thank u, next - Ariana Grande | Lady Tulip

thefader.com

Hello Dolls & Gents,

When Sweetener was released, censure of creativity and disservice to a finer vocal range followed alongside the scrutiny of personal devastation; and was just about enough for someone to crumble. Yet all of that somehow coated in a sweeter tune of growing appreciation, and Sweetener effortlessly hit the charts.

While most songs on the Sweetener album resonates a similar vibe, she broke free from her soulful vocal stereotype and foreshadowed what she has yet to offer. The beautiful relationship between her and her team synergizes layers of crystal-like vocals, sounds aesthetically pleasing and music videos with noteworthy, both pretty and cryptic imagery (a treat for media fanatics who enjoy substance in content). She and her team have concocted quite the most appealing sounds and visuals and has raised the bar as to what we can expect from Ariana in the future. These are signs of a very versatile and growing artist.

Then comes 'thank u, next'. Each song a new territory and evokes an abundance of strength through grief and honesty. In fact, this may very well be my favorite album. This is the soundtrack to getting by.

Over some toast this morning, I was fully immersed in her familiar vocals, and the almost etheral light synths; and the timeless mixture of springy and dope musical notes which carried the story she told. The effort of piecing together sentimental voice recordings and the calming prolonged endings made some songs quite special. This also allows the audience to deeply feel her state of mind. Some honorable mentions include NASA, fake smile, 7 rings, make up and imagine. While initially the album implies being selfish to pursue self-love/ me-time. She ties it all together by being honest about her shortcomings, and her ability to also empathize even when she is at fault. This is captured beautifully in needy and ghostin.  

She has proven that against all odds she doesn’t stand for ludicrous media puffery. Ariana Grande remains an artist by definition and as weird as it may sound, she is a fantastic example of a media ornament worth holding onto…entertaining, creative, inspirational and imperfectly perfect.   

I stand here rooting for our beautiful lilac loofah, and I can’t wait to see where she goes from here.

Thank You.