Ariana Grande “Eternal Sunshine” Album Review

Eternal Sunshine

Ariana Grande

• Genre: Pop
• Date: March 8, 2024
• Content: Explicit
• Track(s): 13
• 2023, Republic Records/UMG Recordings

Ariana Grande’s latest album, Eternal Sunshine, is a pop and R&B album with dance influences. It was released on March 8, 2024, by Republic Records and features mid-tempo synthesizers, subtle guitar, and string elements. The album was created by a talented team of writers and producers, led by the talented Ariana Grande, Max Martin, Ilya Salmanzadeh, Oscar Görres, and others.

The album’s lead single, “Yes, And?”, was released on January 12, 2024, and debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Grande’s eighth number-one song in the United States. The second single, “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love),”  was released simultaneously with the album. Ariana Grande derived the album title from the 2004 romantic drama film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”. She intended the album to showcase both vulnerability and entertainment, and she has already promoted and discussed the album on several programs hosted by radio personalities Zach Sang and Zane Lowe. Additionally, Ariana Grande is set to be the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on March 9, 2024.

Album Art

As we look at the album art, we see Ariana resting her head on a figure that appears to be her. It is hard to tell as they have their backs to the camera. However, we can sense the emotion behind her gesture and sense that she has found a safe place to lean on. It’s heartwarming to see that she feels grateful to have someone to rest upon, as her subtle message reminds us all that everyone needs somebody.

Tracks And Features

Heartbreak can be a painful experience, and no one understands it more than Grande. In her album, she initially addresses the most intense feelings of heartbreak, paving the way for a cathartic experience. She poses the album’s central question in the first song, “Intro (End of the World),”  and then spends the following few tracks fighting for herself or her relationship. On “Bye,” Grande is so ready to let go that her friend Courtney is waiting for her in the driveway with her belongings, understanding the need for a supportive friend during such a difficult time.

“Don’t Wanna Break Up Again” is a little more uncertain, where she shares her struggle with leaving a negligent partner she still loves. The early songs showcase Grande’s incredible vocal range and are reminiscent of the Seventies pop music era, with her best Diana Ross impression.

The title track, “Eternal Sunshine,” is a beautiful and poignant R&B-pop cut that showcases her emotional depth and vulnerability. The song is named after the 2004 movie “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,”  and Grande sings about wanting to “wipe [her] mind.” It’s a relatable feeling, and she captures it beautifully. Overall, Grande’s album is a testament to the healing power of music and empathy towards those who have experienced heartbreak.

As we delve further into Ariana Grande’s album, we see her exploring new sounds and styles. However, there is a noticeable shift in the mood of the album with the song “Boy Is Mine,” which is not a cover of the hit song by Brandy and Monica. Ariana has described it as a “big sister” to her leaked but unreleased song, “Fantasize.” Initially written as a parody of a ’90s girl group on an unknown TV show, it has been significantly reworked. However, some of the original vibe remains, making it feel slightly out of place with the other songs.

It’s worth noting that the music may spark some controversy on Twitter due to the timing of Ariana’s current relationship with Ethan Slater, which some speculate is reminiscent of the late ’90s, early August R&B-pop era.

“Boy Is Mine” is Ariana’s interpretation of the Brandy and Monica duet of the same name, but it feels more like a sequel to “Break Up With Your Girlfriend” from her previous album, “Thank U, Next,” with its driving, bass-heavy beat. We can only imagine Ariana’s emotions on this track, and we can’t wait to see how it resonates with her fans.

It’s always tricky dealing with heartache, but there’s some advice that may help. In “Saturn Returns Interlude,” Ariana Grande samples an obscure astrologer named Diana Garland, who talks about why the age of 29 is significant in a YouTube video.

Despite the challenges that come with this age, Diana offers words of comfort and hope for the future. Even if things seem uncertain, she encourages resilience and acceptance. While “Yes And?” may be the weakest track on the album, “True Story” is a song that plays with Grande’s public image.

She offers to play the role of a villain or a bad girl in someone’s eyes on top of a beat that sounds like Timbaland produced it. It’s an exciting twist that shows how Grande is willing to embrace different sides of herself.

The album takes you on an emotional journey with the lively and upbeat “Yes, And?” which pays homage to Madonna’s “Vogue.”. This is followed by the poignant and heartbreaking “We Can’t Be Friends,”  which will make you reach for the tissues. It’s a song that speaks to the soul and is the emotional core of the entire album.

“I Wish I Hated You” reflects heartbreak and the lingering feeling of love. The melody is unique and owes its inspiration to the talented Imogen Heap. The instrumental loop and gentle bass notes create a music box-like quality that adds to the song’s emotional depth.

Ariana Grande’s album “Eternal Sunshine” features some of her best work, and the final four songs are genuinely captivating. “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” is a big pop anthem that showcases Grande’s vulnerability and intimacy. The Robyn-esque dance beat adds depth to the song, making it a perfect addition to the album. This track is a love letter to the work of Max Martin, Grande’s primary collaborator, and the great pop princesses she has collaborated with over the years. “Imperfect for You” is a fresh and exciting departure for Ariana. The heavily treated guitar and subtle Beatlesque touches combine to create a new and unique sound.

The album concludes beautifully, with Ariana’s grandmother imparting wisdom on “ordinary things.”. Her advice on relationships is heartfelt and genuine. “Never go to bed without kissing goodnight,” she says. “And if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, you’re in the wrong place.” This is the most touching part of “Eternal Sunshine,”  and is a perfect ending to a coming-of-age album. This album portrays an ideal of love that seems like a fairy tale, but it is worth striving for.

Album Summary

Ariana Grande’s latest album, Eternal Sunshine, begins with a question she spends the rest of the album trying to answer: “How do I know if I’m in the right relationship?” It’s been five years since her last album, Thank You, Next, and it seems she hasn’t figured out the answer yet.

Fans can imagine how challenging and uncertain that must feel, especially when hoping to find eternal love. You may be disappointed if you expect similar positivity from this album. It’s a journey that exposes her vulnerabilities and takes us through all the stages of grief as she navigates a new beginning with some of her career’s most honest and creative songs so far.

By the end of the album, Grande comes as close as anyone possibly can to answering her question from the start of the album. However, like everyone else, she admits that understanding how love works is a fool’s errand. The album’s final song sums it up: Grande celebrates the simple joys of spending time with someone you care about.

Her Nonna astutely points out how you can at least tell when it’s over: “If you don’t feel comfortable” kissing them goodnight, even after a big fight, “you’re in the wrong place. Get out.” It’s a valuable lesson we can all learn from and apply.

Tracklist

#	Title	Artist	Duration
1	intro (end of the world)	Ariana Grande	1:33
2	bye	Ariana Grande	2:45
3	don’t wanna break up again	Ariana Grande	2:55
4	Saturn Returns Interlude	Ariana Grande	0:43
5	eternal sunshine	Ariana Grande	3:31
6	supernatural	Ariana Grande	2:44
7	true story	Ariana Grande	2:44
8	the boy is mine	Ariana Grande	2:54
9	yes, and?	Ariana Grande	3:35
10	we can’t be friends (wait for your love)	Ariana Grande	3:49
11	i wish i hated you	Ariana Grande	2:34
12	imperfect for you	Ariana Grande	3:03
13	ordinary things (feat. Nonna)	Ariana Grande	2:49
14	supernatural	Ariana Grande & Troye Sivan	2:44
15	imperfect for you (acoustic)	Ariana Grande	3:04
16	true story (a cappella)	Ariana Grande	2:43
17	yes, and? (Remix)	Ariana Grande & Mariah Carey	3:35

 

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