As you probably know by now, a little over a week ago, on February 8th, Ariana Grande released her fifth studio album titled Thank U, Next, and ode to her past relationships and her new found independence as a single woman. The album has been on repeat on my Spotify since it was released, and well, it’s too good not to write a blog post about.
Let’s start with the first track, shall we.
Imagine
This song was the second single Ariana released from the album, displaying a catchy melody about imagining an ideal relationship, a theme that is presented throughout a few of her other songs as well. She graces the track with her vocal range, along with a variety of string instruments and a beat that keeps the song pressing forward.
Best line: Baby, direct it, name in the credits // Like the movies do
Needy
The album transitions into a moody ballad in which Ariana sings about being “needy” in her relationships, switching between apologizing for her actions, and completely owning them, stating that she’s “passionate and gives no f*cks”. In this song I love that she turns a usually negative trait into a positive one. She acknowledges that she is a passionate person and hard to please, but also points out that it must feel good to be needed by her in a relationship.
Best line: I can be needy, tell me how good it feels to be needed
NASA
The album picks up some pace with this banger, a new anthem for the independent women who need their space. She sings with confidence about needing her alone time, stating that she’ll give you the world, as long as she gets her independence and space. PREACH GIRL. This is definitely one of the first songs I play in the car.
Best line: You don’t wanna leave me, but I’m tryna self-discover // Keep me in your orbit and you know you’ll drag me under
Bloodline
OKAY ARI, KEEEP THE JAMS COMING. Starting off with her adorable cackle laugh, this song is sassy and catchy and has an amazing beat. What more could you ask for?? “Bloodline” references Ari telling the boy she is casually seeing that she doesn’t want him in her bloodline, making sure that he knows he’s just a fling. Yes, you’ll have a great night. No, she won’t text you the next day. This song is a great car jam/dance party bop. One of my faves for sure.
Best line: I know what you want, what you want from me // I know what you think, what you think you see // I know what you’re looking for, but I’m complete // I know what you need, but it won’t be me
Fake Smile
This song slows down the jam train while maintaining a catchy beat, focusing on the message of not faking a smile, and being transparent with feelings. Ari is at a point in her life where she is tired of faking smiles and attitudes. If she’s upset, you’ll know it.
Best line: If I’m hurt, I ain’t gon’ lie about it // Arms crossed with the attitude, lips poutin’ // If I’m mad, I ain’t gon’ lie about it // Neck roll with the attitude
Bad Idea
Starting off with a solo guitar strum, this song captures the angsty emotions that come after a breakup. You’re lonely, you haven’t gotten over the person yet, and you just want a distraction. You know the smart idea would probably be to face your feelings and heal from the breakup, but you’d rather go with the bad idea (who might happen to be good looking).
Best line: Yeah, I’ma call you over here to numb the pain // I got a bad idea // Forget about it, yeah, forget about him, yeah // Forget about me
Makeup
On a less serious note, Ari sings about the joy of making up from a fight in a relationship, and that it is kind of the best feeling. She also makes lots of cute cosmetic references, making it a feel-good, lets-go-to-Sephora-and-then-make-out kind of song.
Best line: I love it when we make up // Go ‘head, ruin my makeup
Ghostin
Get ready to be in your feels for a hot second. This haunting melody explores the feeling of still deeply caring for your ex while in a new relationship. It is rumored that this song was written about her deep feelings for Mac Miller while she was with Pete Davidson. You definitely have to be in the mood to enjoy this ballad.
Best line: I know that it breaks your heart when I cry again //
Over him // I know that it breaks your heart when I cry again // ‘Stead of ghostin’ him
In My Head
This song is way too real for me. It’s all about creating an image of the person you are romantically involved with in your mind, but in reality, they are nothing like that. I’m sure a lot of people can relate to this feeling, the sensation of being so caught up in the moment that you can’t see what’s really there, and in the end, it really hurts you.
If you’re looking to get those feels out about your shitty past relationship, this is a good one.
Best line: Look at you, boy, I invented you // Gucci tennis shoes runnin’ from your issues
7 Rings
YES GIRL!! — My first reaction to this song. I remember seeing Ariana post an Instagram story a couple months back of her and some of her gal pals buying rings at Tiffany’s, and I’m so so glad she made it into this song. Ari explores the pleasure of retail therapy in this bop, and you will for sure want to pretend you can afford to go buy diamond rings for 6 of your bitches.
Best line: You like my hair? Gee, thanks, just bought it // I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it
Thank U, Next
Ah, the song that started it all. From the moment I first heard these lyrics, I was obsessed. What a great way to get over a breakup, noticing all the things you’ve learned, realizing that you’ve turned out amazing, regardless of the pain. I wish I could have added this to my breakup playlist when I was going through mine. This song has honestly taught me to be thankful for my ex (who would have thought that’d be possible??)
Best line: I’ve got so much love // Got so much patience // I’ve learned from the pain // I turned out amazing
Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored
*Me every time I see a cute stranger in a coffee shop.* Ari writes this song about seeing a cute boy, realizing he has a girlfriend, and then getting annoyed, thinking he obviously needs to dump her for you. This song is fun, upbeat, and full of sass.
Best line: You’re at home like, “Damn, she can’t compare”
—————————————————————————————————————————————–
Well, there you have it, the album I’ve been listening to non-stop for the past week. I love that Ariana is at a point in both her career and life that she can be unapologetically herself. The vulnerability she has put forth with each song has given the album, I believe, so much success. People can relate to the feelings she sings about, and many, much like myself, are playing it on repeat.
10/10. Highly recommend.
Zany Lady 
One Comment