In the past year, Ariana Grande has gone from typical teen pop starlet to full-blown international music sensation. Since the release of her top-10 hit “The Way” in 2013, Grande has slowly built an audience and a solid fan base — one which rivals the likes of Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj.
Grande’s first full-length album, released in the fall of last year, was greeted with positive reviews from critics and listeners alike, her voice lauded as a rare gem in the music industry. With comparisons made to Mariah Carey and Beyoncé, Grande’s past year has been one of enormous expectations.
In her latest album, “My Everything,” Grande expands upon the R&B themes of her first album while demonstrating more thematic maturity. Songs like “Hands On Me” convey the pop star’s sensuality — with lyrics like, “skirt off keep the high heels on,” it’s obvious Ariana isn’t the little girl she once was.
Like so many others, the album also explores love — though with a slightly different take. “Be My Baby” marks a standout track and one of Grande’s best vocal performances. It is both smooth and silky, and the strength of her voice is superbly demonstrated. With some assistance from Big Sean, “Best Mistake” is also notable. The chemistry present between the two on the track is undeniable.
Though Grande can do no real wrong, a few problems with the album remain. Grande’s two most popular songs right now — “Break Free” and summer hit “Problem (feat. Iggy Azalea)” — are the least impressive, both ill-placed among her other works and adding little value to the artist’s R&B project. After listening to the beautiful “Intro,” the over-the-top saxophone solo shocks listeners — along with the voice of a notorious female rapper who introduces herself as “Iggy-Igg.” “Problem” is undeniably catchy and upbeat, but it is completely out of place among the tracklist, almost sounding tacky next to Grande’s other songs.
With “Break Free,” the same issue occurs. As the wonderful “Why Try” wraps up, listeners are jarred back to reality with Zedd’s fierce production. Though certainly entertaining, these songs should have been bonus tracks.
Despite these issues of transition and consistency, “My Everything” deserves a five-star rating. Grande has proven in this record she is solidly contending to be a lasting fixture of pop. From her currently unparalleled vocal ability to her smooth attitude and instant likeability, Grande is certainly raising the bar for female pop talent.
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