Written By Albert Tsibu
Ariana Grande just released her 4th album, “Sweetener” on Friday and the album is a very solid body of work. Combining elements of R&B, hip hop, pop and dance music; Ariana went for a more mature sound and having Pharrell Williams be at the helm of majority of the tracks along with Max Martin, Ilya, Hit-Boy, and Charles Anderson to name a few. Legendary hit-makers Pharrell and Missy Elliott [whom also wrote “Borderline”] as well as Nicki Minaj make guest appearances on Ariana’s project.
ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS:
Borderline featuring Missy Elliott: Produced by Pharrell Williams and written by Missy; this song showcases a different side of Ariana vocally that I or maybe other listeners have never heard from her before. The production echoed the earlier work of The Neptunes & Kelis [“Caught Out There”, “Young, Fresh & New”] meets Missy’s writing and melodies that she did with Monica on her “After The Storm” album [album- cut, “Get It Off”]. I personally loved the track, I just wished that it was a little bit longer and that Missy’s verse was longer as well but this would definitely be a great single along with doing well on pop/Top 40 radio. 5/5
God Is a Woman: Her current single. I actually like the trap influences on the record and it doesn’t seem too forced, feels natural and a feel-good song for many women to be empowered.4/5
R.E.M.: Produced by Williams; I actually like Ariana’s vocals on this song. Her airy and dreamy vocals with Pharrell’s mellow production are a match made in heaven. 4/5
Breathin’: Produced by Ilya; very pop and feel-good. Her vocals are very nice on the song. 5/5
Get Well Soon: Produced by Williams; album’s closing track and the more personal track on her album. The lyrics showcase the trauma that she is still feeling from the incident in Manchester last year at her concert pretty much saying that she is still dealing with this. I commend Ariana for being so vulnerable and transparent while wearing her heart on her sleeve and many people will relate to this song because of how honest she is about what happened. 4/5
Overall, the album is solid. I noticed how Ariana had more of a mature sound and actually had something to say on her album as to just trying to find a hit. She co-wrote majority of the tracks and had a clear vision on what she wanted to accomplish with this album; I say job well done for Ariana. The album had a few dull moments but ultimately, Ariana sounded good and she clearly has shown that she is not afraid to take risks. I give the album a “B” average.
0 Comments
Before you comment remember...
1. Don't be rude!
2. Stay on topic of the post. If you don't stay on topic, either state "off-topic" or your comment will be deleted.
3. If you want to ask an off-topic question and don't see the proper post for it, please e-mail me about it.
4. Don't spam or promote your blog or service. Please e-mail me if you'd like an add to my blog list or need for me to update your blog's URL. If your blog is similar in subject to mine, you will be added to the list.