant Lifestyles Editor Shamani Salahuddin, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com.
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