So I think it was last year when I first became of aware of Ariana Grande. She was known as Mini Mariah and I instantly wasn't having any of that foolishness. Well she dropped her first album, and I actually ended up liking it a whole lot. Just like Mariah, her label has rushed her back to the studio to churn out more hits. This approach can work wonders or spawn a bunch of shitty music. Luckily for Ari, “My Everything” seems poised to buck the sophomore jinx.
Intro:
She starts out with a bunch of airy riffs that leads into a short song that I think is just a quick thing for the fans letting them know that she is giving it her all and to keep riding with her. Translation: please continue to Stan for me and buy my shit. Thanks!
Problem:
This song ended up being a HUGE smash out the gate. The pop princess and one of rap’s up and comers made for a great duet. Plus, they have Big Sean whispering on the hook, and I think we all know how I feel about that man. When this song dropped, I was still curious to know what direction they were planning on taking this album. It’s a fun and upbeat track. Sadly, it’s one that is made for dancing and the girl, like Mariah, cannot dance. :(
One Last Time:
I am not quite sure, but the vibe of this song has always reminded me of a Drake song. Maybe “Take Care”? This song has a bit of a bit more upbeat feel to it tough and it strikes a chord with me.
Why Try:
This is an alright song. It feels kind of filler. A slower song that kind of keeps us waiting for her to get to the chorus so she can belt it out the way we all have come to expect. It has that Ryan Tedder feel of pure cunty and dramatic feelings which we all go crazy over.
Break Free:
This song is what made me start to get excited about the album. It’s Zedd AND Max Martin? Seriously? This has “pop gold” written all over it. I like the chorus and think it’s pretty damn infectious. They found a way to not make it sound forced and that can be tricky when going with such a EDM (I guess?) track.
Best Mistake:
This features her alleged boo, Big Sean. I like their chemistry on wax. This isn’t overtly sexual, but the beat and the way she is singing is definitely sexy. I like it on her. Lyrically it deals with some things to which many of us can relate.
Be My Baby:
This reminds me of a track from her first album. That’s not necessarily shade, but it kind of is. SO I enjoyed the first album, but I felt like she didn’t have a super unique sound of POV and this song kind of falls into that category for me. It’s decent, but nothing stellar. On top of that, it’s weird to hear her sing the words “you ain’t trynna get no other girls when you in da club” Girl, you’re from South Florida and come from money, so quit frontin’!
Break Your Heart Right Back:
An Ariana album wouldn’t be complete without a classic hip hop sample (which in turn, sampled Diana Ross) I like how the the snaps, drums, and bassline on the track give the song a nice little bounce. I go back on forth on Childish Gambino. I do like how he incorporated Biggie’s flow on his verse.
Love Me Harder:
This song features a big chorus and a feature by The Weekend. I like the two on the track together. I just enjoy the general vibe of the the whole song. I’m not sure why, but I think I like it for the same reasons as I like Gaga’s “Do What You Want”
Just a Little Bit of Your Heart:
I think this song was written by Harry Styles. Feel free to do whatever you want with that information. It’s a piano driven, ballad. I am not really huge into ballads, so this is not really my cup of tea.
Hands on Me:
An uptempo and fun song. I feel like I’d play it to get ready for the club. It’s borderline cheesy. I think ASAP Ferg’s cameo on the song only feeds into. I hope she doesn’t dance in the video if they make this a single.
My Everything:
another piano driven ballad that really showcases her vocals. I like the lyrical content of this song better than the Harry Styles song.
Bang Bang:
This song has grown on me. I like how the trio somehow works on the track. I think Jessie J is underrated and poorly styled, but that’s for another blog. I think the melisma at the 1”09 mark is genius. This is infectious pop at its best.
Only 1:
This has the feel of a 90s R&B song. I am not mad about it.
You Don’t Know Me:
This feels like filler and I can’t endorse it.
Cadillac Song:
I don’t like this song. It’s cheesy and boring.
Too Close:
I also could’ve done without this song. There isn’t anything special about it.
This is a solid album from a very young lady who is finally starting to figure out her where she fits in this music industry. I also think she’s growing into her very large voice and doing better, and more interesting things with it. I think that the Mariah comparisons may start to fade now that she seems to be intent on carving out her own lane. Feel how you want about her phony pony and cutesy expressions, but you can’t take away the fact that the girl can sing. Here’s to the next chapter in Ms. Grande’s evolution and to also hoping that she has a Xtina freak the fuck out stage at some point. This album isn't necessarily MY everything, but it's getting pretty damn close.
