Clay Hale
Pop princess Ariana Grande launched her seventh studio album, “eternal sunshine,” to eagerly awaiting fans on Friday, March 8, and it would be completely fair to call this her best work to date.
Admittedly, I am a sucker for music with meaning. I tend to roll my eyes at tunes similar to those on Grande’s sixth record, “Positions” — these songs pass as ear candy without doing anything for the soul. The switch between the bubblegum pop of that record to the ethereal healing project that is “eternal sunshine” should be studied.
Grande’s latest is emotional, yet mature. She is honest, but not cruel. To execute such an objective with a pop breakup album — especially when that breakup is a divorce — is impressive.
This project also comes on the heels of rumors that circulated in early 2023 that Grande was involved in a relationship with her “Wicked” co-star Ethan Slater. At the time that they were first rumored to be dating, Slater was still married to his wife, and they had just had their first child. These allegations painted Grande as a homewrecker.
Between the homewrecking accusations and her recent divorce, “eternal sunshine” was a perfect opportunity for Grande to speak her peace and clear the air. She did so gracefully.
One of the album’s singles, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love),” seems to directly address her and Slater’s rumored relationship. More specifically, it seems that the song is directed towards the media and how many outlets portrayed her.
“I don’t wanna tiptoe, but I don’t wanna hide / But I don’t wanna feed this monstrous fire / Just wanna let this story die / And I’ll be alright.”
The lyrics of the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 track suggest that Grande is keeping quiet on the issue for a variety of (likely public relations-related) reasons. Nonetheless, listening to this song gave me sympathy for those in the public eye. Grande has stayed silent on the matter, and we, as the general public, have no idea what truly happened.
“Me and my truth we sit in silence / Baby girl, it’s just me and you / ‘Cause I don’t wanna argue, but I don’t wanna bite / My tongue, yeah, I think I’d rather die / You got me misunderstood, but at least I look this good.”
It feels like Grande is saying that she is keeping the peace.
The production on this song and many others on the record often feels celestial. It creates an illusion that I am among the stars. This is especially true on the gut-wrenching “i wish i hated you” and the enduring “supernatural.”
The sometimes-present R&B whispers that echo throughout this album add to the otherworldly sound and heartfelt lyricism. This is most present on songs like the title track and the interlude just before it.
In terms of the aforementioned healing, it is sprinkled all throughout the album. “eternal sunshine” is riddled with reflection and growth. Chronologically, the album flows from mourning the past to being hopeful for the future with album closer “ordinary things (feat. Nonna)” — a track that says there are no regular occurrences for Grande as long as she is with her lover.
Standouts for me include the hit single “we can’t be friends (wait for your love),” “imperfect for you,” “bye” and the title track. Out of the latter three, “bye” would likely be the best follow up to the smash single.
There are no skips on “eternal sunshine” for me. I even love how “Saturn Returns Interlude” fades seamlessly into the title track. Every song is a pleasure to listen to. If I had to cut one, it would likely be “true story,” but even so, it is a great song.
Grande’s latest is a celestial paradise that offers tears infused with glitter to any emotional listener. The lead single makes sense, as it left me saying “yes, and?”
