Album Review: Ariana Grande Says “Thank U, Next” To Heartbreak

Ariana Grande is, currently, one of the biggest stars on earth and her heartbreaks are not hidden. With a fandom, that happily loves her every move, it is not surprise Thank U, Next is critically or, at least, fan acclaimed. Yet, there is a secret, emotional weapon to Ariana’s album that subtly speaks to every listener: imbalance. 

From “Ghostin” to “Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” Ariana’s record goes from feeling broken to invincible, but both are treated like the stepping stones to self-healing. With how much heartbreaks, especially traumatic ones, are spoken about imbalance is often averted. It can feel like we go from absolute devastation to being a proclaimed guru on how to move on an forward. Yet, the point is that we are both, all at once, which is why Grande can make you feel like a diva, “7 Rings,” or a sentimental mess, “Needy.” Still, more importantly, she makes you love both of these sides. 

Ultimately, the message of Thank U, Next should be, “If I want to be a queen, I will be a queen, and if I want to be a blubbering cryer then I WILL BE A BLUBBERING CRYER! I GOT ME!” #fierce Personally, I feel it unnecessary to comment on Ariana’s voice, because we know it is good. What I will say is that Ariana has found her sound. To her many fans, she feels like the freshest version of the classic, pop diva and gives us the pop hooks that are meant to be on loop: both in your mind and in karaoke. Thus, in its own way, Thank U, Next, explains why you  hear, “Where are the Whitneys?!” or “Why aren’t there more Mariahs?” These women made us dance with our bodies and feel with our hearts, and Ariana Grande does the same. 

Every track on Thank U, Next is a hit. “Bad Idea,” ‘Fake Smile,” and “Make-Up” might as well be twerk factories opening up in your corner. Ironically, you want to shake and twist your hips while Ariana belts to situations that can be stilling. Yet, that is the POINT OF POP! This genre is bubblegum sadism; singing to heartbreak with delightfully lighthearted rhythms over “drop it like it’s hot” basslines. Frankly, we love it, and there is nothing wrong with that. There is no rule book on how we are supposed to approach pain, which is why Ariana can sing a high note to a dreamier world “Imagine” or bop to the realization that the one she has is darker. For More Information On Ariana Grande Click Here.