Ariana Grande has once again given us break-up, hype-up, and songs-to-sing-with-your-lover anthems that simply don’t miss. I have to admit that when I heard the single “Positions,” I was a little skeptical about what the album, Positions, might sound like. My friend who also loves Queen Ari texted me, “I have no idea what Ariana is saying. Wait. I don’t like it,” and it followed by us going back and forth giving each other reasons why the album would totally be better.
- Shut Up
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Simply put: The strings? The riffs? My wig? Snatched. This song is simple, her vocals are simple, and it’s a perfect intro to what she’s about to serve. Bless.
- 34+35
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She told me to do math and what did I do? 123 quick maths! This song is a great vibe for when you’re taking a drive by yourself or getting ready. She’s being so bold with what she’s talking about this song. Definitely add this to your hype playlist!
- Motive
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Imagine yourself strutting down the street. What song is playing? It’s this one. What’s your motive? Being the baddest boss out there. Whose motive do you have time for? No one’s! Doja Cat is cancelled, so the song could have done without her verse, but it is still incredibly catchy!
- Just Like Magic
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This song has a strong bass and is great for a car ride. It kind of gives me vibes from the Sweetener album because of the bass. However, I also feel like this was a filler song. It’s really nice to just have fun to, though!
- Off the Table
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As soon as it started, I said to myself, “Oop, I know this boutta hit” and I already know what you’re asking… did it hit? Yes, it did. There are very few times where two artists can come together and their voices can blend together so nicely and this is one of those times. The vocal capabilities of The Weeknd and Ariana mesh so well together in this song, especially with their emotions and the power behind their voices. Can we please get a music video?
- Six Thirty
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This song is so dreamy! Ariana does an amazing job at layering her vocals and using her voice to create an airy sound that makes you feel like you’re floating on a cloud, just vibing to her music.
- Safety Net
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This is another pairing that works so well, especially with the music. Admittedly, I have skipped some of Ariana’s songs with other artists on her last two albums because they just didn’t work for me, but “Safety Net” and “Off the Table” are amazing with the talent she chose to work with.
- My Hair
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This is another song that you should just blast by yourself when you’re feeling good and hyping yourself up. Also, hello whistle tones! Do I know what she’s saying? No. Does she sound like Isabelle from Animal Crossing? Yes. Do I still like the song? 100%.
- Nasty
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Girl… GIRL. Ms. Grande said “I’m grown, take it or leave it,” and we’re taking it. Thank you, next!
- West Side
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I feel like you should add this to a late night drive playlist. I don’t really have much to say about this song. It feels like another filler type song, but it goes well with the album overall.
- Love Language
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I did not expect the intro for this song at all, but it was such a fun surprise! It reminded me of a ‘50s TV show theme. Ariana is the queen of melodies that you do not expect and this song is no exception to that. Good luck to anyone who tries to do this as a karaoke song.
- Positions
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Again, I didn’t like this song when she dropped it as a single, but after listening to it with all of the other songs, it fits in so well. I’m a sucker for strings in a song, so I love them in this.
- Obvious
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I feel like the instrumental alone to this song is so fun, but Ariana’s vocals bring a sort of flirty-ness.
- POV
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Imagine listening to this song with your significant other? Now I’m in my bag, thank you, Ariana. I think there’s a deeper meaning here, though, about self-love and self-acceptance, which is so beautiful in itself. She’s grown so much and has learned so much about love, most importantly about herself, and she’s still learning. That’s what this song is about. This is the only song on the album I put on again to hear it a second time.
After getting a chance to listen to the album in whole on the night it was dropped, I was in absolute shock. Ariana has produced a beautiful album that has followed four amazing ones. Every song seems to fit together like a puzzle piece. Many Ariana fans have shown their dislike for the album because it’s not what they’re used to, but Ariana has grown out of and was truly never a very bubblegum pop singer/artist. This album perfectly intertwines pop and R&B, something that Ariana has done before. The album has more messages of growth, self-love, discovering and learning about oneself, and just enjoying life’s simplest pleasures. If you haven’t listened to it yet, please do!