In 2013, predicting Ariana Grande would become one of the best-selling artists of her generation would have raised more than a few eyebrows. At the time, she was known for her role as Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon series Victorious, where her vocal prowess was often overlooked and underutilized in favor of her co-star, Victoria Justice. Fans knew she had pipes, but her serviceable and safe 2011 debut, ‘Put Your Hearts Up,’ did nothing to convince critics she was more than just a teen lightweight.
That would change two years later with the release of her first album, Yours Truly, showcasing her impressive vocals gliding effortlessly through the different genres and styles presented in the album. From the R&B-infused “Baby I” to the soulful slow jam “Honeymoon Avenue,” Grande proves her ability to deliver emotive performances that captivate listeners.
The record’s lead-off single ‘The Way’ found Ms. Grande in Mariah Carey territory, exhibiting much of the same range and vocal stylings of the legendary diva. She had been covering Carey’s songs for years on YouTube, and her four-octave range, mastery of Mariah’s trademark whistle register, and retro R&B stylings finally paid off, propelling her to #1 on the US album charts.
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Ten years and several multiplatinum albums later, it’s easy to forget the collection we know today almost wasn’t recorded. Midway through its three-year production (!!!), Grande expressed dissatisfaction with the album’s direction while meeting with her label. In several interviews that year, she admitted to completely hating her 2011 debut single and the bubblegum style Republic Records insisted she record. She wanted instead to make the music she was raised on and convinced her label to let her reverse course.
“I grew up listening to the divas, so I’m very happy to finally do urban pop,” she told Billboard magazine.
The album Grande described as ‘Throwback R&B’ was released in 2013 to great success, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Yours Truly’s Slinky Vibe Revealed the Real Ariana.
Unlike her idol Mariah Carey, who was two albums in before trading up from record company-mandated adult contemporary tracks to the sexier grooves of R&B, Grande wanted her first album to sound like her, not her Victorious character Cat Grant. The mature sound caught many off guard. When “The Way” was released in the Spring of 2013, it immediately raised the bar for the rest of the then-20-year-old singer’s album, which turned out to be surprisingly diverse. The R&B/dance pop collection (she called it “slinky”) could have had 12 songs similar in style and substance but instead featured tracks like club banger “Better Left Unsaid” and “Piano,” an up-tempo Sara Bareilles-like pop song.
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While ‘The Way’ was a top-10 hit, some had already written Grande off as a one-hit wonder before ‘Baby, I,’ the album’s second single, dropped, finally making people sit up and take notice. This one had a mid-’90s R&B diva feel with a dash of ’70s disco. The song’s production captures the essence of both eras with a modern twist, allowing Grande to show off her impressive range and vocal power. Written and produced by R&B and pop royalty Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Patrick “J. Que” Smith, the sleek beats and catchy melody create a captivating track that will make listeners feel like they’re taken back in time.
If “Baby, I flirted with a 90s R&B vibe, the third and final single, “‘Right There,”‘ leaned in with both the sound and mature, sexy themes that era was known for. Echoes of post-Emotions Mariah and Aaliyah are apparent, and Ms. Grande embraces the comparisons fully. The tumbling sound effects and staccato drums set off a swooning pop jam, making this track a perfect follow-up to “The Way.”
Overall, Ariana Grande’s Yours Truly is an impressive debut album that showcases her undeniable talent and sets the stage for her future success. With infectious melodies, powerful vocals, and relatable lyrics, this album kicked off Grande’s position as one of her generation’s most talented and influential artists. If you’re a pop music fan or simply appreciate exceptional vocal performances, Yours Truly is a must-listen.
