“But if you’re willing, I’ll show you all my cards.” This is a love song that has many references to Vegas and gambling. Orlando is right in the sense that love is a gamble. There are so many factors that we have absolutely no control over (though we like to think that we do). But, the end goal, the thought of the big win, in this case, of finding love is so thrilling that we put ourselves through the process time and time again, remaining hopeful that we'll never call "bust". So, we subject ourselves to possible rejection in the hopes that we’ll receive acceptance and a once-in-a-lifetime and lifelong partnership, a built-in best friend and love all rolled into one. The build-up to the chorus lays out the foundation for the song. “I don’t want to freak you out.” is the first line of this song and for good reason. The subject matter is one of the most intense feelings we as humans face, love, and Johnny sings about “risking it all” and “betting on us”. So, he’s given this much thought, and he hopes that the other party has as well, but, just in case they haven’t, it begins with not wanting to alarm them. And, at the same time, wanting to let them know how he’s feeling and what the long run looks like for them. The references just keep coming in this song, cleverly and strategically placed while Orlando dances on the track with his smooth vocals. The notion of "staying" as in the game of 21, where you don't get any more cards and hope your score is high enough; "Betting on us" as in wagering something significant -life, time, his heart - on their love and its power, stating that their “odds are ten – one", relationships fail all of the time. Orlando does, however, repeat the lines “But, if you’re willing, I’ll show you all my cards. Let’s just risk it all.” So, Orlando is so certain of their love that not only is he willing to bet on them, but, he invites his love to also join him in this gamble. After all, it truly does take two to tango. Aside from clever lyrics and Orlando’s enchanting vocals, we have the infectious melody that accompanies the stellar song that is “Vegas”. It’s not only easy and compelling to sing along to, it’s just a fun song that also touches on an important topic that everyone can relate to. Every relationship is a gamble, even if it seems “easy” and like it “just makes sense”, someone can always change their mind, love can fade. Love, a lot like life, is a box of chocolates. Honestly, even the boxes that are labelled are able to contain surprises, you just really truly never know what you’re going to get. And that in itself is a part of the thrill of the experience that is love. John “Johnny” Orlando is a 21-year-old actor, singer and songwriter from Mississauga, Canada. His acting credits range from voice work on the children's shows such as "Super Why!" and "Wishenpoof" to countless music videos and the television series "Total Eclipse". He cites musical artist Justin Bieber as his biggest influence for pursuing a singing career. Johnny has been making his mark in the music industry, first garnering attention by posting covers of popular songs on his YouTube, then by releasing his long-awaited debut album “All The Things That Could Go Wrong” in 2022, and, most recently, releasing his EP “The Ride” in 2024. Orlando divided "The Ride" into three parts, before releasing the project in its entirety in February. He has been awarded the title of “Best Canadian Act” four times from 2018-2022 at the MTV Europe Music Awards and has amassed millions of followers across his social media accounts – Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Twitter, and YouTube. If you're betting on Orlando's success and wish to see his journey, stream his latest project, "The Ride" including his single “Vegas” and follow him on his socials below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW JOHNNY ORLANDO: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook   | YouTube

Bellah Mae released her song “2053”. The song expresses how she feels that her first love will forever be held close to her heart. This song will be featured on Bellah’s second EP titled “Never Waste a Heartbreak,” which will be released on May 3rd. The song is a pop ballad that showcases Bellah's ability to be vulnerable and tell a story with lyrics. Love marks us in a variety of ways and it’s not always bad. She shares how someone can be in your life and when they leave, it’s painful, but it can be special because of the effect they had on you. Being with the right person feels incredible, but the timing isn’t right. You can’t forget the impact they made no matter how hard you try. Nicholas Sparks once said, “The first time you fall in love, it changes you forever and no matter how hard you try, that feeling never goes away.” First loves are unforgettable. There is something so raw and innocent about the relationship, yet we feel the emotions so intensely. Bellah says in 2053, “I got another man and a happy family, and he’s a great guy, but he doesn’t have a clue, that I do love him, just not how I loved you.” She perfectly verbalizes how she is still falling in love, and living her life, but again that one person is stuck like glue. It’s hard when a love felt epic and suddenly it goes away. We compare the greats to the news, looking for the same thing despite knowing every love is going to be different. Bellah voiced that in her line, “see you in every guy I date, why can’t I seem to replace you.” “2053” is a beautiful song and I can’t wait to hear the rest of “Never Waste a Heartbreak.” Bellah Mae is an incredibly talented artist with inspirations drawn from pop, country and pop-punk. She has been practicing her craft of songwriting since the age of 8. Her powerful messages and honesty create lyrics that feel empowering. Her discography is continually growing and she will be going on Tour soon. Bellah seems to have a lot of exciting things in store. Be sure to follow Bellah on all social media platforms linked below. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW BELLAH MAE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Photo Credit: Chris Bauer This song, “quitter” by brother bird, also known as Caroline Glaser, is a chill pop song all about when you’re stuck in a rut and you can’t seem to follow through on anything. Whether it's because of fear of judgment, or a lack of energy, or confusion about what you actually want out of your life, everyone can relate to feeling like a quitter sometimes. As the song says, “everyone’s a quitter, everyone hates it out here.” Sometimes it can just feel easier to give up and to “make up excuses,” as the lyrics say, and this song exemplifies the fact that you are not alone in that feeling. It’s part of being human, to give into that urge to stop trying, and sometimes it’s better to push through that but sometimes it’s alright to just give in and take a break. “quitter” is a pop song that capitalizes on both the chill moments and the more extreme moments throughout the four and a half minutes it contains. With smooth vocals and a relatively low key base melody, there are also intense horn sections and stronger beats placed throughout that keep the song punching and energetic. It never stays the same, remaining fluid in the best way possible so that you as a listener never get bored or get complacent. Starting off mellow, the song picks up pace and complexity as you travel through the verses and renditions of the chorus, before reaching a peak in the last chorus and slowly fading with an outro that maintains the vibrancy of the rest of the song. brother bird is the professional name of the musical artist Caroline Glaser, whose goal is to make music that exemplifies life, with all of its small embarrassments and frustrations and intimacy. Caroline Glaser has toured with Manchester Orchestra, and has opened for other artists such as Pete Yorn, Cavetown, Pinegrove, and Bad Books, a band that she is now a new member of. Under the name brother bird, she released her first EP in 2018, titled “brother bird”, and has released a multitude of other music since then. “Quitter” is a song off of her newest album called “another year,” which came out on March 8th and has been described as her most soul-stirring collection of songs yet. Use the links below to listen to more of her music! Written By Morgan Fischer FOLLOW brother bird: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

Swedish pop artist Boy In Space just released his track, "Finally Fine Without You." The anthemic, commercial pop breakup song chronicles his experience moving on from someone. The honest look at the aftermath of a relationship ending gets candid as Boy in Space sings about trying to move on and still wishing the best for the person that he once dated. After setbacks with surgeries, ADHD challenges, and physical struggles, Boy In Space views these new tracks as a relaunch and self-improvement in both his musical and personal journeys. Make sure to add "Finally Fine Without You" to your next playlist. "Finally Fine Without You" starts off slower as Boy In Space's vocals shine, opening up with the lines, "I didn't know that you were an actress / I would have taken all your classes." As the track progresses, it builds into an exciting synth-filled chorus as he sings, "I was going insane, you were going to college / Whatever it takes, that was the promise." Sometimes, you can make plans for the future of a relationship, but it just doesn't work out. Boy In Space brings vulnerability and authenticity into his music, as he admits how it has been difficult to move on from his former partner, but still wishes them the best going forward. It's a bittersweet sentiment about moving on and finding peace in the absence of a person that you loved. Robin Lundbäck, known professionally as Boy In Space, transitioned from international success in a musical group with his brothers to a solo career in 2018. His distinctive style has earned him over half a billion streams and 1 million monthly listeners just on Spotify. He has also collaborated with the likes of Alan Walker, Rod Wave, The Struts, Phoebe Ryan, and many more artists. If you enjoyed "Finally Fine Without You," make sure to check out the rest of Boy In Space's discography and keep up with all the latest information on him and his music by following the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW BOY IN SPACE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

I’m a sucker for songs that fill me with confidence, and Honey Ironic has just added a new favorite to my list. “Big Girl Words,” her latest single, is like an anthem for growing up and gaining self-confidence. As someone who struggled with standing up for myself in High School, I needed a song like this. I think everyone does, in a way. I truly connected with the lyrics in a few moments in this song. “I have learned a couple things now since my ABC’s” is such a fun, yet well-written lyric. I think Honey Ironic really killed it in the songwriting department. I love the energy this song gives off. It reminds me of a song in a musical, mainly because of the lyrics being broken up by moments of dialogue. I think honestly, that’s what made me more interested in this song. It’s different, it’s unique… I love it! Honey Ironic has a voice very similar to Barrett Wilbert-Weed, especially when she uses her chest voice. I think it would sound cool if she tried singing with a lower register sometimes! Nonetheless, her voice is flawless, and I think pairs perfectly with this style of song. Honey Ironic is a 19-year-old singer and songwriter who has been releasing music since 2021. Still fairly new to the industry, Honey Ironic has a couple of well-known hits. These include “Dating the Villain” and “Falling for a Wall.” Honey Ironic has a bit of a following online too, as she posts regular fun and entertaining videos on her TikTok to her nearly 500,000 followers. There, she promoted “Big Girl Words,” and her fans responded very positively, voicing their excitement and support. This is an artist who loves her fans, and does a great job of making fun songs with a powerful meaning. Go stream “Big Girl Words!” Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW HONEY IRONIC: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

OSKA has released her new single, “Like a Song.” With this release marking OSKA’s first release of 2024, fans are eagerly awaiting to hear more. “Like a Song” talks about is a fun, upbeat acoustic song talking about how OSKA has this partner who makes her feel like a song. How does one feel like a song? “Like [OSKA] could believe in something bigger than [herself].” While there are other parts of OSKA’s life, she wants to “skip ahead just to be with [her partner],” treating life like a movie. OSKA makes it clear that this person has an infectious energy about them and that she wants them around in her life, choosing to say so through a song about this person and how they make her feel. This song is so cute! I really enjoyed how I could put this on in the background to be able to have a dance party in my room. It really encapsulates the feeling of how a person can affect the life of another: the production of “Like a Song” feels like a hug in a song, very uplifting and very soft. It makes you feel like how OSKA expresses herself in the lyrics. It’s all very positive and smooth; even OSKA’s voice is made to feel like it’s intentionally soft and made to match the production of the song. Her voice feels so soft compared to how some songs that are meant to feel like this song. It fits perfectly and really lets the feeling of the song take over. It all meshes together quite nicely! OSKA is an Austrian singer-songwriter. Growing up in a smaller village in Austria, she first moved to Vienna at 18 to pursue her music career. First starting out as a featured artist to many other artists, OSKA started releasing her own music in 2020 before releasing her debut album, My world, My love, Paris , in 2022. Other works of hers include the EP, Honeymoon Phase , which was released in 2021, and the song “pretty by night” featured in the Amazon Original Motion Picture Silver and the Book of Dreams . While this might be her first release of OSKA’s in 2024, fans are eagerly awaiting more. You can keep updated by following her social media, linked down below, and catching her at SXSW this week.  Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW OSKA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

The question of “How Many Nights” is completed in the piece with “...have you been calling?”.  The song largely revolves around this, the idea of being called, of being missed.  The narrator of the piece doesn’t miss the person she sings to, she feels she is the one who has left, the one who is wanted back.  But this doesn’t give her the power it may seem to.  See, while she doesn’t desire the subject of the song she craves the idea of being craved, of being needed and missed.  The question itself, “how many nights?” isn’t as tantalizing as it seems.  Instead, she’s begging to know.  She’s not saying “you need me”, she’s imploring, “How much do you need me? Did you ever?”.  It’s a creative approach, almost a twist on empowerment.  Is it empowering to need to feel empowered?  She knows she is better than what she has left, she is the one who fixed them.  But when there is nothing left to fix, she is left feeling equally dispensable. The song begins with instrumentals that evoke The Indien’s iconic alternative pop sound.  The music is vaguely retro, reminiscent of 80s pop with an airiness to its electric guitar.  Rianne Walther (The Indien)’s voice, though, is much more aligned with sounds of the 70s, beautifully similar to that of Stevie Nicks.  Her voice blends with the music, following its ups and downs, each seeming to flow through each other.  Overall, the tone of the song is very calm but not devoid of experimentation and powerful moments.  It’s a difficult thing to balance- making such a relaxed, audibly soothing sound, still feel as monumental as the screaming choruses of dramas- but she does so flawlessly.   The Indien is an artistic experiment based around Rianne Walther, its vocalist.  She sings, and tracks and instrumentals are formed based on what she offers.  It's an approach to music that has brought a new perspective, and an entirely new genre.  Blending sounds of stricter genres as well as entire decades, The Indien stands out.  It’s been recognized for this, amassing nearly 200k listeners since its debut as well as a large social media following that’s only growing.  The group has also gained the public eye in their live performances for radio programs as well as national television.  They’ll be appearing on the stage again this April to commemorate the release of their debut album, details for this and any additional information on The Indien can be found below on their socials.   Written By Hailey Schap FOLLOW THE INDIEN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Tess Anderson captures the desire to light a match and watch the world burn in her latest single, "Gaslight." The fiery track explores the darker side of pop-rock, expressing a burning anger and festering frustration over how someone has been treating the singer. Lyrically, "Gaslight" weaves the tale of Anderson hitting her breaking point with a toxic individual, presumably a lover, who's been crossing boundaries and telling lies. The antagonist in the song has pushed the singer too far, forcing her to take a stand as she declares, "I'm not staying quiet/There's no way to hide it." Heavy-hitting and explosive, Tess Anderson channels her frustration through the face melting soundscape of "Gaslight." The pop-rock track features gritty guitar riffs, driving drums, and impactful melodies, laying the foundation for "Gaslight" to be a cathartic anthem. Anderson belts edgy vocals over the aggressive instrumentals, showcasing an attitude that is fed up and refuses to take anymore nonsense. Overall, "Gaslight" feels raw and agitated, reflecting the song's lyrics in a captivating way. It's vengeful and intense, making it worthy of turning the volume up and letting some pent-up emotions break free. Based in Vancouver, Tess Anderson is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter whose journey began at a young age. She started charting her path to her to music industry debut at the age of 12, training as a vocalist and pianist. By 15, Anderson recorded and released a self-produced album under a different name, following with her first sold-out show and national radio play on CBC. After moving to Vancouver in 2016, she received a diploma in songwriting, audio engineering, and music production. Anderson has since gone on to sign her first record deal with BCR in 2019. Some of her many achievements include becoming a finalist in the 2020 Canadian Songwriter Challenge, receiving a 2021 Amplify BC Grant for her upcoming project, and continuing to build an amazing catalog of original tracks. Highlighting her incredible work, some of Anderson's popular songs include "Self Control," "Run," "Prison," and "Never Seems to Fade." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW TESS ANDERSON: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Multi-platinum and award-winning artist elijah woods is here with his latest single “losing a friend.” The song tackles all the deep, emotional, and complex aspects of human relationships and how that can impact someone. elijah once again impresses his audience with his songwriting prowess, perfectly describing the raw and vulnerable parts of losing a friend. He starts off the song looking back on the relationship, now believing that the other person thought he was perfect. He would consistently take on their problems as his own and “wear them like armor,” yet he was hollow inside. elijah jumps to the present, asking both himself and this friend if this is the end of their relationship. They would always argue, but would never muster up the courage to say that it was the beginning of the end and elijah is left wondering “is this all part of losing a friend?” Now, they’re left waiting for the other to break the silence, and elijah comes to the conclusion that they hate him. After repeating the pre-chorus and chorus, elijah, almost desperately, repeatedly asks “is this all part of losing a friend,” further detailing the despair that he feels. The production on “losing a friend” perfectly encapsulates the raw emotions that elijah’s lyrics describe. The song starts off with a mellow, almost melancholic, production that focuses on elijah’s voice. Alongside a sweet piano melody in the beginning of the track, there’s this stinging electric guitar that I feel mimics the stinging feeling of a broken heart. The track slowly builds, with the second chorus featuring some drums that drive the song forward. Finally, after repeating the chorus for a second time, the song builds into this intense, high energy outro, with elijah belting out the title over and over again that is so satisfying for the listener. He also flexes his impressive vocal range in this outro, which sounds so effortless and powerful. elijah is not afraid to talk about his insecurities and his feelings, which is what makes this track beautifully heartbreaking. elijah woods is a singer, songwriter, producer, and recording engineer from Toronto, Canada. His first breakthrough in the music industry was producing with Jamie Fine in their duo group, releasing their first single in 2017. The group disbanded in 2020, and Elijah started releasing his own music. His debut single, “lights” was released in 2021, and his first EP, “look what i made” was released shortly after. However, his most popular single “24/7, 365” took over the music scene, and it currently boasts over 60 million streams on Spotify alone. He also embarked on his first tour in fall of 2023, which went across Canada. Because of that massive success, he’s embarking on an Asia tour, which starts in May. At the same, he will be opening for Niall Horan on his Asia stops on his “The Show'' tour. As of now, elijah has acquired 5.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, multiple platinum and gold records, and many weeks on Billboard’s Canadian Emerging Artist Chart. There’s no telling where elijah’s musical talents will take him, but he will certainly continue to impress audiences over and over again. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW ELIJAH WOODS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

“sick and tired!” navigates through the complex negative feelings that accompany a struggling lifestyle and mental health. In a state of negativity, it is often easy to slip into harmful coping mechanisms. As life continues on its messy path, you begin to realize the monotony of it. Your negative spirals into drugs and mentally unwell ideations consume everything. You joke about your substance-fueled days so the sting of reality never hits you. But in the end you realize that you are just tired. Every substance you consume, plant you buy just to let die, and repetitive lifestyle just makes you sick and tired. You crave and strive for something more than the life you have allowed to take over your every movement. Click here to listen to "sick and tired!"! “sick and tired!” is an alt pop rock anthem that incorporates small background elements that make it stand out. What stood out immediately is the use of a breakcore reminiscent drumbeat that plays throughout. It keeps up a unique fast-paced tempo that shines especially through the vocals. Natalie Barth sings each quickly paced verse in a sweet vocality. There are occasional musical modulations that make this an even more intriguing experience. Primarily in the pre-choruses, there are brief quips of vocal modulation that pull your attention back in. While most of this single has the main vocal sometimes paired with a background vocal, the bridge has multiple vocal lines over-laying each other. This highlights both the narrative and the break in the single’s usual structuring. Natalie Barth is a singer-songwriter from North Carolina. She has been writing her own music for years before she officially ventured into the music industry. It was within the past few years that she decided to explore the industry and get her foot through the door. Her music career has been inspired by artists such as Lorde and Lennon Stella. Her music focuses on writing about her own experiences and the negatives of life. She is known for performing in venues across America and is always scheduled for her next performance. Make sure to follow her on social media and give “sick and tired!” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW NATALIE BARTH: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook

For those who have the unending need to people-please to the point of your own detriment, Herine’s “Best Best Friend” is for you. Anxiously attached, self-sacrificial– whatever label you use, this track warns against that dangerous temptation to give all of yourself without ever remembering your own wellbeing. It’s a beautiful thing to be kind, to be giving and generous, but we shouldn’t ever forget that we need to be kind, giving, and generous to ourselves, too. “Best Best Friend” lays that out with tentative, easy instrumentals and Herine’s elegant vocals, her songwriting spelling those needs with a delicate pen and knowing wisdom. It’s nice being everyone’s best, best friend, but you should treat yourself like one, too. “Best Best Friend” is soft, earnest, and full-hearted. I really loved how delicate, perhaps even shy, the instrumentals were; with each crest of the chorus, there’s a gentle incline, but they always eventually float and flutter down. It traces the emotional highs and lows of people-pleasing, that anxious attachment style of wanting to keep people around and trying your best to make them stay. The lyrics touch on these topics so well; there’s a fantastic line that encapsulates this perfectly, which goes, “‘Cause if they’re happy, I’m happy / Letting my needs take the backseat.” Herine’s songwriting weaves both fear and hope together in such a way that blurs the line between needs and wants, and a beautiful and honest message rests within the lines: you don’t, and shouldn't, need to please everyone to be happy. “Best Best Friend” is composed with graceful instrumentals and profound lyrics, together making it the perfect track as a reminder to treat yourself with love and kindness and caring. Nashville indie-pop sensation Herine is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose music is steeped in rich personal narratives, touching every soul who listens to any of her songs. Through utilizing music as a therapeutic outlet, her art is a way of processing life’s complexities, channeling it into a creative energy. She’s recently performed on the main stage of the Sundance Film Festival; and her 2023 single “Cigarettes and Promises” earned a top 50 spot on Mediabase’s Activator chart. 2021 was the year of her debut single “Favorite Things”, and with “Best Best Friend” marking her first release of 2024, it’ll be a big year for Herine. She has several singles and a full project coming in 2024, so follow her socials to keep track of her next releases! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW HERINE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook

"eternal sunshine" by Ariana Grande | Republic Records Though it's been almost four years since Ariana Grande's last album, Positions, the singer's profile has remained as high as ever. Within that time frame, Grande starred on NBC's The Voice, launched her makeup brand, R.E.M. Beauty, was cast as Glinda in Jon M. Chu's film adaptation of Wicked, got married to real estate agent Dalton Gomez, divorced two years later, and is now in a public relationship with Oz co-star Ethan Slater--the latter of which has been tabloid fodder for months now. She has done a lot, and a lot of people have a lot of things to say about it--and for the first time, she addresses it all head-on in her newest album, eternal sunshine. The title alludes to the 2004 film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the sci-fi drama about removing the memories of an ex after a breakup, which is a constant reference point in the LP. Though it is not the first time Grande has dealt with her public heartbreaks on record, eternal sunshine takes on a different approach for the singer. It is a quieter, more mature album, and one of her best to date. TRACKLIST 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 ordinary things (feat. Nonna) Ariana Grande needs no introduction. The 30-year-old singer, songwriter, and actress has been one of the most prominent pop stars for over a decade now. Though she has been well-known since the early 2010s, her stardom rose to icon status after releasing Sweetener and thank u, next; two critically acclaimed albums within six months of each other in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The records dealt with love, heartbreak, as well as personal trauma and grief, and reached record-breaking heights for the artist. On eternal sunshine, Grande returns to her 2019 form, exploring her darker emotions and life moments, but from an older, more experienced perspective. intro (end of the world) In this brief preface, Ariana asks, "How can I tell if I'm in the right relationship?" It's a simple question, and one she wrestles to answer for the rest of the album. "intro" is short and sweet, with dreamy guitar plucks, and a second half with orchestration and vocal layering that sounds as grand and dramatic as the scenario it's inviting: if the world was ending, would the love of your life be there for you? It's a pillowy introduction from Grande that sets up the album quite beautifully. bye "bye," kicks off the record with a sparkly, disco-pop fusion about definitively leaving a relationship. eternal sunshine takes musical inspiration from various decades throughout its tracklist--and "bye" is a power ballad straight from the seventies. Grande's vocals are as robust as ever, and her lyricism is distinctly sharper--the line where she breaks the recording studio fourth wall by mentioning how "this hook feels too hard to sing" is a particular highlight. It is the eternal sunshine version of "thank u, next;" a self-empowerment breakup track, but one with more nuance that shows the complicated feelings that come with moving on from an ex. Max Martin's production is heavenly (a point that I will try not to mention when reviewing every following track, but, my god, that man is a genius), and Ariana's star power shines. "bye" sounds timeless, and is one of the strongest tracks, not just on the album, but of Grande's entire career. don't wanna break up again "don't wanna break up again" is the perfect follow-up song. If "bye" is the official good riddance, then "don't wanna break up again" is the sadder, weaker reality of ending a relationship. Much like the film, eternal sunshine bounces around chronologically of different stages within this relationship, and in "don't wanna break up again," Grande returns smack dab in the middle of this relationship. There's a strong sense of these two's dynamic with lines like "I fall asleep crying / you turn up the TV / you don't want to hear me / one more sleepless night," as well as Ariana's "messing" (she does not say messing) with his head and breaking his heart. Her storytelling abilities are at her highest on this track, and the chorus is one of the album's catchiest. Saturn Returns Interlude "Saturn Returns Interlude" is a brief transition featuring a soundbite from astrology YouTuber Diana Garland, with glitchy production from Ilya Salmanzade backing. The instrumental is esoteric; the track sound like it's descending. Garland's remarks about needing to "wake up" and "get[ting] real" about life serve as fitting mantras as the rest of the album explores Grande trying to sort out her life. The song acts as a beautiful transition into "eternal sunshine" as well. eternal sunshine "eternal sunshine," naturally, is the song most referential of the Kaufman-written film. It shows Ari wishing to "wipe [her] mind," like Clementine in the movie, because she keeps re-remembering all these memories from this toxic relationship, alluding to constant arguments, lies, and even infidelity. She writes this from the perspective of post-breakup while both parties are with other people, and that this man is now her "eternal sunshine,"--someone she wishes she could forget because of how much pain he brings. Sonically, "eternal sunshine" is reminiscent of many tracks from Positions. This is not to say the song sounds bad, but rather is an admittedly familiar sound for Grande that she strays away from with more individual and better tracks throughout the rest of the LP. It is a necessary song, as lyrically, "eternal sunshine" provides the most context and is necessary to glue Ariana's narrative together. It is a track that only works within the context of the album. supernatural "supernatural" is a shimmery ballad about love being an uncontrollable force that is too overpowering to resist. The song is the simplest of the tracklist, remaining low-key even when Ariana hits her highest of belts. The song's structure, especially its chorus, is very 90's Mariah and calls back to some of Grande's best previous works like "POV" or "R.E.M." Out of the entire album, "supernatural" has the best bridge. It's only two lines from the chorus, "I want you to come claim it, I do / You to come name it, I do," but Grande riffs over several harmonies that can only be described as otherworldly. It is so ethereal that it would not be surprising if Ariana Grande was actually floating while singing it. It is a stunning track. true story "true story" is an absolute standout song on all fronts. Ariana has previously dabbled in R&B on albums like Positions and Sweetener, but "true story" is her R&B-iest venture to date and a complete career highlight of a track. The late 90s influence is strong, and the production from Max Martin is immaculate. It's by far his best work on the record. From the warbly bassline to its heavy beat, "true story" sounds reminiscent of classics, like Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody." Grande's voice suits R&B well, and she combines her vocal talent with her newly realized Wicked theatricality. The song is about her taking on the role of the 'bad girl,"--and she goes for it. (The way she sings "sneakin' like a creep in the night" is ridiculously fun.) This exaggerated villain persona undoubtedly reads like a tongue-in-cheek retort to her media image, going even further in the following track. Yet she balances never sounding too bitter. Grande has stated that "True Story" was first written alongside her leaked TikTok hit, "Fantasize," as parody R&B tracks for a scrapped comedy project--and this playfulness translates. It's a campy performance of a bad girl. Ariana says it best herself: she's playing the part you need her to. "And I'll be good at it." "true story" is easily one of her bests. the boy is mine "the boy is mine" is Ariana's own version of her leaked hit "Fantasize," a similarly early naughts-influenced R&B-pop cut about taking someone's partner. The song interpolates the Brandy and Monica hit of the same name yet never feels derivative. Seemingly, the only sample taken directly from the 1998 cut is the title. Moreover, it feels like Grande continues to pay homage to that late 90s-early naughts R&B that she has already throughout the record. Martin's production, again, is meticulously early 2000s. But most of all, "the boy is mine" is the most fun song on the album. The lyrics are bold and sassy and do not take themselves seriously. Ariana and her friends shrug it off with a "happens all the time." The song is an elevated version of "break up with ur girlfriend, i'm bored." It's campier and it's catchier-- Grande commands attention. She sounds in her element on the song. "the boy is mine" is up with "bye" and "true story" as the best songs of the album, and of Grande's career. yes, and? "yes, and?" was the lead single for eternal sunshine, which may be why it is the most sonically distinct from all other tracks. "yes, and?" takes inspiration from 90's house, even interpolating Madonna's "Vogue," and explores similar themes of expressing your individuality and not caring what others say. It's a fun, bouncy track, but within the context of the album, it sounds out of place, as it is much dancier and more electronic than the rest of the songs. It wouldn't be surprising if "yes, and?" was only added to to be a lead single because all other tracks are more subdued than typical big pop star come-back song. Still, though, it might have worked better as an added bonus on the deluxe version. we can't be friends (wait for your love) Continuing this dual theme of heartbreak and public perception, "we can't be friends (wait for your love)" is a track that tackles both at once. It is simultaneously a song about cutting off an ex-lover and shutting yourself off from media spectacle. eternal sunshine is Grande's first album written almost exclusively by herself, and her songwriting skills shine here. Musically, the singer has a strong ear for hooks; the track is instantly catchy, especially the way she sings "love" in the chorus; lyrically, it is one of her most interesting. Grande writes about feeling misunderstood by others and applies this concept to her partner and the public. "You cling to your papers and pens / wait until you like me again" could be divorce papers or newspapers, and both make equal sense. This has been the TikTok hit of the album thus far, under a trend of people erasing their exes from their pictures, which is incredibly depressing, but also shows how many have resonated with the song. "we can't be friends (wait for your love)" showcases Grande's talents as a performer and proves why she is at the level of stardom that she is i wish i hated you "i wish i hated you" is a chillingly raw ballad from Grande. Ilya produces a twinkling spacey instrumental that lets Ariana take the forefront. Her vocals are the most impressive here, not necessarily because of any singing acrobatics. If anything, Grande's performance is less technically polished compared to other E.S. songs, like "supernatural" or "imperfect for you." But her singing is so intimate and emotionally unrestrained that it does not matter. In a devastatingly beautiful moment, her voice cracks from tearing up as she sings about wanting to hate her partner so that leaving him would be easier. The way Grande mixes her vocals as well is chilling. She adds these haunting, repetitive harmonies over lines like "rearrange my memories" and "if only we had known from the start"--two more allusions to Spotless Mind. There is no bridge, and the song is on the shorter end of the album, but "i wish i hated you" is one of the album's highest and most artistically crafted moments. imperfect for you Ariana Grande said The Beatles' Rubber Soul was the main inspiration for "imperfect for you," and the influence shines through. The naturalistic simple guitar ballad with that slightly psychedelic vocal layering Grande mixes projects that 60s soft-rock aesthetic. The lyrics are equally melancholy and romantic. Grande has previously explored her anxiety and trauma in tracks like "breathin" or "needy," but here, she tackles it from a more optimistic perspective. She recognizes that her mental health problems can make it difficult in relationships---there is a callback to "don't wanna break up again" as she describes herself as 'too much'--but writes about a person who understands her and makes her feel loved anyway. The splitting of the word imperfect also makes it have a double meaning of "imperfect" and "I'm perfect for you." It is another low-key moment on the album, but one that is emotionally resonant through its simplicity. ordinary things (feat. Nonna) "ordinary things" sets out to finally answer the question Ariana asks in the beginning: how do I know if I'm in the right relationship? If eternal sunshine was a movie (well, if it was another movie), "ordinary things" would be the song over the credits. It is a quiet, sweet ballad about not needing the more luxurious things in life, as long as you are with your partner, because anything feels extraordinary when they are around. The album's last words come from Grande's grandmother, whom she calls Nonna, advising to never go to bed without kissing goodnight, and that, "if you can't, and if you don't feel comfortable doing it, you're in the wrong place." It's an uplifting ending to an often somber album; it's a delicate lace ribbon tying the entire work together. eternal sunshine is a new chapter for Grande. The album takes some of the best aspects of her previous work, like her masterful vocal mixing, lyrical themes, and general aesthetics, but pushes it to a more mature sound. It is her most sonically cohesive work and a more quaint output from the artist. In that sense, the biggest issue with the record comes from this cohesiveness, which makes for an album whose high points are less high than on works like Sweetener but at the same, whose lows are not nearly as low. It is a smaller work, but one that's just as detailed if listened to closely. eternal sunshine is a fitting title--the album sounds like liquid gold; it is gorgeous and lush. The record feels like a definitive beginning point to a new phase of Ariana Grande's musical journey and is a wonderful return after all these years. Written By Lauren Nolan Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.