Listening to “Positions” for you: Ariana Grande’s new album “Positions” is just what you’d expect

BY KAREN SUROS

Ariana Grande has come a long way since she first appeared on TV screens as Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon show “Victorious.” She has established a name for herself as an A-list celebrity and Grammy award-winning artist, leading any and all of her projects to be highly anticipated by the general public. Her sixth album, “Positions,” is her third album in the last two years, and lives up to the poppy yet melodious tone she is so well-known for. 

In general, she revisits several common themes in her music such as love, intimacy and relationships.

For example, “Off the Table” questions whether a former relationship is completely over, and if she will ever be able to move on from it if it is. Songs like “34+35” and “My Hair” have more suggestive connotations. However, Grande is careful to display herself as the priority over any drama, boy-related or otherwise, and confirms that she is doing better than ever in the opening track “Shut Up,” singing “My presence sweet, and my aura bright.”

In general, she revisits several common themes in her music such as love, intimacy and relationships.

Grande’s last two albums, “Sweetener” and “Thank U, Next,” were released within six months of one another, but the artist went through a lot in that short period of time; her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller passed away and soon after, she broke up with her fiance Pete Davidson. Consequently, Grande took the opportunity to pour her heart out on “Thank U, Next,” lamenting her past relationships while simultaneously celebrating the personal growth they allowed her.

Besides its recognizable themes, “Positions” features several other prominent musicians, some of which have previously collaborated with Grande. The Weeknd makes an appearance in “Off the Table,” bringing back memories of when he appeared on Grande’s album “My Everything.” 

Although it is her first time working with Doja Cat, it comes as no surprise that Grande would include a fellow female superstar on a song like “Motive.” It left something to be desired, given the talent of the two artists involved, but is iconic nonetheless. Ty Dolla $ign also shows up in “Safety Net,” making “Positions” the result of some evident teamwork. 

Although each of the 14 tracks are catchy in their own right, the songs in “Positions” do not really stand out from one another.

Grande’s vocal talents are just as impressive on this album as they have been in her past projects. The title track “Positions” includes mind-blowing whistle tones in the background vocals, and every other song is complemented by the singer’s smooth harmonies. It is her heavenly voice that makes up for lyrics that are occasionally lacking and beats that sound somewhat old after a few listens, albeit fresh at first.

Although each of the 14 tracks are catchy in their own right, the songs in “Positions” do not really stand out from one another. The album has a rather monotonous sound, which is a letdown given the diversity Ariana achieved with “Thank U, Next” and “Sweetener.”

Still, it is safe to say this album will see success. Its lyrics have already sparked two trends on TikTok. “Switchin’ in positions for you” pairs nicely with transition videos, while “For all of my pretty and all of my ugly, too / I’d love to see me from your point of view” is too good a lyric to resist. “Positions” is worth streaming; it will probably not blow any minds, but it sounds great in any background.

Photo courtesy of Billboard