A common theme in pop music today, especially among the diva elite, is Saturn’s return. Those in astrology know this phenomenon happens once every three decades and is said to usher in a profound change for people. Kacey Musgraves‘ and SZA‘s albums hit on this, and now so has Ariana Grande with her new album “eternal sunshine.”
With her seventh studio album, Grande delivers a collection of moody, dreamy tracks loosely inspired by the 2004 film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Grande uses her album to let her memories unfold in her own time.
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Although music does not always have to be self-reflective, Grande has never been afraid to share her personal stories. You can hear it through songs like pete davidson and the recent release of eternal sunshine, where the theme swings between ultra-confidence and self-deprecation as she navigates unsavory rumors about her romantic and sex lives. and the circumstances surrounding her relationship with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater.
After a brief introduction, eternal sunshine kicks in with the joyous new disco track bye, and seamlessly leads into don’t wanna break up again. The album showcases Grande’s wide emotional range, where she reveals deeply held insecurities about her soul—however, she embraces each of them to the max.
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we can’t be friends (wait for your love) stands out as the project’s clear and immediate standout, with a pulsating beat and dance floor breakdown. The song highlights Grande’s talent as a producer and arranger and her unmatched vocal abilities. “true story” and “imperfect for you” take the album to an unusual, uncomfortable, and dissonant territory, showcasing Grande’s versatility as an artist.
The album has 13 tracks and is Grande’s shortest yet, clocking in at 35 minutes. The singer has rejected the concept album label on social media, and her assessment is accurate; eternal sunshine lacks narrative focus, refusing to revel in its highs or lows. Although Grande hits so many extremes, she seems content that she has no idea where she’ll end up. Even though some listeners might be more focused on lyrical revelations, like claims Grande cheated on herself, setting the record straight doesn’t seem to be Grande’s priority.
Rather, the album explores a theme from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. “I’m always anxious thinking I’m not living my life to the fullest, you know? Taking advantage of every possibility,” Kate Winslet says as Clementine. Regardless of the rumors that circle her life – ones we all are secretly envious of – Grande has, quite apparently, seized the day.
