I have never written an album review before. I wrote my first song analysis, here on Substack. I showed you how I perceive Taylor Swift’s story in “cowboy like me”. My heart is beating as I type this out now. I can not and I will not give you what is considered a typical or normal album review. I’m going to share with you every thought, emotion and experience this album provided for me because honestly, I believe that’s the best way to do it.
I think a part of it is fear. Ariana Grande, is someone that I feel extremely close to and have felt close to for years. As I grew up, it was natural for me to think “Hm, I’m going through something right now, let me put on anything by Ariana Grande”. In my life I am not often surrounded by fellow fangirls who just get it. Now I am but for a while, I wasn’t.
I’m still told that it’s silly naive…and other things to attach parts of myself to someone I do not know. This album, as I’m going to reveal, helped and healed parts of myself I didn’t know I needed to recognize, work on and sit through.
That’s why I do it, love music and those who make it so so much. Being a “fangirl” is not some obsession to be made fun of or basic thing to joke about, how can I not support someone who puts into words how I feel, puts that into music and has done that for me for years?
I don’t understand why we act like music isn’t a personal thing. I’ve seen so many people treat it like it’s a casual thing and sure, it can be. You play music at a party. You play music in your house. Now, more than ever, you can almost do anything with music playing in the background. However, where it all stems from is the mind of that artist. Most likely, that song is about a personal experience they’ve had or seen someone in their life go through. A lot of people right now are talking about how we’re at some stagnant point in the music industry, where everything is very “industry plant” and not holding our attention the way it did in the early 2000s. I beg to differ but, let me tell you a story first.
I was at Pace University (shocker). My hair was done and I had a basic outfit on for the day except a necklace that read “Swiftie” in cursive letters across my chest. I had received it as a gift from my family and was wearing it almost as much I wear the initial necklace my dad made for me years ago. A person made a joke about the necklace which I even laughed at. I can take a joke (most times). Then, they said to me “I could never do that, wear a music’s artist name around my neck. I don’t understand that.”
I had felt immediate shame until I realized the person only said what they said because they meant it quite literally. They simply are not able to understand it. They could never feel so close to an artist because they do not emotionally relate in that way. They don’t make it a part of who they are like I do and I suppose, that’s not wrong, everyone is different.
Yet, a part of artistry is to attach yourself to it. Zach Sang and Ariana Grande have repeated that same thought recently (interview for that here). As Nina Peck for Culture Affinity puts it:
Music has an incredible way of shaping us, our very thoughts and feelings, our reactions to the world and it helps us find our way. Growing up surrounded by music is one of life’s greatest joys, you get to assign songs to memories and listen to something that immediately takes you back to a moment or an age or a feeling.
I apologize for continuing to talk about my bad experiences being a fangirl. I just believe it’s important to give you that background because I am about to fangirl over Ariana Grande. When you spread hate on anything, it has a ripple affect. For example, my heart is only beating out of my chest right now because for every time someone has made fun of me for my interest or support in music and women in pop music, I feel like shrinking. I feel like shrinking now instead of writing about how eternal sunshine is such a great album so…I’m going to write it anyway (disney channel ahh line I know).
So now, with all that I said in your mind I am now going to extremely relate, analyze and attach myself to Ariana Grande’s latest body of work, eternal sunshine.
intro (end of the world)
Ariana Grande’s “Intro” from Eternal Sunshine immediately brought me back to the soothing and reflective vibe of her “Intro” from My Everything. Both intros create a dreamlike, ethereal atmosphere, wrapping listeners in Ariana’s soft vocals and delicate melodies. But there’s a deeper layer of emotion here—eternal sunshine introduces a sense of urgency and existential contemplation. In her Zach Sang interview, Ariana explains how the album’s opening track asks a universal question: How do you know if you’re in the right relationship?
And what better way to explore this uncertainty than through the metaphor of the end of the world? Ariana uses the idea of the "end of the world" as a metaphor for intense love and relationship uncertainty. In the intro to Eternal Sunshine, she invites listeners to reflect on those quiet moments of doubt that everyone experiences in love. It’s a vulnerable space where you can’t help but ask yourself, would my partner think of me if the world was ending?
By contemplating the end of everything, Ariana forces us to confront our deepest feelings. True love, as she hints, should endure—even when everything else falls apart. The apocalyptic imagery magnifies the stakes of love, highlighting both its fragility and its strength. Just like in My Everything, the intro to Eternal Sunshine also evokes escapism. The mention of floating in the sky and shining every night paints a fantastical picture, offering comfort amidst chaos. Ariana creates a space where she and her partner can rise above the uncertainty of the world, floating in their own bubble of love and light. This imagery not only calms but also gives the listener hope that love can prevail, even when faced with the unknown.
This intro sets the tone for the entire this album. It invites listeners into an emotional journey where love is both comforting and terrifying—full of joy and sadness, light and dark. Ariana uses these contrasts to explore the duality of love, reminding us that questioning and vulnerability are integral parts of relationships. Through these intros, she taps into universal emotions, guiding us to reflect on our own love stories, all while enveloping us in her soothing yet powerful melodies.
bye
Things take a theatrical and Broadway-inspired turn with "bye," as Ariana boldly belts that she knows it’s time to say goodbye to someone she once loved. The dramatic delivery, reminds me of her current role as Glinda in Wicked, bye gives fans a glimpse of the starpower she’ll bring to the film.
The track itself feels light as air, yet its message carries emotional weight. Ariana reflects on the necessity of parting ways, even when it’s difficult. In referencing her close friend Courtney, she acknowledges that sometimes, saying goodbye isn’t about cutting ties in anger or pain—it’s about understanding when it’s time to let go for the sake of growth. There’s a quiet strength in realizing that saying goodbye is just as important as holding on, even when you may not want to.
This song is one of my favorites on the album. There could be a job you need to say bye to. There could be old friends you need to say bye to. There could be past regrets, doubts and mental weights you need to say bye to. You still can.
don’t wanna break up again:
Following the emotional goodbye in bye, don’t wanna break up again feels like the perfect continuation. In this track, Ariana smoothly navigates the complexities of her feelings, expressing the desire to protect both her heart and her partner’s. There’s no wish to revisit the pain of breaking up again—she’s committed to making things work, avoiding the heartbreak that comes with separation.
It’s hard not to admire Ariana’s vulnerability here, especially considering her recent divorce and the negative rumors that have circulated about her. Despite the public scrutiny, she remains open and introspective. Fans and critics have always praised her ability to wear her heart on her sleeve, but on Eternal Sunshine, her vulnerability reaches new depths. She’s laying it all bare, and in doing so, she creates a space for listeners to reflect on their own relationships and struggles. It’s this kind of honesty that keeps her music so deeply relatable and powerful.
Saturn’s Interlude:
My dad’s favorite number is four and the simple number has it’s own presence in my life. It just shows up, that’s the best way I can say it. So, I have a thing about the fourth track of an album. I’m usually ready for the song to hit too close to home. Ariana’s “Saturn Returns Interlude” did exactly that.
Women’s Health Magazine describes Saturn Returns as
“You can think of your Saturn return as another stage of puberty where you're shedding parts of your youth as you advance into a new generation.”
Of course, my Saturn Returns occurrence hasn’t happen in my life, I’m only 22 and Saturn Returns typically occurs in your thirties. At the same time, it feels quite bone chilling to be a senior in college and be told by Diana Garland to wake up.
Ariana says that:
"Yeah, it's a really tiny interlude but I think it just sort of feels like a 'wake up' moment, sort of like a pivotal moment in the story and the "Saturn Returns" coming right before it [Eternal Sunshine] just kinda with the 'wake up', it tells you to 'wake up'. I don't know, it just felt like setting up the rest of the album in a way."
Dare I say, one of my favorite interludes ever. There’s this realization Ariana has had and she shares that with fans on this track.
Finally, hearing Ariana laugh (supposedly the way Mac Miller made her laugh according to fans) it’s heartbreaking to hear that laugh, hear her take a deep sigh and address our title track and the lessons she’s learned from it.
eternal sunshine:
Ariana’s title track of this album. My apologies for what I said I was going to do earlier:
I am now going to extremely relate, analyze and attach myself to Ariana Grande’s latest body of work, eternal sunshine.
What else is music here for?
As a twenty-two-year-old woman in my first serious relationship, I’ve learned a few hard lessons. I’ve been in places where I desperately wanted someone to change their old habits for me, thinking I could save a relationship by holding on tighter when it was falling apart. But the truth is, I couldn’t fix it alone. No one can.
Divorce carries its own complexities, and while I’ve only witnessed it from the outside, listening to both sides of the story, there’s a universal truth: it’s hard. What’s interesting about eternal sunshine is how Ariana weaves such a powerful movie into her own narrative, hinting that this concept album draws from her personal life. I’m not assuming, but it feels like some of eternal sunshine comes from her own experience, not just a creative concept.
The message of this song cuts deep for me. In the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the characters choose to be together in the end (spoilers, sorry). But Ariana chose the other path. She’s saying, I’m letting you go, but you’ll always be my eternal sunshine. That contrast hits hard, and it’s a testament to how love can endure, even when relationships don’t.
Supernatural:
Do you believe in a love that’s truly supernatural? For me, no matter what experiences we go through, I think we can always fall in love again. Ariana Grande continues her galactic theme with this bright pop anthem. In “Supernatural,” she sings about the deep connection she feels with her lover, likening her need for their touch to the way the moon needs the stars—a very evocative lyric that captures the intensity of her emotions.
Troye Sivan was one of the first artists that I listened to on Spotify. This song is groundbreaking for me. Ariana’s remix of this track with Troye Sivan adds an extra layers to this album. As a fan of both Dance to This and Troye Sivan, I find their collaboration on this remix to be so amazing. “Supernatural” stands out as one of my favorites from Eternal Sunshine, embodying both the whimsy and depth that defines Ariana’s music.
true story:
As you might already know, PageSix has been known for its intriguing rumors (that Ariana is a homewrecker), and Ariana Grande tackles this gossip head-on with her powerful, Charlie’s Angels-sounding track “true story.”
This song is a bold response to how some people perceive her, and it’s worth highlighting the impactful lyrics:
“This is a true story about all the lies
You fantasized 'Bout you and I
This is a true story about all the games
I know you play”
I'll play the villain if you need me to
I know how this goes, yeah
I'll be the one you pay to see, play the scene
Roll the cameras please”
“Turning like a dime
Wasting all their time
Sneaking like a creep in the night
But I'll play whatever part you need me to
And I’ll be good at it too”
“I'll play the bad girl if you need me to
If it makes you feel better
I'll be the one you love to hate, can't relate
Too much on my plate”
“See it in your eyes
You got too much time
For fun, you like to pray for my demise
But I'll play whatever part you need me to
And I'll be good in it too”
Bars.
As a long-time Ariana fan, I’ve observed that she sometimes addresses public issues directly and other times remains silent. It’s often surprising when she chooses to weave these situations into her music. With “True Story,” Ariana has crafted a narrative about how she can be cast as the villain regardless of the circumstances. This track showcases her ability to turn criticism and rumors into a powerful statement, demonstrating her resilience and creativity in the face of public scrutiny.
the boy is mine:
Everyone has been an itching to hear that 90s and even early 2000s sound. Ariana’s fans also love to hear Ariana’s voice on anything r&b sounding. So, Ariana Grande decided to write the boy is mine and release a version where Brandy and Monica are on the track as well.
When asked about the boy is mine Ariana stated:
“I love that song,” Grande said. “I’ve always wanted to reimagine that song in some kind of way.”
In her Zach Sang interview, she states:
“It’s kind of like, okay, ‘I’ll play the bad girl, here’s your bad girl anthem,'”
Ariana has also said:
“I kind of was like, ‘This is a very bad idea, I think, but there is a large group of my fans that really, they do love a bad girl anthem,'” she continued. “And this is kind of an elevated version of that.”
This song is one you’ll hear on the radio till it dies out. On the other hand, handling another person’s musical idea or concept is a hard line to walk across. You don’t wanna copy cat previous artists. You don’t wanna step on anyone’s toes.
Despite some mixed reactions from a few fans, the song went viral for successfully bringing Brandy and Monica together. Both artists have expressed their gratitude to Ariana for making it happen.
The music video adds another layer of intrigue. It features our Peaches character from “we can’t be friends,” now in love with a powerful politician in a city plagued by a rat infestation. As she watches him speak about the issue, her admiration is evident (he’s fucking brilliant she says). She transforms into a superhero-esque character, reminiscent of Catwoman, ready for the love potion to take effect. However, the politician has other plans—he stops her and removes her mask. The video ends with the two happily together, sharing giggles and laughter among a crowd of cats.
Perhaps Ariana isn’t the “bad girl” after all; the guy she wanted simply wanted her back.
yes, and?:
It’s not every day that an artist is compared to Michael Jackson, but Ariana Grande achieved this with the “yes and?” music video. The setup, dancers, and choreography all evoke a classic MJ vibe, making a powerful statement in her career. The video also went viral partly because Ariana directly addressed the criticism she was receiving—something she doesn’t often do like I mentioned.
In the video, two characters eagerly await an exclusive show by Ariana Grande and her crew. As they hold red cards with "eternal sunshine" written on the back, one character questions the authenticity of the rumors they’ve heard. Another replies, “Well, I read it on the Internet, so it must be true!”
Some fans argue that “yes and?” feels out of place within the *Eternal Sunshine* album, suggesting it might be more suited for radio play than for the cohesive theme of the album. However, “yes and?” can serve as a powerful introduction to this era, setting the tone for Ariana’s bold and unapologetic approach. I think this song is this era’s “thank u next”. I don’t think that’s a thought no one has had before. I do think the similarities between them are pretty obvious to anyone really. In “thank u next” and “yes, and” these small phrases can be simply broken down:
the “thank u” is giving recognition and giving thanks to Ariana’s exes and what she’s learned from them but the “next” is almost like a “alright I’ve learned what I needed to from this, what’s the next lesson to learn?”
the “yes” is again accepting and giving recognition to a person, an emotion an experience, an acceptance of whatever is going on. So, the and is necessarily saying alright I’m going to be who I am and what about it?
Did you get the and what about it reference? (Ariana said that once while photographers were claiming she wasn’t looking directly at them)
The song can be seen as an empowering anthem for anyone who’s tired of waiting to be their true selves. It offers motivation during times of judgment and crisis, providing a bold stance for those who struggle to assert themselves amidst scrutiny. With lyrics like “Why do you care so much whose dick I ride?”. On the contrary, she’s asking you, why do you care so much about it? In a world where we all going through something on a personal and global level, why is who I’m with what you care about? Ariana addresses the invasive nature of public opinion, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality and confidence.
we can’t be friends(wait for your love):
Ariana’s “we can’t be friends” recently won an award at the VMAs, and it’s easy to see why. This song and its music video are a testament to Ariana Grande’s creative vision, which has been evident since the Yours Truly era and continues to shine through her work today. In this particular era, Ariana introduces a fictional character named “Peaches,” who embarks on a journey to erase memories of a past lover—a nod to the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
In the music video, Peaches undergoes a procedure to forget her past relationship, marked by a poignant moment when a single tear falls as she clings to her necklace. The scene transitions to a future where both she and her former partner have moved on, encountering each other without recognizing the significance of their past connection.
Ariana has also released an instrumental and an a cappella version of the song, allowing fans to experience the raw emotion and authenticity behind the track. Some fans have speculated that the song might reflect Ariana’s relationship with the media. The idea is that she recognizes she can’t maintain a positive relationship with outlets that thrive on spreading negativity about her. Despite this, she seems to express a yearning for a more genuine and loving connection, even from those who might perpetuate headlines that affect her.
I wish i hated you:
I think Ariana Grande is stunned by her own potential and talents at times. In the world of songwriting and music creation, sometimes unexpected songs come about. If you’ve followed Ariana’s interviews, such as those with Zach Sang, or are familiar with some Arianator fan lore, you’re likely aware of the stories behind tracks like "ghostin’," "safety net," and "off the table."
"I wish I hated you" is a song that embodies this phenomenon. It’s a track born from a deeply personal and complex experience, and Ariana herself has mentioned that she finds it difficult to revisit due to the emotional weight it carries. The song reflects a poignant mix of regret and unresolved feelings, highlighting how even talented artists can be surprised by the raw honesty that emerges from their own work.
imperfect for you:
I love hearing Ariana Grande experiment with sound, which is one reason I adore albums like Sweetener and Positions. She pours her heart into her music, and whenever she embarks on a new experiment, I trust she’ll add her own unique twist.
In "Imperfect for You," Ariana crafts a story of love set against imperfect keys and perfect guitar strings. The song explores a relationship where two lovers, despite their flaws and anxieties, are perfectly suited for each other. Their imperfections are what make their connection special and genuine. It’s no surprise that this track is one of Ariana’s favorites—its raw honesty and emotional resonance reflect her ability to embrace and celebrate the imperfect aspects of love.
ordinary things(feat.Nonna)
As an Ariana fan (or as she affectionately calls us, her “tiny elephants” “arianators” or “sunshines” in a recent Instagram post), I often declare "Ordinary Things" as a love letter to my boyfriend. The song resonates deeply with me because it reflects my own experiences. Life is filled with lazy days and mundane tasks, and when you're serious with someone, those ordinary moments become intertwined with special significance just because that person is with you. The beauty of it all is that those seemingly mundane activities become extraordinary simply because you're sharing them with someone you love.
Ariana uses vivid imagery in her lyrics:
“We could go pop all the champagne in California
We could have omakase in Tokyo if you wanna
We could hit up all the slopes in matching snowsuits
We could hang out at the Louvre all night if you want to
We could spend every dime
But I don't want (want) anything ('thing)
But more time”
Despite the temptation of extravagant experiences with her lover, she emphasizes that the most meaningful moments are the simple ones shared together. Her love for her partner turns everyday life into something magical.
In "Ordinary Things," Ariana expresses how her partner's presence makes even the smallest moments feel special:
“You hit just like the first sip of wine after a long day
You hit like my biggest fan when I hear what the critiques say
You hit just like a green light when I'm stuck running real late
I don't need no diamonds, just your time”
Against a pop beat that makes you want to dance, this song represents a notable shift from the themes of her earlier work, particularly from "7 rings," where she celebrated material wealth and luxury (nothing wrong with that get that money girl but). Here, Ariana embraces the profound value of love and the beauty found in everyday moments, making "Ordinary Things" a testament to the joy of finding significance in the simple, shared experiences with a loved one.
Final Thoughts:
Here we are! I hope you’ve appreciated my thoughts, opinions, feelings, extremeness etc. in this article. Ariana Grande is just one of those comfort artists for me ya know? It’s easy to listen to her on a rainy stay in day or even easier to listen to her while I’m having a hard time.
I do think eternal sunshine deserves to win album of the year at the GRAMMYS. I do know the academy has been…relatively appreciative of Ariana but hasn’t yet given her all she deserves. The interesting thing is that in the industry there's also Billie Eilish. Billie is another comfort artist of mine. She basically held my heart in her hands all throughout high school. I also adore Hit Me Hard and Soft. Both albums evoke genuine feelings and take you through a greatly emotional experience. I just think that eternal sunshine deserves to win album of the year this time around.
Ariana reaches new heights and achievements on eternal sunshine I didn’t know were possible. I don’t think I’m alone in saying that eternal sunshine has all the success and overall glow that album of the year should have. This album has depth, a solid storytelling concept, memorable features and Ariana at her most vulnerable and authentic self.
Thank you for reading my article!
Eternal Sunshine Photoshoot and most popular pics:
It didn’t feel like a review, but a love letter to eternal sunshine. And eternal sunshine only deserve love letters like this. ☺️✨♥️♾️🌅
thank you so much for your review! i have a vivid memory of listening to this on release day on the bus to aix en provence and bopping my head along especially to supernatural, the boy is mine and we can be friends. I haven't gone back to the album since then (i'm not a huge fan tbh) but for this review i did and i'm glad i did! thank you so much <3