Album Review of Eternal Sunshine by Ariana Grande: Heartbreak into Art
The global popstar Ariana Grande returns to the music scene after four years with a concept album.
This album for Grande is a new step forward creatively for her writing and storytelling as she takes inspiration from the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and uses it to tell her side of a heavily publicized divorce.
The opening track to the album, “Intro (End of the World),” perfectly introduces the tone of this project by Ariana questioning whether she is in the right relationship. The layered harmonies and production enhance the atmosphere, conveying themes of uncertainty and emotional depth.
The next song “Bye” carries disco influences, portraying the bittersweetness of parting ways. Its lyrics explain the difficulty yet necessity of the experience creating a catchy and dance-worthy moment.
In “Don’t Wanna Break Up Again,” Grande sings about the imperfections within her relationship.
The lead and comeback single from the album, “Yes, And?,” is a controversial track even with fans of Grande because its lyrics tell the public to mind their own business and not worry about her private life. This was the response to allegations of infidelity in her marriage and dating her co-star while filming for the movie musical “Wicked.”
This track on its own was a decision in poor taste. However, in the next single “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” was received more positively because of its vulnerable yet relatable lyrics showing her growth as a lyricist. This song is one of Grande’s best pop songs in her career, with its strong production and memorable lyrics.
