eternal sunshine: A Review
eternal sunshine: A Review
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By Abigail Zabonik
May 17th 2024
As somebody who loves Positions and thank u, next and has been patiently waiting for a new Ariana Grande album, imagine my surprise when I saw the announcement for the 7th studio album on January 17, 2024. Grande announced that her 7th studio album would be titled ‘eternal sunshine’ (stylized in all lowercase) and was to be released March 8, 2024.
This album's non-deluxe or standard edition has thirteen tracks including an introduction and interlude.
One of the songwriters in this album is Max Martin, and he is responsible for hits such as “...Baby One More Time,” “I Want It That Way,” “Shake It Off,” and “Roar,” all of which are amazing pop songs that have made headlines in the past decades due to their popularity.
For this album, he co-wrote the songs “bye,” “don’t wanna break up again,” “true story,” “the boy is mine,” and “imperfect for you.”
Track highlights
Track One: intro (end of the world)
The album opens with a brain dump telling listeners about the thoughts that inspired Grande to write this record. She asks things such as “How can I tell if I’m in the right relationship?” and “If it all ended would you be the one on [my mind].”
When music begins with speaking parts, it can add a very unique touch. For example, ‘Liability’ by Lorde has a countdown at the start, and ‘Better than Revenge’ by Taylor Swift - opens with “Now go sit in the corner and think about what you did.”
This album opening with Grande speaking of the thoughts that made her want to write this record just makes the listeners that much more excited for the upcoming songs.
Track Eight: the boy is mine
A pop album always has upbeat and hype songs that make listeners want to move around, and once they get to track 8, titled “the boy is mine,” the beat is very easy to move to and the lyrics are simple with the lyrics not being very wordy. The chorus is simple yet catchy with lines such as “Watch me take my time. I can't believe my mind. The boy is divine.”
However, this song doesn’t have the high notes Grande is well known for. Don’t worry, though; there are plenty on the rest of the album. Leaving out the high notes makes it that much easier to sing in the car on a summer day.
Track Ten: we can’t be friends (wait for your love)
This song shows a lot of falling for a friend or somebody you already know.
As somebody who loves looking into lyrics and meanings, I was so happy with this song's lyricism. Lines such as, “You cling to your papers and pens. Wait until you like me again,” and, “Me and my truth, we sit in silence,” these lines make me feel like I can empathize with Grande’s hurt of liking somebody who doesn’t reciprocate those feelings.
Track Thirteen: ordinary things (feat. Nonna)
In an adorable closing to the album, Ariana talks about finding love again and falling in love with the beauty of everyday life.
The album ends with a truly beautiful voice memo from Nonna, Ariana Grande's grandmother. Due to this song, Nonna became the oldest person ever to enter the Billboard Hot100 at 98 years old. Talking about her late husband and how she could’ve left a million times but she worked through it saying “And if you can’t and if you don’t feel comfortable doing it. You’re in the wrong place, get out.”
The album both starting and ending with talking is sweet and makes it seem like all the songs were more so parts of a conversation which is a very adorable touch and makes the whole album flow naturally.
So the question now on your mind is, “Does the album live up to the hype?” Yes, the album is very cohesive yet all the songs can stand out and are unique. Each song has something different to offer to the listener no matter their musical preferences.
This album has something for every pop-music lover and if you haven’t been able to check it out I would highly recommend it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or wherever else!
Abigail Zabonik
Writer for the Irish Eye
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