Single Review: ARIANA GRANDE ‘Thank U, Next’

Following the shock split from her former fiancé Pete Davidson only last month, pop sensation Ariana Grande has wasted no time translating her experience into song with the release of her new single Thank U, Next. Although you might assume immediately that this is a diss track, Ariana spent the lead up to its release tweeting lyrics and giving fans the message that the track is nothing but positive. With such a huge year already with the release of her number one fourth studio album Sweetener, the third single Breathin’ is continuing its climb up the charts, with the addition of previous tracks God Is A Woman and No Tears Left To Cry still holding onto successful positions. All I can say is, 2018 has to be Ariana’s most triumphant year to date.
The instrumental of the track reflects very consistently with the theme of Sweetener, as well as some similarities with the starlets Dangerous Woman album. When I first listened to the track, I almost thought I was listening to her track Knew Better as the tempo is almost a replica, if not a little bit more softer to describe a difference. The beat stays consistent throughout the duration of the track, which matches the levels of her vocals perfectly. Although we never really hit a climax with the instrumental, the rhythm does tend to drop in and out at times which puts emphasis on certain lyrics of the track. All in all, a very subtle, yet sweet direction with the structure of this track which works hand in hand with its playful persona.

The lyrics in this track focus on themes of honesty and gratitude. In the opening verse of Thank U, Next, Ariana sings two lines each about her previously ex partners Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez and Pete Davidson, sharing her experiences with them. She then concludes the list of ex partners with Mac Miller, who recently just passed away singing “wish I could say ‘thank you’ to Malcolm, ‘cause he was an angel” which I believe will strike many listeners right in the heart. As we get to the pre chorus, Ariana sings about what each ex partner has taught her and that she is extremely thankful for all that she has learnt. She’s finally happy with herself and that’s why she sings, “thank u, next, I’m so fucking grateful for my ex”. To add a bit of cheekiness, Ariana plays on the fact that she knows the world thinks she moves on too fast and that she’s already met somebody else that she’s going to last with, being herself.
In this light hearted, catchy tune, we see Ariana take a few steps away from her usual high runs and extreme vocals. However, what we do get is a undeniably addictive tune that without a doubt will be played on repeat on many iPhone’s around the world today. Going for a more smooth, sensual direction with her vocals, that Ariana charm still shines through with her charisma and quirky personality. With predictions that this track is going to give the songstress another career breaking record, she once again breaks the rules lyrically by creating her own individual style with sass. With an accompanied music video which is most likely underworks right now, have a listen with the lyric video down below, you’ll be wanting to say Thank U, Next as you repeat it over and over again.