Ariana Grande's "eternal sunshine" plunges listeners into dreamy regret
Ariana Grande's "eternal sunshine" plunges listeners into dreamy regret
The "Wicked" star returns with a self-reflective – or perhaps self-defensive – pop playlist
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Ariana Grande is stepping from the spotlight into the sunshine.
Her seventh studio album follows headlines about her divorce from real estate agent Dalton Gomez in September and reports of a relationship with her Wicked co-star, Ethan Slater. She addresses the rumors pretty directly in songs like “bye” and “eternal sunshine.”
At times, the album felt more sleepy than it did dreamy, but for something inspired by the movie “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” that’s to be expected. I can picture numerous dance tropes doing lyrical or modern dances to the songs.
This ain't the first time I've been
hostage to these tears
I can’t believe I’m finally movin’
through my fears
At least, I know how hard we tried,
both you and me
Didn’t we? Didn’t we?
- Genius lyrics for “bye”
The album’s overall vibe ends up feeling repetitive, somehow both an empowering healing journey and yet, a bitter breakup recollection. It seems like she can’t tell who to blame – herself or her ex.
Here are some of my thoughts on the album. (I save my favorite song for last).
yes, and?
I have to start with the single from the album. The music video felt a little silly with her Hannah Montana hat and corny lyrics like “be your own ——ing best friend,” but I can’t pretend I didn’t have the song stuck in my head afterward.
It seems Grande was really trying to emphasize her imperturbability to the media’s interpretation of her divorce, which would be believable if this wasn’t such a direct response to it. At one point, she says “Your business is yours and mine is mine / Why do you care so much whose — I ride?”
It wasn’t the most clever song ever but the tune was catchy and dance-worthy.
eternal sunshine
The eponymous song is quietly spiteful. I can sense the friction from both of Grande’s relationships, though it’s unclear who she’s singing about in particular. At this point in the album, the themes were starting to feel pretty repetitive. She blames herself, but she also blames him, yada yada.
It almost seems like she’s trying to pull back her punches for fear she’ll be blamed for not taking responsibility herself. The underlying melody is zingy, and she leans into her high vocal range, which she pulls throughout her album.
we can’t be friends (wait for your love)
This was also another favorite from the track. The rhythm felt solid with pleasing lyrics and beautiful vocals. Grande impressed with lines like “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.”
Whose love she’s waiting for is what makes the song interesting. The media? The public? Her ex’s? Herself? I can’t tell if it’s a self-love anthem or an angsty hyper fixation on where things went wrong. The music video brings some clarity and encapsulates “the eternal sunshine” vibe she was going for.
imperfect for you
This song is my favorite from the soundtrack. I first heard it on Saturday Night Live over the weekend. I was pleasantly surprised by its catchy chorus and subtly sad lyrics.
“—ed up, anxious, too much
But I'll love you like you need me to
Imperfect for you
Messy, completely distressed
But I'm not like that since I met you
Imperfect for you” - Genius lyrics
The song was calming and domestic, leaning into Grande’s oxymoronic feelings toward the situation and lingering sentiments of someone not quite over what happened. The acoustic version on the “slightly deluxe” version of the album is also lovely.
Overall album rating:
The 17 songs from her “deluxe” edition serve soothing melodies and satisfying high notes. They easily flow into each other and express confused frustration. The album is poppy and hip but cliché at times.
Ultimately, Grande gives more than she takes in post-relationship backlash. If I wanted to listen to one of her breakup albums, I’d opt for “Thank U, Next” instead of risking falling asleep while trying to rage.
Other notable mentions from the album are “true story” and “supernatural (with Troye Sivan).”
My weekly roundup:
🎶 What I’m Listening To: greedy by Tate McRae
🎞️ What I’m Watching: One Day directed by David Nicholls (Netflix)
🔎 What I’m (Finished) Reading: Gwen and Art are Not in Love by Lex Croucher ⚔️
📱 What I’m Scrolling: NetflixUK’s Instagram account, specifically their Reels