; ariana grande "dangerous woman" album review
I'm going to begin this review by admitting that I was never a big fan of Ariana Grande's music. I've no idea why, because I always knew she was crazy talented. But even her big radio hits, I just could never get into.
It's different now, of course. "The Way" and "Problem" and all of her other singles finally grew on me – I particularly enjoyed "Love Me Harder," even when it first came out. And lately, I finally know enough about her to enjoy her as a person too. I'm actually even a little annoyed with myself, because I think I used to openly dislike her despite forming that opinion on the trash that's been said about her by my friends or online. I should have done my research earlier, because she's great.
So anyway, after hearing "Dangerous Woman" and "Into You," I knew that I had to pay attention to this album. I've never listened to an Ari album in its entirety before (although I'm considering it for Yours Truly now that I see how many of its songs I actually already like), so you'll be experiencing this with me. Apart from those two promotional singles, this is a first-listen review. And I'm pretty excited.
Here we go:
01: MOONLIGHT – 10/10
I don't know what I was expecting from this song – from any Ariana album opener, at that – but it wasn't this. It's soft and it's sweet, and to be honest it gives me all the Grease vibes. I picture white pillows and white blankets and muted colors – my brain can't decide on soft pinks or gentle blues. I picture a balcony with a crazy beautiful sky, stars on full display and a full moon so bright you hope that somewhere NASA's taking professional photos and documenting it. In an iTunes review, someone said that if your favorite Ari song is "Honeymoon Avenue," then you'll love this. I've never heard that song, so I can't really speak on it, but for those of you better versed in her albums I thought that might be useful. But yeah, despite being surprised, I quickly fell in love with this. Favorite lyrics: He's so bossy / He makes me dance
02: DANGEROUS WOMAN – 10/10
Honestly, this was the perfect first single. I feel like I usually don't like when the title track is the first single (don't ask why, I don't even know), but I can't imagine any other being a better choice. It has everything – catchy verses and a strong, catchy chorus, impressive vocals for days, and an edgier sound that sets it apart from her older singles from other albums. And if you haven't seen the video on her Vevo channel singing it a cappella, you should probably go watch it, because it's pretty amazing. I'll say no more, as we've all heard it already. Favorite lyrics: All girls wanna be like that / bad girls underneath like that
03: BE ALRIGHT – 8/10
I know this one was released early (or she performed it somewhere?) but I didn't get the chance to listen to it before the album's release. Unsurprisingly, the beat is great. I think I was kind of hoping for more from the chorus; it was mostly just "We're gonna be alright" repeated, which made the verses and the pre-chorus the stand out moments. Both held their own quite well, but I feel like it just wasn't the right song to follow "Dangerous Woman," which was strong everywhere. And from what I've heard of her older stuff, it sounds a lot like this. So bottom line is that this was a safe song. It's easy to like, you'll snap your fingers and get into the harmonies of the pre-chorus, but I don't think it will ever be a lasting favorite. Favorite lyrics: Can't seem to get where we're going / but the hard times are golden
04: INTO YOU – 10/10
Another fantastic single choice. Though this isn't my first listen, I do remember how I felt the first time I heard it. I liked it immediately. I wasn't even through the first verse and I was already hooked and adding it to my Spotify playlist. I also remember the first time I listened to "Dangerous Woman," and admittedly, I don't think I was totally sold on it. It took me two or three listens before I recognized how great it was, but with "Into You" the song wasn't even over and I knew it was a hit. Even now, I'm still impressed. Hopefully you've heard it before so that I don't have to say more, as it's been out for a while, but if you haven't then this will probably be one of your favorites from the album when you listen to the whole thing. Because like "Dangerous Woman," it's strong everywhere. Favorite lyrics: Been waiting and waiting for you to make a move / before I make a move
05: SIDE TO SIDE feat. Nicki Minaj – 10/10
The first thing I noticed about this song was how clear she sounds. The production is so clean that it was almost distracting. But not too distracting, because listen, I've been waiting for this song since I found out Nicki was going to be in it, and I'm not disappointed. Not even a little. I don't know why, but I'm so obsessed with the second and third lines of the first verse – so, basically the way she says "with your body." It's so?? Ugh, yes. And like "Be Alright," I was expecting a bigger chorus, especially after the build-up of that pre-chorus, but unlike "Be Alright," the less intense chorus works here. Overall, the song is suave and makes you feel like you're on a beach during spring break or something, and then Nicki comes in and blows the whole place away. When she sings, "It's the new style," I'm literally just floating away in the ocean and you're probably never going to see me again to be honest. My favorite lyrics are some of the truest ones ever written (at least right now) and that Nicki has ever graced us with: I'm the queen of rap / young Ariana run pop
06: LET ME LOVE YOU feat. Lil' Wayne – 8.5/10
Did this one come out early too? I feel like it did. I feel like I listened to it already. So okay, this isn't a first listen review, but in my defense I could have sworn I never listened to it because I'm not usually a fan of Lil' Wayne. Whatever. Anyway, I think I remember not liking it, but I have no idea why because it's actually pretty good. There's a different vibe compared to the other tracks so far – it's slower, a lot more sensual (thanks to, again, pristine production and music work). Unsurprisingly I don't like Lil' Wayne's part, but the song as a whole is good! Not as strong as some of the others, but I wouldn't skip it if it came on shuffle, so. That's a win in my book. Favorite lyrics: And I don't normally say this but goddamn you're the best
07: GREEDY – 10/10
I...was not expecting this. I had to pause it after that opening note and take a moment to kind of reassess everything I ever thought about Ariana Grande and honestly pop music in general. There's so much going on here: jazzy brass music, an insane beat, spotlights and a stage-worthy pre-chorus, a weirdly gentle, anime-like lyric in the chorus that should conflict or clash too much with the wicked vocals when she sings the title, and I'm just... Wow. And then the pitch shift toward the end? I feel like this cannot be topped. This is such a standout track that I can't imagine any other on this album killing it more. If it doesn't end up being a single I might have to boycott something. I don't know what, but something. Excuse me now while I listen to this one on repeat for a half hour before moving on and finishing the review. I feel bad for whatever song follows this. Favorite lyrics: Baby you got lucky 'cause you're rocking with the best / and I'm greedy
08: LEAVE ME LONELY feat. Macy Gray – 9.5/10
Who is Macy Gray? That intro kind of scared me for a second, I won't lie. But I actually really enjoy the sound of this one. It's dramatic and different. There's a ton of back-up vocals going on, but you can still hear Ariana's voice perfectly, which is a fantastic trend I've noticed so far with this album. Sometimes the production is so lackluster for certain artists' albums that it takes away from the music, but whoever did this album...A+, pal. I love the pre-chorus a lot. And it's so different from "Greedy" that I can't even compare them. It isn't outshined because it has to stand on its own. I feel like Macy Gray's addition to the track is still a little scary but I like it. It works. Favorite lyrics: So when you walk out that door / don't you come back no more
09: EVERYDAY feat. Future – 8.5/10
For the most part, this song is pretty simple. It reminds me of "Be Alright" in the sense that it was another safe choice. The formula used is generally well-liked and easily done. I'd be surprised if this doesn't make the radio at some point, because it sounds like that's exactly what it was engineered for. I like it, though. I particularly enjoy the pre-chorus, especially over the chorus which is almost too repetitive for me, but I still think a lot of people will be down with it. Favorite lyrics: I'm about to put all this vintage loving on you / baby like it was the late 80s
10: SOMETIMES – 9/10
Point blank, this song makes me want to be in a relationship. Also, who on earth is doing the la-la's? That's the one thing I still want to know after the end. Sigh. Anyway, I feel like the beat of this one is similar to "Side To Side", but it's less summery/beachy. It's equally chill and relaxing, though. The lyrics are cute, the music is cute, her voice is cute...there's almost an overload of cuteness. I won't complain. Favorite lyrics: Oh, let's be honest baby / this is so unusual / Oh, and I'm not tempted, baby / even if they're beautiful
11: I DON'T CARE – NOT RATED
The opening music is so odd? It's kind of like "Moonlight" in the sense that it sounds like something from a movie soundtrack (just maybe not Grease this time). I believe this is the closing track for the regular album, and that'd make sense. I think it's mostly about her proclaiming that she doesn't care anymore what people think or say about her and that she's just going to do her. I like this concept of artists ending albums with a nice little message (another example is Little Mix closing Get Weird! with "The Beginning"). It's cute. I won't do favorite lyrics as there aren't very many, which is the same reason I won't rate it either.
12: BAD DECISIONS – 10/10
You know, I'd be surprised if this isn't a single either. It's super fun. Those runs when she sings "bad" and those verses and the pre-chorus...yeah, this is a good one. I mean, even the chorus. It's like "Dangerous Woman" and "Into You" – unbelievably strong in every single way. And most importantly, the last line of the bridge, oh my. The worst thing is if it does make the radio, they'll probably censor it. Even though it's the best part. Truly though, give this one a listen. Obviously listen to the whole album but I'm 99 percent positive you're going to love this one for sure. Favorite lyrics: We got that Bonnie and Clyde love / They say it's wrong, but / that's the way you turn me on
13: TOUCH IT – 9/10
I feel like I'm in the midst of a thunder and lightning storm during the chorus of this song. The skies are daunting purples and dark grays, and the wind is so violent small trees are being literally uprooted, and I don't even know why this is what I'm feeling and seeing, but I love it. Because I love storms like that. I think they're beautiful, those displays of the forces of nature. I love the effects on Ariana's voice during the bridge. The lyrics aren't anything that haven't been done before, but I don't know. Although it's clear that this is the stronger song of the two, it kind of reminds me of Selena Gomez's "A Year Without Rain," which also sounds exactly like you're in the midst of some crazy weather. Songs that do that, man. They're golden. Favorite lyrics: Remind me why we're taking a break / It's obviously insane / 'cause we both know what we want / so why don't we fall in love
14: KNEW BETTER/FOREVER BOY – 7/10
So, if I'm getting this right, this one is literally a combination of two shorter songs. Not a mash up either, it's kind of just one after the other. "Knew Better" is first. To me, it sounds like it kind of serves as an intro to "Forever Boy" which is the stronger (and longer) of the two. I don't know if I'm a huge fan of the "Knew Better" part, but "Forever Boy" is alright. It's another repetitive chorus with a finger-snapping beat that allows for that. The pre-chorus is the strongest moment in my opinion and I find myself wishing the rest was as strong. This is probably my least favorite track on the album. Favorite lyrics: Been friends for a minute / so you know just what I like
15: THINKING BOUT YOU – 9/10
I like this one a lot. The repetitive chorus works well, probably thanks to the effects on her voice – it's a pleasant sound, although the song in general is a bit sad. The second verse surprised me a bit. I thought that "Love Me Harder" was the extent of Ariana's sexually suggestive lyrics, but whoop here it is. Actually the more I think about it, the more I realize that a majority of this album is quite suggestive. I don't know about you, but I'm here for it. Her vocals in the pre-chorus are so pure and powerful – definitely my favorite part. Favorite lyrics: Oh, I don't have you here with me / but at least I have the memory
16: FOCUS – 9/10
I suppose I was wrong when I called "Dangerous Woman" the first single, because although this is a bonus track on the Japanese version of the album, it was the first single. I've also obviously heard it before as I'm sure most of you have, so I won't go into depth with it. I will share with you, though, that the first time I heard the chorus with that guy's voice I was so confused. The build-up in the pre-chorus was great, but I definitely hadn't been expecting that chorus. It's grown on me since then, and honestly I feel like it could have probably replaced "Knew Better/Forever Boy" on the regular deluxe edition tracklist, but oh well. I'm not in charge of that. Favorite lyrics: I know you're hoping that I'll react / I know you're hoping I'm looking back
So, there you have it. I know that the Target edition has like two more tracks but for the life of me I can't find them on YouTube, so you'll have to go without my reactions to those. If the rest of this album is any indication, I'm sure they're great!
If you weren't an Ariana fan before, maybe you will be after giving this album a listen. There are definitely some major stand-outs and really fun collaborations, and I hope you all enjoy every single one of them like I have. Still not over "Greedy" and "Side To Side." Still not over "Into You." To be honest I don't even think I'm over "Dangerous Woman."
Let me know your thoughts on the album – I'd love to hear them. What songs are your favorite? Least favorite? And what are your favorite songs from her other albums? If you think I'd like any of them particularly, let me know! I'm finally willing to give them a chance. Thanks for reading. (:
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