Ariana Grande is on a new high following the release of her sophomore album. My Everything follows the highly successful release of her debut LP, Yours Truly, almost exactly one year later. After two Top-10 singles and landing the opening act for this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, the former Nickelodeon star is looking to conquer the rest of 2014. Though the album took less than a year to put together, My Everything proves to be a stellar album as it showcases Grande’s soaring vocals and her new dance-infused sound. It focuses more on harder beats while incorporating a few R&B songs to create a more grown-up sound that is very distinguishable from her first album.
The album begins with an intro that is very Ariana-esque; high notes and soft sounds. It immediately goes into her biggest hit to date, “Problem.” The song features rising rapper, Iggy Azalea.
Apart from Azalea, the album also features guest spots from Big Sean, Childish Gambino, A$AP Ferg, The Weeknd, Cashmere Cat and Zedd. Since eight of the 17 songs on the deluxe Target version of the album have a featured artist, it seems to slightly overpower Grande’s efforts of establishing herself as a musician. However, there are a few standout tracks that show listeners exactly why she is music’s newest star.
“One Last Time” combines Grande’s smooth chops along with a catchy beat and an infectious chorus. The song shows her growth from her last album as she takes on a more mature sound rather than a teen pop sound.
The title track of the new album mirrors that of Yours Truly’s “Honeymoon Avenue.” It features an all-string band along with a heartwarming piano tune. The lullaby-like song is sure to become a fan favorite.
Grande makes sure to show off her new mature sound on “Hands on Me.” The R&B song brings out a Rihanna-like sound from the songstress and plays off of a newfound direction of music with racy lyrics and a base-heavy tune.
Overall, Ariana Grande’s My Everything outperforms her first album. She takes risks with new genres of music and a more mature sound that creates a definite personality for the 21-year-old. She has left behind her younger persona in exchange for a legit career in music that is sure to last for a long time.
My Everything is available in stores and on iTunes and Amazon today.