#ariana grande album review

[sharktunes]

An Album That Feels Like Home: Reflecting on eternal sunshine

Ariana Grande’s 7th studio album named “eternal sunshine” is a pop and R&B genre and was released on March 8, 2024 by Republic Record. It is the first album that she released in over three years, following the release of "positions" on October 30, 2020. Grande derived the album's title from the 2004 American film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. She conceived the album as a record of both vulnerability and entertainment, inspired by her personal life experiences.

The album contains 13 songs named “intro (end of the world)”, “bye”, “don't wanna break up again”, “Saturn Returns Interlude”, “eternal sunshine”, “supernatural”, “true story”, “the boy is mine”, “yes, and?”, “we can't be friends (wait for your love)”, “i wish i hated you”, “imperfect for you”, and “ordinary things (feat. Nonna)”. Upon release, the album received a positive review by critics who praised Ariana’s emotional singing and the album's heartfelt themes. However, some thought the songwriting could have been better. Despite this the album were nominated for Grammy Awards, including for Best Pop Vocal Album.

The album was made as a way to express her emotions and experiences, particularly those related to love, loss, and personal growth. The album allowed her to share her vulnerabilities and connect with her fans on a deeper level. Many songs explore the pain of breakup and the process of healing and moving on, it also dig in into complexities of love and relationships, both the good and the bad, and other songs were focus on personal growth and self-discovery. Ultimately, it is a reflection of Ariana Grande's artistic vision and her desire to create meaningful music.

Now let’s listen to the album. One of my favorite songs from the album is “intro (end of the world)”, composed by Ariana Grande, Shintaro Yasuda, and Nick Lee. The melody of the song is just right, I loved how she played the whole song, it was like I'm floating, I hate it because it was just 1 minute and 31 seconds duration, but still it was a great song. The song is all about a relationship that is slowly fading and the uncertainty of whether Grande is in the right one. It question about her relationship, which is later answered by the final track of the album, “ordinary things”. It is a heartfelt song about the power of love and the importance of cherishing simple moments. The lyrics convey a sense of gratitude for having found someone who makes even the simplest aspects of life feel extraordinary.

“We can’t be friends (wait for your love)” is also my top pick for this album, It is written and produced by Ariana Grande, Max Martin and Ilya Salmanzadeh. It’s about the end of a relationship, and realizing how she won't even be able to continue a friendship with her former partner since she can't be her true self around them. Maintaining a friendship would be too painful, as it would require suppressing their true feelings. The singer recognizes that being friends would mean pretending to be okay when they're not. The title "Wait for Your Love" indicates a glimmer of hope. The singer expresses a desire to find love again and move on from the past relationship. Well, this song was made for those who still love their ex.

“eternal sunshine” composed and produced by Ariana Grande, Max Martin, and Shintaro Yasuda, is the last song from my top 3, i love how she tells her story about failed relationships, the lyrics was meaningful and the overall song is a banger. The song is about the end of a relationship and hints at cheating. The song also reflects on the partner's habit of not telling the truth, and how the singer convinces herself to no longer feel sorry for him. It is also a poignant reflection on her recent divorce from Dalton Gomez and her subsequent relationship with Ethan Slater. In the song, Ariana expresses a desire to "wipe her mind" of the toxic aspects of her past relationship. She sings about the pain of the breakup and the longing to move on.

While there are many song that I love in the album, but “intro (end of the world)”, “we cant be friends (wait for your love)”, and “eternal sunshine” are my favorites, it’s an extraordinary song that tells you about failed relationships, moving on from past relationships, and the hope of finding love again. These songs are just one of my favorites, my top 3 from the album. Over all, I would definitely recommend eternal sunshine by Ariana Grande for you to listen.

-Yoshi

[ohwowthats-awesome]

I’m bad at keeping up with new music and I mainly just listen to the same artist old music over and over again so I decided to challenge myself to listen to as many new music as I can. I mainly just gonna try to keep up with 2024 album releases. If y’all have any artist that you like that will be releasing an album this year feel free to let me know! I’ve already listened to Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Kali Uchis and The Black Keys albums. And I am ranking too!! At the end of the year I’ll post my top 10 songs too and my ranking of albums all together!

First Album I heard this year was Eternal Sunshine by Ariana Grande! This is my rankings 🔻⬇️🔻

1. True Story

2. We Can’t Be Friends

3. Eternal Sunshine

4. Don’t Wanna Break Up Again

5. I Wish I Hated You

6. Supernatural

7. The Boy Is Mine

8. Imperfect For You

9. Bye

10. Ordinary Things

11. Saturn Returns

12. Intro

13. Yes, and?

9/10 (spoiler alert this is still my highest reviewed album!)

(My fav Ariana Grande album!!)

1-7 i have on repeat!!!

[thehoneyispure]

Ariana Grande's Eternal Sunshine ☀️

Ariana Grande's Eternal Sunshine

Cover art: she has her own shoulder to cry on, she has to feel the moments and still be her own best friend

INTRO: can relate yes

Sounds eternal and also sad. Like the world is ending 

BYE: I like it, the chores gots flighty repetitive however it can be seen as a mantra not to go back to what doesn’t serve you

Don’t wanna break up again: not having some try to explain or examine their action even though you are, there is love however that is not enough: won’t abandon me again for you

Saturn return: love it, helps explain how the plants play a part in life ( Saturn in my chart) love the distortion

Eternal Sunshine: yeah… perfect title a renewal (a cool nod to the Jim Carey and Kate H. film)

Supernova: YES about letting go, not caring how you look, and wanting love to take over (surrendering)

the oohh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

True story: yes honestly, I don’t care about what people will say or the narrative that will spread 

When you don’t meet people's expectations/fantasies crap hits the fan

GOTTA GO!

I'LL PLAY IT WELL TOO

The Boy is Mine: love the “changes” to the song

SIDE NOTE: Don't say you don't understand her on this album… PLEASE

Yes, and? Come on a classic 

BE YOUR OWN FUCKING BEST FRIEND

We can’t be friends- (wait for your love) The updated 80s sound, could also be about the media, ready to change sides at any moment of non-perfection

SIDENOTE: an album about healing

I wish I hated you: yes, there was good, but the pain was still real. There isn't any hate because if there were, it would be “ easier” to get over

1222: imperfect for you gives thinking of you Katy Perry

Imperfect for you:  a love song of peace seeing the good in things that look and feel like healing. A phoenix rising above

Ordinary (ft Nonna): jazzy meets hip-hop YES the production

A person who makes “ordinary” “extraordinary”

If you can't (get over something for a kiss goodnight) you are in the wrong place, Get Out

THANK YOU NONNA

Everyone deserves to heal at their own pace, I'm starting to learn that now the meaning of it

Conclusion: a story about healing, feeling the ugly, taking accountability/Standing up for one's self. There is always sunshine at the end of the terror.

Side note this was just a first listen as time goes on thoughts might change. Overall a beautiful album. Thank you, Ariana and collaborators. 

[randomjpop]

I’ll admit. I’ve not played this album a great deal. It just doesn’t have much replay value for me, which is in large part because of how short and underbaked near enough every song on the album is. And yet, it’s still a great showcase of Ariana’s growth as a songwriter and producer. Similar to Sweetener, it’s an album full of flaws. But it’s also an album which show that Ariana has more to her as an artist than I’d realised. Giving me just enough to stay interested in whatever she does next.

Oh. And she absolutely needs to release “Bye” as a single.

Full album review over at the Random J Pop blog.

💿 Album Review: Ariana Grande - Eternal Sunshine

[boricuacherry-blog]

On Eternal Sunshine

Omg:

Lmaooo

[fantastickkay]

Album Review of the Week: Ariana Grande - Eternal Sunshine (2024)

After 3 whirlwind studio + 1 live albums between 2018-2020, Ariana Grande declared that she would be taking a break to enjoy her new life as a married woman. During those years she did a few side projects, including starring in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation. Finally, in January 2024, we get a new single - Yes, And? produced by powerhouse Max Martin. This, along with the second single We Can't Be Friends (Wait For You Love), debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 which now makes her the woman with the most #1 debut singles!

The album opens with Intro (End of the World). I usually find tracks that introduce you to the theme of the album to be a little pandering, however I think this was really well done. The first line being "How can I tell if I'm in the right relationship?" and the rest of the lyrics outline what we are about to hear very well. Not to mention she sounds amazing! Throughout this whole album, her vocals are improved from past projects - she can finally enunciate!

Bye expands on the previous track starting with some dramatic synths that almost replicate brass instruments, but not quite. The chorus is breezy and beautifully melodic. This makes me picture the photo of Nicole Kidman after finalizing her divorce to Tom Cruise, makes me want to dance around the house in euphoria.

Don't Wanna Break Up Again backtracks a little bit into the last stages of the relationship. The lyrics are very bare and honest. I enjoy the slightly elevated chill pop sound of this track and how honest it is.

Eternal Sunshine continues that chill pop sound. The choppy vocal delivery reminds me of Cry Me A River. I absolutely love the little video game noises when she says "played me like Atari". I enjoy how we get to hear some lower notes from her in the verses.

Supernatural is one of the weaker, more forgettable songs on the album for me. While it's on, it sounds gorgeous and breezy but I couldn't tell you what it sounded like an hour from now.

True Story is a standout. The strong vocals paired with the light, layered backing vocals portray an urgency. The instrumentals are much darker as well, with more tight drum sounds and warbled synths.

The Boy Is Mine is the absolute best track on this album. I love everything about it! Her vocals sound amazing throughout, the chorus is really fun and I love how the chorus hesitates just a tiny bit right as it is beginning.

The lead single, Yes And?, is a really fun dance track! I love the House vibes, and it even has a little bit of a bridge! It is certainly not prime Max Martin level but still a great lead to get people interested in the project. It is completely different than the rest of the album and appears so far into the album (as I've noticed with many other Ariana tracklists). I wanted the remix with Mariah Carey to be so good! I was hoping for a classic 8-minute Mariah remix with all new vocals.... it was very cobbled together and Mariah was not mixed well at all and not even a remix. They just shoved some Mariah vocals in there and didn't even do it well, so that was very disappointing!

We Can't Be Friends (Wait For You Love) was the 2nd (and so far - until June 7th - the latest) single. This is another one with very honest lyrics, "I just want to let this story die". Once again, she sounds gorgeous and the melody is beautiful.

I Wish I Hated You has a really beautiful wind-chimy background instrumentation, or the low end of a xylophone. The changes in tempo of the vocal delivery throughout is very interesting, I especially love the quick 'I wish I hated you'. Towards the end, you can hear a cry in her voice which really brings home the emotional aspects of the project after we have had a few fun dance songs.

Imperfect For You is another standout, something about the melody of the title really grips me and keeps me coming back to this ballad. The entire song is really relatable, everyone has their imperfections and finding the one person who will accept them all is so great!

Ordinary Things is a really sweet song about just wanting to live the ordinary moments with your significant other. The sound of the song is pretty forgettable to me, but I appreciate the sentiment and I really like the spoken word at the end by her grandmother. The perfect closer!

Overall, I feel as though the sound and production of this album is a natural progression after Positions. Even though the 13-track standard album clocks in at only 35 minutes, I really enjoy this album! It is definitely one of my favorite albums so far this year and a great progression of Grande's artistry.

[musicreviewsstuff]

Eternal Sunshine☀️

Type: Album

Artist: Ariana Grande

Length: 35 minutes

13 tracks

Rating: 9.5/10

Opinions: I absolutely loved this album, not because I’m a huge arianator, but because of the production quality, songwriting and the vocal quality of this record. I can hear how much effort Ariana put into this project. She digs deep into her emotions. I enjoyed every song from the intro to the end, with many tears involved in the listening process. She really showed the world her production, songwriting and singing abilities. Her beautiful angelic vocals, her raw and honest lyrics, and her clean and professional production. Everything was so perfect

Favourite Tracks

1. i wish i hated you

2. we can’t be friends (wait for your love)

3. supernatural

4. eternal sunshine

5. imperfect for you

[bl00dst41ned]

giving my honest opinion on eternal sunshine (warning first ever listen) late as usual :)

intro - it happened so fast i don't even remember what it sounds like

bye - i like the song mostly for its instrumental (it really is not fit for Ari to showcase her entire vocal abilities), it is cool nevertheless and i think it'll be one i'll remember

don't wanna break up again - this has heavy rnb vibes, the inspiration is clear. the vocal stack is pretty cool, i really noticed the little touches added wish make a big difference. i love the feeling of back singers with her when it's actually all her, it's so cool.

saturn returns interlude - you will never be sza girl (this is satire don't try to murder me, you crazy arianators)

eternal sunshine - now this is an interlude because i didn't even realize the song changed. again the hip-hop influence is evident and i love it. now the vocals, please. how can you make "hope you feel alright when you're in her" sound so angelic. oh ariana...*hits like button while aggressively rocking to the beat*

supernatural - why does the chorus feel like a kpop song ? this is not my hit, it's quite boring sorry

true story - already listened to it during a little game i do in stores. now the rnb in this is getting me. the beat gives me tlc vibes which is very appreciable.

the boy is mine - i was promised inspirations from brandy and monica's 2000's hit of the same name and i don't find them, maybe I'm not looking deep enough in the song. the track is cool or whatever, but it feels kind of bland idk how to describe it. (basically this is what bland food could sound like)

yeah so I had to go to sleep and my period started today I'm no longer in the mood

edit: we can't be friends is actually cool and i would not be surprised if it became the song of a trailer for a teen romcom + eternal sunshine is my favorite rn

[blogmistermusic]

Crítica de "Eternal Sunshine" de Ariana Grande

El ritmo de trabajo de Ariana Grande durante sus primeros años en el mundo de la música fue frenético y en apenas un lapso de 8 años publicó hasta 6 álbumes de estudio, recuperando los tiempos que manejaba Rihanna durante su apogeo en el panorama musical en la década del 2000. Apenas 7 meses después del lanzamiento de “Sweetener” llegó “Thank U, Next” y año y medio más tarde vio la luz…

[radgalniya]

eternal sunshine review

you already knowwww. another album review.

random thoughts:

so the thing is i didn’t have high hopes for this, bc i hated sweetener and people were saying this was like a part 2. and shitting on positions, my favorite ari album, to compare this one. so i’m like i’m gonna hate this. but i am actually so excited bc i like it. i finally have new music to be obsessed w rather than relistening to the same songs over and over.

also just bc i like the album, don’t mean i’m like a homewrecker stan. she gotta chill.

she should’ve kept the red themed cover like i get the message of the new one but it just doesn’t hit the same.

anyways bc i’m a psycopath, i listened out of order bc that’s the only way i can properly listen idk y.

also i love that there’s no musical features

anyways to the review:

intro(end of the world):

it’s a cute lil intro. my everything vibes. 6/10. probably won’t relisten to this one much. but i love how she’s being so honest on this album bc i’m a nosey ass bitch. love when ppl air out their business. more more!

bye:

modern disco viiibes. upbeat. very dancey. but also lyrically it’s very idk not melancholy but like kind of sadish i like that. 7/10. the song is really not my personal taste but it’s really good still.

don’t wanna break up again:

naur he turned up the tv when he heard her crying throw that man in the trash!!! i like this one. i like the melody and lyrics and the chorus is my favorite part of the song. i wish the production was a little more melodic. it only does it for me during the chorus tbh. but i like this song. 8/10 “but i just can’t refuse” in the chorus sounds like the “im finding ways to stay concentrated on what i gotta do” in die for you by the weeknd.

saturn returns interlude:

idk man some woman talking what do you want me to say. isn’t it weird that this is the only track with capital letters tho?

eternal sunshine:

i really hate trap beats tbh. but ik it’s like ari’s signature now. but ick. it’s a bop tho for sure. but not really my taste. i only really like it bc the lyrics. i just love ppl telling their business y’all i’m not kidding. 7/10

supernatural:

AHHHHHH BITCHCHHHH YESSSS THIS IS WTF i’m TALKIN ABOUT THIS IS POP BITCH YESSS 100000/10 i love the modern 80s pop vibe and the chorus is so perfect w/ the beat. it just rides man i love this song. i’d love this album JUST for this song.

true story:

so 90s love it. very aaliyah beat. i love a good 90s r&b moment so ofc this is an automatic like even if the chorus isn’t that catchy. idk ig i just feel like pop should have catchy melodies and/or an infectious beat. y’know? also she ate w/ the belting at the end. 8/10

the boy is mine:

YASSSSSSS. again we know i love a 90s vibe. the slowdown right before the chorus is insaane. and the choral style harmonies on the “is” of the boy is mine scratches something in my brain as well as the “gotta be a reason why” robotic voice thing. this is so catchy. this is totally a fantasize vibe. so good. 10/10

yes and?:

i dont have it in me to keep defending this song from u vultures. AND i wish she put the mariah carey version on the album too 8/10 and no i will not be explaining myself further y’all are gonna make me cry.

we can’t be friends (wait for your love):

feel i’m getting an 80s vibe again. i like it. i’m loving the upbeat music, sadish vibe lyrics thing going on in this album. i like the vibe of this song a lot. i do wish something in here was more catchy. but i like it. it’s so soft and wistful almost. that’s probably why i’ll relisten. conjure up some interesting maladaptive daydreams w/ this one. 7/10 edit: i watched the video now i like it more. 8/10 lol

i wish i hated you:

it’s very vulnerable. again i’m nosey so i like that. but the song is eh for me. i don’t think this is a song i’d listen to for the music but more for the vibe. 6/10

imperfect for you:

i looooove it. a little weird melodically but i love it. just scratches something in my brain it’s so good. so catchy. 10/10

ordinary things:

it’s good. not one of my favorites but the more i listen, the more i like it. i love the way she pronounces ordinary in here lol. 7/10

okay that’s all really

p.s. i feel like why try from my everything would fit in here idk. this album feels like a perfect combination of all of her others, it’s so weird how that works out. i love it tho. pleasantly surprised!!

[fakemonalisa28]

Some quick thoughts/ramble about Eternal Sunshine

1) The outro for We Can’t Be Friends was beautiful

2)The lyrics really brought the story of True Story down, other wise it would’ve been on my top three

3)Some make a Destiel edit of Supernatural for the memes

4)Bye should be the next single

5)The Boy Is Mine is the best song ever make no it’s not to early to say this

[lootkey]

No one cares but I need to express my thoughts so thoughts and reactions of the first album release of what I’m dubbing the pop music revival:

eternal sunshine by Ariana Grande

Album 1st listen: 7/10. Better than positions for sure. The production is great and her voice is lovely but I think the high points aren’t quite high enough and the low points are forgettable. Also -1 point for “yes, and?” as the lead single.

Album 3rd listen: 8/10. Production is very nostalgic of the early 2000s R&B sounds? Love that. Her delivery is great as always. My personal preference is always more of a lower vocal in choruses so certain songs are growing on me for that reason but I think this is a solid return to true pop music from Ariana.

Top 3 (in order): imperfect, don’t wanna break up again, bye

Bot 3: yes, and?, supernatural, true story

intro (end of the world)

1st listen impressions: this is not at all what I expected? I expected less instruments and more house type sounds. Her voice is beautiful. 6/10

- 3rd listen thoughts: I think this is more of a return to a sweetener-esque sound which I love. The lyrics hurt. A beautiful start to the album. 7/10

bye

1st: a bop!!! I love an upbeat breakup song. Had this been the lead single, I think it would have performed infinitely better than yes, and? Love love love the production. 8/10

3rd: top 3 of the album for me for sure. The lyrics are a little on the nose but as they should be! This is a brain off, with the windows down song with your bestie in the passenger seat song. Love love love 8/10.

don’t wanna break up again

1st: good production, her voice is beautiful. I think it will be well loved by fans but I’m not sure if it’s for me?

3rd: fuck that, I love this song. Top 2 if it’s not my favorite on the album. The sharp drum beat with her soft delivery? excellent. It’s almost 90s nostalgic sounding I think? Her delivery is amazing. Definitely a grower. 9/10

Saturn Returns Interlude

1st: I hate a spoken word interlude man I do. Like I get the theme but it just takes me out. It also takes away the title of a “skipless” album for me bc like?????? 1/10

3: I get it a little bit more but I still hate it. 2/10

eternal sunshine

1st: this one isn’t my favorite? The instrumental I love. I like the verses but the chorus is jarring to me. 5/10

3rd: this is growing on me? It kind of reminds me of the feelings I had for TS’s gold rush, where I loved loved loved the verses and tolerated the chorus but now it’s one of my favorite songs. Her delivery on the verses is probably my favorite of all of her discography. The higher register vocals on the verse isn’t my favorite, mostly because I prefer lower register female vocals (just as a personal preference). 7/10

supernatural

1st: this is the first filler track of the album. A skip but it’s fine? There’s nothing notable here but sonically it sounds fine. 4/10

3rd: again the higher vocal chorus isn’t my favorite. First skip of the album for me? If it came on during shuffle I’d probably be fine with it but I’m definitely not actively seeking it out or adding it to my playlists. It reminds me kinda of “fake smile” from thank u, next which I didn’t like at release but did like eventually so we will see? 4/10

true story

1st: another filler I think? The lyrics are interesting but I don’t have a ton of thoughts on this one. 5/10

3rd: The production kind of gives late 90s/early 2000s? At least the drums do to me anyway. I might give this one a few more listens to see if it grows on me some more. 5/10

the boy is mine

1st: now we are back in hit territory! The production is dancey. Her vocals are nostalgic to previous Ariana albums in a way that I like. 7/10.

3rd: I love this song but I hate the weird pause in the production going into the chorus, it reminds me of the skip you’d get when your CD was slightly scratched lol. The high vocals work on this song better than they did on previous songs. Again with the 90/2000s nostalgic delivery and production. 8/10

yes, and?

general thoughts bc lead single: I think I dislike this song the more I listen to it. The production is fine, I guess but I hate her delivery of the verses. Ariana is an artist who (for my personal taste) can be very hit or miss for me and I think this song just has all of my least favorite things lmao. I’m glad some people like it but it just isn’t for me. At first I didn’t see how sonically it fit with the album but the more I listen to the album as a whole the more it fits. Also, I understand why from a marketing standpoint it was made as the lead single but it definitely sticks out like a sore thumb both sonically and lyrically? 2/10

we can’t be friends (wait for your love)

1st: oh this is different sounding? It’s less nostalgic sounding than the first half of the album. Not a bad song, the lyrics are on par with most of Ariana’s other songs. Kind of unremarkable? 6/10

3rd: the synth in the background vaguely reminds me of “dancing on my own” for some reason, not a bad thing but idk why my brain is making that connection. I need to take a better look at the lyrics of this one because the more I make sense of the more the song doesn’t make a ton of sense for me. It’s interesting that it is more synth/bass heavy than drum heavy like the first half of the album. 6/10.

i wish i hated you:

1st: I’m not sure how I feel about this one? The bubbly sound in the background is mildly annoying lmao. I like the lyrics but I’m not a huge fan of her delivery in some parts? 5/10

3rd: I wish I liked this one lol the lyrics are beautiful but sonically it’s not my favorite. Her delivery and vocals aren’t my favorite. The production does a nice job of reflecting the yearning, cyclical, and melancholy feel of the lyrics though. 6/10

imperfect for you

1st: love the chorus!! The understated production and her vocals are amazing. I questioned who was singing at the beginning, thinking I somehow got away from the album bc I didn’t recognize her voice! 8/10

3rd: I love this song. This is the antithesis of “yes, and?” to me because while that song has everything I dislike of Ariana - this has everything I love about her. Her lower register, the clipped delivery of certain lines, and great lyrics. Understated production. My only critique is that it’s not long enough. My favorite of the album. 10/10

ordinary things

1st: I like the production of this song. Don’t love Nonna’s spoken word part (sorry Nonna) but as an album closer, I get it 6/10

3rd: I like that the album is ending on an uplifting note. I think it does a nice job of marrying the two sonic themes of production of the nostalgic R&B sounds of the first half and the synthy sounds of the 2nd half. Still don’t love the note from Nonna at the end but personal preference and I get why it’s there. 7/10

Ending thoughts: not to compare 2 queens but in some ways this album is her version of TS’s “Lover”. I think it is definitely executed better than Lover but idk I get the same vibes. The highs are great, the lows are forgettable but not truly offensive. There are songs on here that I know I will love for months, there are songs that may grow on me in a few weeks, and there are songs I definitely won’t be listening to you again (looking at you yes, and?). Overall I think it is a great body of work but there are definitely a few skips. This could potentially get Ariana her Album of the Year but we are entering a wild few months for pop music so who knows. This was fun!

[cataldodarker]

HIGH_light³⁰ (3/3)

21/30 - Sweetener

Artista: Ariana Grande

Data di rilascio: 17-08-2018

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22/30 - Album

Artista: Ghali

Data di rilascio: 26-05-2017

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23/30 - Phoenix

Artista: Rita Ora

Data di rilascio: 23-11-2018

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24/30 - All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend

Artista: AURORA

Data di rilascio: 26-08-2016

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25/30 - Stagger

Artista: Poppy

Data di rilascio: 14-10-2022

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26/30 - Lionheart

Artista: Kate Bush

Data di rilascio: 12-11-1978

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27/30 - So Good

Artista: Zara Larsson

Data di rilascio: 17-03-2017

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28/30 - Lady Wood

Artista: Tove Lo

Data di rilascio: 28-10-2016

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29/30 - Beauty Behind the Madness

Artista: The Weeknd

Data di rilascio: 28-08-2015

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30/30 - Visions

Artista: Grimes

Data di rilascio: 12-03-2012

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[o-the-mts]

50 Years, 50 Albums (2019): Thank U, Next by Ariana Grande

I will turn 50 in November of this year, so my project for 2023 will be to listen to and review one album from each year of my life, 1973 to 2022.  The only qualification is that it has to be an album I’ve not reviewed previously.  2019 Top Grossing Albums of 2019: Lover – Taylor Swift When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? – Billie Eilish Happiness Begins  – Jonas Brothers Fine Line – Harry…

[loonarii]

"LW2G" - The Debut EP by KATSEYE (my reimagining of their debut)

So this is actually the second imagined album I've put together, which feels weird to nobody but me, because despite only posting one for ITZY literally a whole year ago, at all times I have at least 5 half finished imagined albums in my drafts lmao. This one is for KATSEYE, because if you've seen my rants reviews in my Monthly Roundup series (here & here) you will know that I have not been exactly pleased with the direction HYBE is taking them. I am aware that the group's debut EP 'SIS' is dropping soon, so I wanted to post this now so my opinions wouldn't be overly influenced by what the group has already released.  ALSO - a lot of this post was talked through and contributed to by my moot @pocima so thanks so much for that bestie u have amazing taste :) Before we get into the tracklist, let’s lay out what I wanted to achieve from this project:

It should have a clear, defined target audience.

The EP should establish a sound that doesn’t echo someone else currently releasing music aimed at that target audience.

The sound created should allow them room to grow and explore.

The EP should be somewhat thematically relevant to their status as rookies and their big aspirations.

Their concept should emphasize their status as a truly international group and capitalize on that.

So with that out of the way, let's get into “LW2G”, my imagined KATSEYE debut project.

Target Audience:

Because of the ages of the members, and because the music promotion vessel of choice these past few years has been TikTok, older teenagers seem the most obvious target audience for a group like KATSEYE in my opinion.

Concept:

The concept will be semi inspired by the somewhat new yet already iconic ‘superhero by night, ordinary girl by day’ trope popularised by Sailor Moon, Hannah Montana, etc. High school is a pretty universal experience and will link KATSEYE with girls around the world, so half of the concept will build on this - perhaps there could be concept photos of the girls wearing typical school uniforms from their region? This would also expand upon the aesthetics of ‘Dream Academy’. The other half will draw from classic 90s girl group aesthetics, think TLC or Destiny’s Child music videos. The combination of relatability and aspiration works well for a 2024 market in my opinion - it's what gives stars like Taylor Swift longevity over their competitors. The concept also feels very kpop in my opinion, which is also supposed to be what sets KATSEYE apart from their competitors.

Sound:

The sound will build off the concept throughout the tracklist. The marching band instrumentation references a high school ambience, but the 00s synths echo the superstar energy I’m trying to create in the second half of the concept. Key reference points for the sound will be Nelly Furtado, TLC, and Destiny’s Child.

Tracklist:

(1) Step On Up (orig. Ariana Grande)

I wanted to start with this cult favourite of Ariana Grande's discography. I love how the percussion plays with the vocal performance, it effortlessly builds the excitement for the album, references the marching bands of the concept, and it's thematically relevant to the groups status as rookies. I truly believe the KATSEYE girls could handle this song effortlessly.

(2) Long Way 2 Go (orig. Cassie)

This is the track that I envision being the title track, ITS SO ADDICTIVE. I would definitely change the lyrics to suit the girls being younger, and I would love to see a variety of languages in this track - they might be an international group but if they only sing in English they are functionally another american pop group. This also works well thematically for KATSEYE, and the synths echo their 'pop superstar by night' concept.

(3) Lose My Breath (orig. Destiny's Child)

This has the potential to be another promoted track that I could see expanding on the high school it girl aspect of their concept, due to it's gorgeous percussion. This is such a classically amazing dance track and we know that these girls can DANCE, so I know they would kill a choreography to it.

(4) Change (orig. FLO)

Thanks to @pocima again for suggesting this track specifically, it really pulls the album together and brings that relatability that perhaps some of the other songs were lacking. FLO have such an amazing discography, but this track especially would work well with the girls' vocal styles in my opinion. Its on the more rnb side, creating another avenue of music for the group to explore in future projects without alienating their main sound. I could also see this as a secondary single from the EP, functioning as the kind of mirror image to LW2G.

(5) Better (orig. BoA)

An absolute banger from the queen of kpop, and it works so well on this EP. It has this aura that I really think the KATSEYE girls could pull off. It has the beautiful 00s/90s synths we love and the anthemic nature of the song fits the girl group style effortlessly.

(6) Soul (orig. Girls' Generation)

I love this track for the closer because it brings together all the different elements of the EP - it has the percussion of Lose My Breath and Step On Up, the synths of LW2G, the assertiveness of Better and the vocals of Change. Again, I don't know that it would only be in Korean - i would love to see some of the other languages the girls speak featuring on this track. Like many of the tracks on this album, the concept of 'finding your soul' also speaks to the position KATSEYE is in within the industry, and successfully rounds out the overall message of the EP - KATSEYE are here to rock the boat and find out who they are along the way.

Final Thoughts:

I really like the EP I've put together here, and I truly think it fills a gap in the market - it's really not a bad idea to pitch a new girl group at america considering its been a long time since a group act has really made it big over there, and KATSEYE certainly have what it takes talent-wise. I may not have liked the two singles KATSEYE have dropped so far, but I am certainly sat for their official EP whenever it comes out. By all means let me know ur thoughts on my tracklist and concept ideas, and thanks for reading, I appreciate it a lot.

~ ari