Thank U, Next- Released February 8th, 2019
Rating: 5/5 stars
Ariana Grande has delivered her most cohesive and experimental project yet with the release of “Thank U, Next”. After the success of 2018’s optimistic “Sweetener”, Ariana’s life took a turn for the worst. Her highly public engagement with comedian Pete Davidson ended and her ex-boyfriend, musician Mac Miller, unfortunately passed away. Despite announcing a break from music, Ariana returned to the studio and in just months created a new album: “Thank U, Next”.
Unlike her previous studio albums, Ariana took creative control over the majority of the album; co-writing and co-producing every single track. While still maintaining a large number of collaborating writers and producers, Ariana’s creative influence is clear through the personal and distinct lyrics. Ariana has taken a step forward from her previous uninspired, manufactured and impersonal pop songs. “Thank U, Next” provides a stark contrast from the rest of Grande’s discography, with an undercurrent of sadness and darkness hidden within each song. In 12 tracks, Ariana gives us a glimpse into her life; documenting her experiences with sadness, heartbreak and newfound freedom. Released only 6 months after her previous album, Ariana delivers a masterpiece of pop and R&B perfection that stands out as the magnum opus of her career so far.
The album begins with quiet and enchanting track, “Imagine”. The track reveals a layer of vulnerability not seen in the rest of Grande’s catalog as she sings of an unattainable love just out of her grasp. Ariana describes a normal, romance-filled evening with her lover, singing: “Staying up all night, order me pad thai, then we gon’ sleep til’ noon. Me with no makeup, you in the bathtub.” She sets the scene of a perfect romance before the chorus comes in, revealing that this romance is only a fantasy. “Imagine a world like that” Ariana sings, followed by deafening pauses that communicate the underlying pain and sadness of the track. Presumably, the track is written regarding the passing of Mac Miller as Ariana dreams of a perfect day with him. Despite her wishes, this romance will never come to fruition and is only possible within her mind. In the second verse, Ariana says “Knew you were perfect after the first kiss” as she continues to ponder upon the love that she has lost. Despite her split with Miller, Ariana clearly states that her love for him always remained and will continue to stay with her throughout her life. The track reaches a dramatic conclusion as Grande repeats “Imagine, can you imagine?”, accompanied with heavy layered vocals and whistle tones that add an ethereal layer to the song. The track is a perfect introduction into the melancholy and moody nature of the album.
The second track, “Needy” is extremely personal, once again revealing more vulnerability to the pop diva’s persona. The production is simple, with only a single-note synth mimicking the sound of a music box, accompanying Grande in the verses. Along with rhythmic snaps, in the pre-chorus Ariana reveals “I admit that I’m a lil’ messed up, but I can hide it when I’m all dressed up. I’m obsessive and I love too hard, good at overthinking with my heart.” These confessional lyrics prove to demonstrate the dramatic shift in Ariana’s lyricism, no longer plagued by innuendo or general, sometimes cheesy, lyrics. The production remains soft and tranquil as Grande’s powerful voice and lyrics take center stage. Gentle backing vocals accompany the chorus as Ariana states, “I can be needy, way too damn needy, tell me how good it feels to be needed.” Ariana addresses her fear of loneliness and need for emotional support and validation. Instead of being ashamed of her neediness, Grande embraces the fact that she desires companionship. She sings, “You can go ahead and call me selfish, but after all this damage I can’t help it.” As the track reaches its conclusion, a swell of strings take over the track, very similar to 2016 track “I Don’t Care”. “Needy” is a celebration of embracing one’s flaws and need for human connection, especially in the wake of tragedy. After all Ariana has been through, we cannot blame her.
Track three, “NASA”, is a juxtaposition to the previous track as Ariana sings of needing personal time and space within a relationship. Legendary drag queen Shangela, a.k.a D.J Pierce, opens the track with a powerful statement: “This is one small step for woman, one giant leap for woman-kind.” Using the imagery and metaphor of outer space, Ariana sings of her desire for alone time. The slick and unique production pulls the listener into Grande’s universe as she compares herself to the elusive and extraordinary state of the galaxy. “I’d rather be alone tonight. You can say ‘I love you’ through the phone tonight” she sings, “Baby you know time apart is beneficial. It’s like I’m the universe and you’ll be N-A-S-A.” She communicates her desire to remain somewhat of a mystery, even within a loving relationship. Like NASA, her partner will be able to explore parts of her like the universe but many aspects of her will remain unknown. Whining synths accompany Grande throughout the verses and pre-chorus and the chorus is explosive as the beat drops and Ariana sings: “Give you the whole world, I’ma need space. You know I’m a star, space, I’ma need space.” The track is a beautiful statement of how distance makes the heart grow fonder and ultimately strengthens a relationship.
The next track, “Bloodline” makes use of trumpets, trombones and saxophones as Ariana sings about desiring a relationship without strings attached. The song begins with a sample of Grande’s grandmother saying “I’m trying to do the best I can, and they can’t find something to satisfy me.” With her new freedom and singularity, Grande clearly states that she is no longer looking for a long-term relationship or marriage like in the past. The production is hard-hitting and in-your-face throughout the verses and pre-chorus before the chorus explodes. “Don’t want you in my bloodline” Ariana states in the energetic chorus, “Just wanna have a good time”. The track is a celebration of independence after a series of public relationships and an engagement. Ariana sounds carefree and insistent in her new era of individuality and self-determination. “I ain’t lookin’ for my one true love, yeah that ship sailed away” she states, referencing her relationship with Davidson. The track is a breath of fresh air in Ariana’s discography, usually characterized by infatuation and romanticism. With “Bloodline” Ariana presents a new dimension to her artistry and songwriting. The energetic horns and catchy production further push the track to be a standout in Grande’s catalog.
Track five, “Fake Smile” begins with a sample of 1964 song “After Laughter (Comes Tears)” by Wendy Rene. The opening is melancholy as the sample repeats the lyrics “After laughter, comes tears”. This is a stark contrast from Ariana’s 2018 hit “No Tears Left To Cry”, which was filled with euphoric and carefree energy. Following the sample, the production drops into a pulsating, rhythmic beat as Grande describes leaving a tiring party that has left her feeling drained. “I’m happy for the love and all of the above,” Ariana sings, “If I’m being honest, I done been through way too much.” The pre-chorus is intimate and raw as she states, “I can’t fake another smile, I can’t fake like I’m alright. I won’t say I’m feeling fine, after what I’ve been through I can’t lie.” The lyrics tell of a universal concept, but manages to sound personal and true with Ariana’s vocal delivery. The chorus is simple, but effective and catchy as Grande repeats “Fuck a fake smile” with intense conviction and truth. The lyrics are an anthem, a mantra for the people that are tired of faking happiness. Ariana encourages her listeners to be honest with their emotions instead of hiding them under a fake layer of being “fine”. It is incredibly refreshing to hear lyrics like this from Grande after the too-sweet and slightly hollow lyrics of previous album, “Sweetener”. The bridge sings like another anthem or mantra as Grande states, “If I’m hurt, I ain’t gon’ lie about it, arms crossed with the attitude, lips pouted.” The track is successful in communicating a sense of sadness but also freedom, as Ariana encourages listeners to own their sadness and other negative emotions.
Track six, “Bad Idea”, is an explosive electro-pop banger about reckless and self-destructive behavior used to numb pain and escape from negative emotions. The lyrics are not as straight-forward as the other tracks, but Ariana gets her point across. Over a fast-paced, chaotic beat, Ariana sings of desiring control over her life: “I don’t wanna roll with it, tryna get control of it.” The chorus is a high point in the entire album as a whole as Grande roars: “I got a bad idea, how ’bout we take a little bit of time away? I got a bad idea, forget about it, forget about him, forget about me.” Ariana admits to her use of escapism over dreamy production and an extremely singable melody. One of the highest points in Grande’s entire discography arrives just over 2 minutes into the track as the track slows and she harmonizes over an incoming wave of strings, enveloping the listener into the lush production and angelic vocals. Ariana belts out, “I got a bad idea!” and the beat returns, providing one of the most euphoric moments on the record. At its conclusion, the strings return and so does the beat, followed by a warped, down-pitched voice singing the chorus. This moment provides a perfect end to a song that exudes complete experimental pop perfection.
The seventh track, “Make Up” is the shortest on the album, serving as a bridge between the explosive pop of the previous track and the sadness of the next. Over a thunderous R&B beat, Ariana once again addresses and admits to her self-destructive behavior. “I like to fuck with you just to make up with you, ’cause the way you be screamin’ my name make me want to make love to you” she sings in the introduction, immediately catching the attention of the listener and pulling us into another melancholy but lighthearted track. Ariana uses a play on words between “making up” and actual material makeup. “I love it when we make up, go ‘head, ruin my makeup” she sings in the chorus along with addicting backing vocals. The lyrics are clever, specifically in the name-dropping line “Highlight of my life just like that Fenty beauty kit.” Although the song does not stand out as much as the others, Ariana still delivers a catchy and moody track with a beat you can’t help but nod your head to.
Track eight, “Ghostin” is the most somber track on the record and one of the saddest in Grande’s discography, with Ariana even stating that she doesn’t like to listen to it. The production is sparse, leaning heavily into ambient instrumentals that make Ariana’s vocal delivery take the spotlight. “I know you hear me when I cry” she sings in the opening verse, “I try to hold it in the night.” The track seems to be about Grande’s crumbling relationship with Davidson following the death of Mac Miller. Despite being with Davidson, Grande expresses her love and grief for Miller that has begun to take a toll on her and their relationship. “You been so understanding, you been so good. And I’m puttin’ you through more than one ever should. And I’m hating myself ’cause you don’t want to admit that it hurts you” Ariana sings in one of the most powerful vocal performances in her career so far. Her partner, presumably Davidson, is aware of the grief that she is experiencing in the wake of Miller’s death as well as the fact that she loves Miller as much, or slightly more, as she loves Davidson. “I know that it breaks your heart when I cry again, instead of ghostin’ him” she sings in the chorus with a haunting and melancholy melody. Grande communicates that she cannot let go of her love for Miller even though it is tearing her current relationship apart. The lyrics are tragic and are powerfully delivered through Ariana’s vocals. “We’ll get through this, we’ll get past this, I’m a girl with a whole lot of baggage” she sings in the post-chorus, the optimistic lyrics contrasted with the sadness in Grande’s voice, as if she isn’t sure they will get past it at all. The track comes to a powerful conclusion with Grande harmonizing over intense orchestral production. “Ghostin” is a wonderfully written and beautifully produced track in which Grande displays more vulnerability than we have ever seen.
Track nine, “In My Head” begins with a voicemail from one of Ariana’s best friends, Doug Middlebrook. He says to Grande: “You’re in love with a version of a person that you’ve created in your head. The only person you can fix is yourself.” The track explodes into a pounding trap beat as Ariana describes being in a relationship in which she is in love with the idea of someone rather than what exists in actuality. Grande vulnerably sings, “Painted a picture, I thought I knew you well. I got a habit of seeing what isn’t there.” The track is upbeat, contrasted by the devastating subject matter. “I thought you were the one” Ariana sings, “But it was all in my head.” In the latter lyric, Grande rings into her higher register to create vocals that communicate both frustration and pain. The post-chorus is addictive and smooth as Ariana sings, “Look at you, boy I invented you. Your Gucci tennis shoes, running from your issues.” The track reaches an emotional conclusion during the bridge as Ariana admits, “Everything you are made you everything you aren’t. I saw your potential without seeing credentials.” The track is universally relatable but remains extremely personal through the quick-witted and smooth lyrics. Although not the highest point on the record, “In My Head” is light years ahead of many other Grande songs with clean production and mature lyricism.
“7 Rings” is the tenth track, one of the most cheerful and upbeat on the record. The second single, the song was released to both positive reactions and criticism toward the subject matter. Ariana leans heavily into trap and R&B territory as she boasts about her success, rich lifestyle and friendship. Sampling The Sound of Music’s “My Favorite Things” in the verses, Grande sings: “Been through some bad shit, I should be a sad bitch. Who woulda thought it’d turn me to a savage?” The track stands out from the rest of the record, but does not sound out of place. In fact, the lyrics can be seen as slightly melancholy as it has been suggested that Ariana is singing of covering up negativity with material things. The chorus isn’t as lyrically deep but it is fun as she sings, “I want it, I got it. You like my hair? Gee thanks, just bought it.” The track is very tongue-in-cheek and a great break from the heaviness of the rest of the album. Ariana’s delivery is sassy and assertive, making her sound like the most powerful woman on the Earth. The track speaks of Ariana placing importance upon friendship rather than relationships, singing: “Wearing a ring but ain’t gon’ be no Mrs. Bought matching diamonds for six of my bitches, I’d rather spoil all my friends with my riches.” This track only further solidifies Grande’s position as one of the most powerful artists in the world at the moment. I personally have no issue with the subject matter and don’t buy into the “classism” argument because the song is clearly not meant to be taken quite so seriously. The track is catchy, playful and empowering, making you feel like a millionaire for 2 minutes and 59 seconds. Besides, male artists have released boastful songs like this for ages with little to no uproar. If I were in Ariana’s position, I’d boast about my success too.
The penultimate and title track “Thank U, Next” was the first single from the album and became one of Ariana’s most successful songs. The song is lighthearted and playful as Grande recounts almost all of her previous relationships, name-dropping her ex-boyfriends and thanking them for what they taught her. “Thought I’d end up with Sean, but he wasn’t a match. Wrote some songs about Ricky, now I listen and laugh. Even almost got married, and for Pete I’m so thankful. Wish I could say thank you to Malcolm, ’cause he was an angel.” This track was a clear sample of the personal lyricism that was ahead for Ariana, expressing a new layer of vulnerability and creative artistry. The production is soft and ethereal as Ariana sings the well-known pre-chorus, “One taught me love, one taught me patience and one taught me pain” taking on a mature perspective of her breakups and what she learned from each. The chorus is euphoric as Grande chants, “Thank you, next! I’m so fucking grateful for my ex!” The track sounds like emotional release, a much-needed song in which Ariana displays her newfound emotional maturity. She sings of finding love and peace within herself, “Plus I met someone else, we havin’ better discussions. I know they say I move on too fast, but this one gon’ last. ‘Cause her name is Ari and I’m so good with that.” The self-awareness of the track and playful lyrics create a celebratory anthem, much needed after the emotional heaviness of the previous tracks on the record. She sings of wanting to be married someday, although that day is not in sight. It is clear that Grande is focusing on healing herself and putting her emotions into her music after her difficult year. The title track is a euphoric anthem that encourages taking a mature and gracious perspective toward previous hardships.
The newest single, “Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored”, serves as the closing track of the record. The production is sultry and sensual with a pounding beat and sassy lyrics. “Take one fucking look at your face and I wanna know how you taste” Ariana sings in the opening as she writes of being infatuated with a taken man. The song is pure fun and full of carefree energy as Grande sings the chorus, “Break up with your girlfriend, ’cause I’m bored. You can hit it in the morning like it’s yours.” The track is sexual and seductive with audacious lyrics and a hypnotic beat. Ariana sounds determined and bratty but also playful as she lusts over a person that she cannot have. The bridge serves as a turning point in the storyline as she sings, “You could call me crazy ’cause I want you when I never even ever fuckin’ met you.” The song is void of emotional delivery or lyrics, but it doesn’t need either. Ariana has dropped the wall of seriousness from some of the earlier tracks and provides a singable, carefree closer that ends the record on an extremely high note. The playful energy of “Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” is a perfect bookend to the album and immediately gives you the urge to start the record over again.
Overall, “Thank U, Next” is personally my favorite Ariana Grande record so far. She has clearly matured in terms of lyricism and subject matter and has also stepped up her game from the production side of things. The record is cohesive and well-written, each track flowing together perfectly. This is an album you’ll want to listen to from front to back, joining Ariana on a journey of loss, grief, freedom, celebration and infatuation. Grande has clearly grown up in terms of sound and lyricism, making me eagerly anticipate what her next record will sound like.
Written by Kody, February 15th, 2019
Kody Reviews Music 