Photo by Ava Traill.
Ariana Grande has been a relevant figure in pop culture since her long-standing role in the kids show “Victorious” and her eventual breakthrough in the music industry that catapulted her to fame. She disappeared from the music scene for three years, until March 8, 2024, when she released her album “eternal sunshine.”
Many speculated that this album would be a response to all the hate she has received online due to the controversy surrounding her love life with Mac Miller, Pete Davidson, Dalton Gomez and now Ethan Slater. Rumors of Grande being a cheater and a homewrecker have damaged her public image. After listening to it, it is clear that her intention with this album was to speak the truth and share her side of the story.
The first audiences got to hear of this album was her single, “yes, and?” which was released in January. She later released a rendition featuring Mariah Carey. It was a smart choice to make “yes, and?” the single since it is by far the most mainstream and catchy song of the album.
The theme of the album is love and loss, expressed in a different way from anything Grande has done before. In the past, her music has been strictly lustful, unapologetic and sassy. This may be the first-time fans have seen her use her music to discuss harder topics, like divorce, grief and finding your authentic self.
The production is very true to Grande’s typical tight harmonies, iconic riffs and pop beats. Songs like “bye,” “yes, and?,” and “supernatural” blend right into her discography, but the rest of the album has a distinctly different sound that I would describe as nostalgic, outside of the box and pensive in comparison to her other music.
The slower songs like “intro (end of the world),” “don’t wanna break up again,” “i wish i hated you, “and “imperfect for you,” all show a more vulnerable and honest perspective. While still pop, the tempo, lighter background and content of the songs allowed her to show an openness like never before.
Other tracks like “eternal sunshine,” “true story,” and “the boy is mine,” allow her to speak her truth regarding her side of the divorce and her new relationship in a not-so-subtle way. They have beat drops and a stronger presence which beautifully contradicts the softer tracks on the album.
While most of the album does pertain to themes relating to standing up for her own happiness, some songs are clearly about other uncomfortable situations, like “we can’t be friends (wait for your love),” which many predict is about her feelings towards her relationship to her deceased ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, as evidenced by the music video. There are clues like the snow angel scene and the scene with the dog that make audiences believe this song was dedicated to him.
“Saturn Returns Interlude,” “imperfect for you,” and “ordinary things (feat. Nonna),” all encompass her general theme of being her authentic self, regardless of how the world feels. Her message to the listeners is clear, to do what is right for you, without regard to how others will perceive you, because it is your life that you have to live.
The additions of the deluxe album featured artist Troye Sivan, who many will recognize for his recent and long-standing success as a pop artist. She also added an acoustic rendition of “imperfect for you” and an a cappella rendition of “true story.”
While this album was very different from her others, it seems that Grande is telling audiences that although she has been around for a long time, she has so much more to learn and grow and give to audiences. This deviation from her typical themes may save her reputation.
The release of this album is less than coincidental because of her upcoming role as Glenda in the movie musical “Wicked,” which premieres on November 27, 2024. The publicity surrounding Grande’s movie and latest album release may be able to change the conversation from endless hate to “eternal sunshine.”