Ariana is at the top of her game this year and she is looking to round it off with the release of her second album, My Everything. Her debut release Yours Truly hit No.1 in America last year but didn't really have much of an impact overseas and the only successful single from the album was The Way.
But after dominating the charts worldwide with three massive songs already, Ariana will surely be leaving her mark with this album.
But after dominating the charts worldwide with three massive songs already, Ariana will surely be leaving her mark with this album.
I have put together a little track-by-track review to give you a feel for what to expect when the album drops next week.
1. Intro
Not much to say about this opener as it isn't really a full track at less than 2 minutes long. This is simply just a little message to her fans which is cute, but not necessarily fitting on a twelve track album.
Not much to say about this opener as it isn't really a full track at less than 2 minutes long. This is simply just a little message to her fans which is cute, but not necessarily fitting on a twelve track album.
2. Problem ft. Iggy Azalea
Everyone knows this track by now as the first single off the album and Ariana's most successful release to date. The song is fun, catchy and full of attitude that showcases Ariana's transition into a more confident and established artist. Iggy makes a nice addition to the album as the only female feature, not including the deluxe edition songs, and a fellow superstar of 2014.
3. One Last Time
In all honesty I could do without this song. It is instantly forgettable and I don't think the pop genre is where Ariana belongs as she is such a powerful vocalist.
I appreciate the sentiment behind the song and it had potential to be great with a different production and a more uptempo rhythm.
4. Why Try
It doesn't take long to realise that this is a song written by Ryan Tedder because it has a similar feel to Beyonce's XO, and most other Tedder songs, but a little less anthemic.
Ariana's vocals are at their best on this song and the lyrics, although subtle, are obviously moving if they're written by this writing genius. I can see this becoming the soundtrack to many break ups.
5. Break Free ft. Zedd
Another single from the album that hasn't had a huge amount of success but showcased another side to Ariana. Usually known for her vocal ballads and R'n'B jams, this song took a new turn and Ariana entered into the world of dance-inspired EDM music. Surprisingly, it works well for her on this song and acts as I nice break on this ballad filled and prominently R'n'B album. I can see it being a bigger hit with a little more promotion.
Everyone knows this track by now as the first single off the album and Ariana's most successful release to date. The song is fun, catchy and full of attitude that showcases Ariana's transition into a more confident and established artist. Iggy makes a nice addition to the album as the only female feature, not including the deluxe edition songs, and a fellow superstar of 2014.
3. One Last Time
In all honesty I could do without this song. It is instantly forgettable and I don't think the pop genre is where Ariana belongs as she is such a powerful vocalist.
I appreciate the sentiment behind the song and it had potential to be great with a different production and a more uptempo rhythm.
4. Why Try
It doesn't take long to realise that this is a song written by Ryan Tedder because it has a similar feel to Beyonce's XO, and most other Tedder songs, but a little less anthemic.
Ariana's vocals are at their best on this song and the lyrics, although subtle, are obviously moving if they're written by this writing genius. I can see this becoming the soundtrack to many break ups.
5. Break Free ft. Zedd
Another single from the album that hasn't had a huge amount of success but showcased another side to Ariana. Usually known for her vocal ballads and R'n'B jams, this song took a new turn and Ariana entered into the world of dance-inspired EDM music. Surprisingly, it works well for her on this song and acts as I nice break on this ballad filled and prominently R'n'B album. I can see it being a bigger hit with a little more promotion.
6. Best Mistake ft. Big Sean
I really love this song, in fact it might be my favourite on the album and just so happens to be Ariana's. This is a stunning ballad with some heartfelt vocals and brilliant lyrics from Big Sean making it the perfect love song. This is a real throwback to Ariana's debut album which very much sounded like this song throughout - R'n'B with a strong rap feature - but this a level of growth and maturity that shines on this song.
7. Be My Baby ft. Cashmere Cat
This song really reminds me of something from the late 90's/early 00's in terms of R'n'B music, and that is never a bad thing. It has a familiar sound to many of her previous songs such as Right Here and The Way with its sweet lyrics.
The hook is ridiculously catchy and the verses have a solid rhythm so I can see why this is Ariana's choice for the next single.
8. Break Your Heart Right Back ft. Childish Gambino
A song that already has people talking because of the story behind it - a guy who leaves his girl for another guy, an experience that Ariana says she has probably been through. There is a sense of humour in the song, which samples I'm Coming Out on the chorus, and a fun, albeit brief, appearance from Gambino which is always welcome.
9. Love Me Harder ft. The Weeknd
A slightly suggestive song with some riqsue lyrics and the recognisable tones of The Weeknd are exposed in a different light than his usual dark and haunting music.
This is a bit of a departure for Ariana but I think I like it.
10. Just A Little Bit of Your Heart
Ariana is at her best with a powerful ballad such as this, and with lyrics penned by Harry Styles, this is sure to be a fan favourite.
The simplicity of just a piano and some strings enables you to hear the pain and vulnerability in Ariana's voice for the first time on this album, which is something I really enjoyed on Yours Truly.
11. Hands On Me ft. A$AP Ferg
If only there were more songs on the album that sounded like this because it makes a nice change from the ballads and bring some fun to the album. It almost sounds out of place at this point on the album but I am glad that it is there because it is a great uptempo song that would do well in the current market of 'twerk' songs.
Even on a song such as this, Ariana still manages to have a stunning vocal moment and shows that this is the type of music she should be making more of.
I really love this song, in fact it might be my favourite on the album and just so happens to be Ariana's. This is a stunning ballad with some heartfelt vocals and brilliant lyrics from Big Sean making it the perfect love song. This is a real throwback to Ariana's debut album which very much sounded like this song throughout - R'n'B with a strong rap feature - but this a level of growth and maturity that shines on this song.
7. Be My Baby ft. Cashmere Cat
This song really reminds me of something from the late 90's/early 00's in terms of R'n'B music, and that is never a bad thing. It has a familiar sound to many of her previous songs such as Right Here and The Way with its sweet lyrics.
The hook is ridiculously catchy and the verses have a solid rhythm so I can see why this is Ariana's choice for the next single.
8. Break Your Heart Right Back ft. Childish Gambino
A song that already has people talking because of the story behind it - a guy who leaves his girl for another guy, an experience that Ariana says she has probably been through. There is a sense of humour in the song, which samples I'm Coming Out on the chorus, and a fun, albeit brief, appearance from Gambino which is always welcome.
9. Love Me Harder ft. The Weeknd
A slightly suggestive song with some riqsue lyrics and the recognisable tones of The Weeknd are exposed in a different light than his usual dark and haunting music.
This is a bit of a departure for Ariana but I think I like it.
10. Just A Little Bit of Your Heart
Ariana is at her best with a powerful ballad such as this, and with lyrics penned by Harry Styles, this is sure to be a fan favourite.
The simplicity of just a piano and some strings enables you to hear the pain and vulnerability in Ariana's voice for the first time on this album, which is something I really enjoyed on Yours Truly.
11. Hands On Me ft. A$AP Ferg
If only there were more songs on the album that sounded like this because it makes a nice change from the ballads and bring some fun to the album. It almost sounds out of place at this point on the album but I am glad that it is there because it is a great uptempo song that would do well in the current market of 'twerk' songs.
Even on a song such as this, Ariana still manages to have a stunning vocal moment and shows that this is the type of music she should be making more of.
12. My Everything
Another ballad which, if the album were a few tracks longer, would feel tired and overdone at this point. But as the closing song on the album, it is the perfect choice and note to end on even though it is slowly anti-climatic.
I hate to say it but this really reminds me of early Mariah Carey and though I can tell Ariana is trying to break away from that label on this album, it is rare moments like this that make her special as an artist.
13. Bang Bang with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj (Deluxe Edition)
Another single but it only makes an appearance on the deluxe edition because it is a collaboration with two other successful female artists, Jessie J and Nicki Minaj.
I love the attitude and fun that this song evokes and you really can't help but sing along after the first few listens. Female collaborations like this need to happens more often, and it helps that Ariana and Jessie are equally equipped in the vocal department and Nicki is one of the best rappers of our time.
14. Only 1 (Deluxe Edition)
I can't quite decide why but I love this song, probably because it sounds like nothing else on the album and the production is uplifting and inspiring. I'm not sure that it belongs on the deluxe edition because it would fit quite well in the first half of the album as a break between the sometimes overwhelming number of ballads on the album.
15. You Don't Know Me (Deluxe Edition)
This would have been perfect on Ariana's last album which is why I think it has been put on the deluxe edition only. It is a great song but doesn't feel right amongst the other songs with catchy hooks, mature content and strong production. There is a slightly childishness and simplicity in the lyrics that would have been out of place.
Another ballad which, if the album were a few tracks longer, would feel tired and overdone at this point. But as the closing song on the album, it is the perfect choice and note to end on even though it is slowly anti-climatic.
I hate to say it but this really reminds me of early Mariah Carey and though I can tell Ariana is trying to break away from that label on this album, it is rare moments like this that make her special as an artist.
13. Bang Bang with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj (Deluxe Edition)
Another single but it only makes an appearance on the deluxe edition because it is a collaboration with two other successful female artists, Jessie J and Nicki Minaj.
I love the attitude and fun that this song evokes and you really can't help but sing along after the first few listens. Female collaborations like this need to happens more often, and it helps that Ariana and Jessie are equally equipped in the vocal department and Nicki is one of the best rappers of our time.
14. Only 1 (Deluxe Edition)
I can't quite decide why but I love this song, probably because it sounds like nothing else on the album and the production is uplifting and inspiring. I'm not sure that it belongs on the deluxe edition because it would fit quite well in the first half of the album as a break between the sometimes overwhelming number of ballads on the album.
15. You Don't Know Me (Deluxe Edition)
This would have been perfect on Ariana's last album which is why I think it has been put on the deluxe edition only. It is a great song but doesn't feel right amongst the other songs with catchy hooks, mature content and strong production. There is a slightly childishness and simplicity in the lyrics that would have been out of place.
Overall, I am a little disappointed at the length of this album especially as the intro can't really count as a full track, and I would have liked to hear some more up-tempo numbers because Ariana excels at those just as much as the ballads.
However, Ariana does establishe a solid sound on the album and maintains her R'n'B with rap features style from her debut while still successfully experimenting with EDM-inspired and slightly more pop songs too. There are moments that left me a bit uninspired but listening to the album in its entirety was a real joy and took me through so many different emotions and stories without losing the powerful vocals and spunky personality that Ariana is so popular for. Her growth in maturity over the last twelve months is undoubted as she doesn't shy away from risque lyrics and controversial content yet she doesn't isolate those loyal fans who have stuck by her since Nickelodeon.
There is no doubt that My Everything will be a huge hit and my only worry is how will Ariana follow up such a solid piece of work.
Rating : 4/5
Rating : 4/5
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