Album Review: Ariana Grande Is A Dangerous Woman

Ariana Grande is unequivocally one of the best voices in the industry. Her range is unstoppable while the annotations and ennunciations she uses throughout her songs are eternally memorable. While her previous albums have vouched for her renowned vocal prowess, they never distinguished her sound. That all changes with her newest record: Dangerous Woman.

Dangerous Woman gives Ariana Grande’s distinct voice what she has always deserved: a distinct sound. Her first album, Yours Truly, was a love letter to 90’s R&B, with many comparing Grande to the greatness of Mariah Carey. Her second record, My Everything, was her transition into the dance-pop world, but it was not a completely smooth one in every track. Although they proved that Grande’s voice is both instantly recognizable and strictly her own, where she fit in the music world felt dubious. Yes, she is a great, unique singer, but is she a unique artist? Thankfully, Dangerous Woman is an electric combination of both synth-pop and R&B, which allows Grande to come out as not just an amazing singer, but also a powerful artist. This distinguishing music elevates Grande from pop princess to fierce vocal queen – or a dangerous one, as the title suggests.

Dangerous Woman allows Grande to display her strength as both a songstress and person. In her newest album, Grande lets out her sassy, sultry personality. Across media, she has proven that she is a feistily intelligent and empowered woman, but reveals those layers of herself through her most mature, intellectual lyrics yet. The record helps her transition into a young woman that speaks on both the heartbreak and the fun, sultry confidence women can achieve. Moreover, Grande gives some of the most amazing riffs you will ever hear from a singer. The way she uses her voice is like a superpower, which, when combined with her music, makes her bound to top of global dance-pop charts.

Ultimately, Dangerous Woman is an album for a good time. It has some of the most danceable tracks released this year. Although its lyrics are the most endearing and humanly detailed ones Grande has sung, this album is for those seeking rhythmic fun. It is for when you are with your friends getting ready for the club, or when you want to sing together in the car. Basically, it is an album for great, light-hearted musical memories.

“Be Alright”: A fun, funky mix that is based on assurance and confidence in a relationship. The song is perfect for when you are getting pumped for your night out, and has catchy lyrics that will be memorized by the third straight time you have listened to it.

“Let Me Love You”: This song is so sexy! The repetition and heavy hook are the epitome of sultry. Lil Wayne adds his charismatic rap styling, while Grande shows that she can make any chorus a beautifully hypnotic one.

“Side To Side”: This song has a tropical backdrop that makes you want to strike the dance floor: not dance, STRIKE! The synthetic bass makes it bound for any dance club, while the lyrics of lustful love are destined to be sung by every woman there. Nicki Minaj adds a flow that elevates the song to top of the pop charts status.

“Moonlight”: A mystifying, romantic ballad that seems a little random on the album, it is undeniably magnetic. The song has a 1950’s beat with a slow waltz rhythm, which makes it sound like it belongs more on her Yours Truly album. Still, anyone who hears it will instantly think of a princess or young woman dancing in love. Although it sounds different from the entire album’s more upbeat, dance mix, its whimsical sentiment is sweetly welcomed.

“Into You”: Another track destined for the club. As I have mentioned in this review, Dangerous Woman combines Grande’s soulful R&B voice perfectly with dance-pop. This song is exemplar of this “dangerous” blend.

“Greedy”: This track has time traveled from 1970’s disco. It is so infectiously fun, it enters you like food for the soul. Grande opens it with a diva riff that continues throughout the song, and is backed by trumpets of resilience. It is an empowering track through the joy it emanates.

“Leave Me Lonely”: Macy Gray’s chorus gives the song a haunting effect, to which Grande’s vocals come in like an angelic contrast. Together, they make the song sound like a dark energy being released into light, which is what the song encourages. Leave that dangerous love!

“Dangerous Woman”: Everyone has heard this sensually enforcing song. There is a rock n’ roll essence to it that makes you want to stand up for yourself, and makes me wonder what if Grande tried to dominate this genre. Whoa…the combination would be too much for hearts to handle.

Dangerous Woman was released on May 20, 2016. If you want a good time with your girls, I suggest you buy it here. For more information on Ariana Grande click here.