Ariana Grande Drops Fifth Studio Album ‘thank u, next’ [Play or Pass]

Ariana Grande released her fifth studio album thank u, next on Friday, February 8th only six months following the release of her Sweetener album. All of the heartache and heartbreak the 25-year-old pop star experienced led her right to the studio to create new music.

Grande’s thank u, next will be the first album, since her debut back in 2013 (Yours Truly), to not contain any features. A full album of JUST Ariana. You know I’m here for it. On Sweetener Grande was trying to see the world through rose-colored glasses after all she went through following the Manchester bombing at her concert that took several lives. She was embracing love and vulnerability, but she took those glasses off for thank u, next.

The lyrics are raw, AG’s voice is heavenly, and each track has a beat that you can’t help but love, but is each song a bop? After my first few listens, here’s my breakdown of each track letting you know if you should PLAY or PASS.

Photo: Ariana Grande

1. imagine

In the thank u, next opener Ariana invites us to imagine a world where Sweetener doesn’t exist. It’s a track fans already heard and loved following the success of “thank u, next.” Grande brings back well seasoned whistle tones during the finale of the track and gives mellow vocals throughout singing about a world where she can be normal and do normal things with the guy she loves. Still loving this song. PLAY

2. needy

One of Ariana’s teased and most anticipated tracks, “needy” lived up to the hype. Offering a mix of “Honeymoon Avenue” and “Moonlight” strings, Grande vamps on “needy” about requiring a certain amount of attention from a lover. It’s like Ari is whispering sweet nothings on the lullaby track.  PLAY

3. NASA

She rather be alone tonight on “NASA.” Grande seems the type who when she’s booed up, she’s booed up, but girls that’s not always the best thing. On this song we head into the sky with Ariana proclaiming “me time” is the best thing for a relationship to flourish. Self discovery and getting space in a relationship is required to properly enjoy this song. Aerial undertones and a deep bass gives thank u, next another bop. PLAY

4. bloodline

“bloodline” meet “Side to Side.” “Side to Side” meet “bloodline.” You should get well acquainted and be mash-up buddies. One of the more club bangers on thank u, next immediately gives revamped “Side to Side” vibes. Grande is all about being on her solo tip, getting quick satisfaction, and being on the prowl on this track. A single gals anthem.  PLAY

5. fake smile

Being tired of always being “on” is something I think everyone can relate to. Always pretending everything is sunshine and cupcakes is hard and “fake smile” goes into Grande’s world dealing with rumors being written about her while smiling through the pain and giving all that up for some sanity. Wendy Rene’s “After Laughter (Comes Tears)” is sampled at the top of the track and I honestly felt this could have been used on the chorus just like that weird ass sample was all up and through “The Light is Coming.” Try singing it next time you listen to the track and I’m sure you’ll agree. Despite that minor hiccup, “fake smile” is a mellow vibe. PLAY

6. bad idea

Ariana has a “bad idea” and I think it was this song. It’s giving me hints of “Dirty Diana” but the pop version. The songstress’ sexuality is on full display as she wants to lose it all and forget about her worries getting wrapped up in sensual encounter that might not be the best decision, but YOLO. The beat is actually good especially when it rides out at the end, but that’s really the only thing I like about this song as of now. PASS.

7. make up

Fight then kiss and “make up” on this song. Again the beats on this album are what has me hooked and keeps me around. It can’t be a coincidence that Fenty Beauty is mentioned on this track because I do get Rihanna vibes. I can see an island inspired visual or definitely a beach backdrop with some slow winding. PLAY

8. ghostin

A haunting opening and equally matched lyrics seems to make “ghostin” a fan favorite. It’s easy to draw parallels between Grande’s recent breakup with Pete Davidson and mourning the late Mac Miller. I can’t imagine losing someone so close to me and you can tell she put her emotions and heart on the track. Such a climatic build up and her voice sounds great. There are layers upon layers of vocals and the strings are gorgeous but it’s a song I can easily forget how it goes. PASS

9. in my head

My FAV! Ignoring all the problematic things in a relationship and creating a grander image of someone than what they really are is the essence of “in my head.” R&B Ari is on full display as she plays with different ranges of her voice to the sky-high, the mellow medium, and alluring lows. Blast this jawn. PLAY

10. 7 rings

I don’t care how much backlash this track got, “7 rings” is a HIT. “7 rings” is a curated track about having a certain level of success and being able to floss, but even if you’re not there yet I believe in a little thing called manifestation. Play this next time you do a vision board or begin to doubt that you’re the sugar honey iced tea.  PLAY

11. thank u, next

The first track released off Grande’s fifth studio album earned the songstress her first number 1 single, gave fans an iconic music video and continues to be a bop. It’s the line that has become a saying used in everybody’s vocabulary and can translate to so many scenarios. It may have been Ariana’s way of venting about her past failed relationships, but to fans it’s become a way of life. I have to Stan. PLAY

12. break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored

What a great way to end a phenomenal body of work. Not only does this song bang, but Grande dropped a music video for “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” along with the album release. I went into this track thinking it would be a shady single based on the title alone and I’m kind of right. The 25-year-old is pining for a man in a relationship but the video tells a different story that has the internet buzzing. It’s like the R&B Little Big Town “Girl Crush.”  PLAY

Did you listen to the album yet? Which tracks were your favorite? Do you agree with my opinions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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