Ariana Grande’s new album “Positions” will likely bring the world of pop music in a new direction. Because, as Nicki Minaj said in their 2017 hit track “Side to Side”: Ariana runs pop. 

“Positions” is undoubtedly one of Grande’s best albums to date. The record is heavily R&B influenced, paired with trap beats and beautiful orchestral components. This unique sound fits Grande’s style and vocal abilities like a lock and key. 

The record starts with the beautifully composed track, “shut up.” Beginning with dreamy violins, the song escalates into Grande’s typical harmonies and more dramatic orchestral sounds. This track is one of the best opening songs to an album I’ve ever heard. It leads listeners into the album by giving a perfectly sized taste of what the rest of the album will sound like. The lyrics are nearly as fitting as the sound, blatantly stating that if people don’t like what she has to say, they should try reevaluating their own life. 

Moving into “34+35,” Grande owns her sexuality in ways we haven’t seen before. This track is refined and a bit unexpected, while remaining playful and fun. This is certainly a stand out track on the album, being one of my top three favorites. This song is also a fun reminder of the sound of her 5th studio album, “Sweetener,” which is my favorite Grande era. 

“Motive” feat. Doja Cat isn’t my favorite song off the album, but I can understand its placement in the tracklist. I enjoy the simplicity of this song, but wish it would have shown us a bit more vocal range from Grande. By now, we surely know she has it. 

“Just like magic” is a light-hearted and fun track about the law of attraction, a track that never fails to bring a smile to my face. This song is again reminiscent of the “Sweetener” era. It has the fun pop-like beat of “Sweetener” mixed with the more mature R&B sound of “Positions,” which is a seamless pairing to me.

Two standout tracks on “Positions” include “off the table” feat. The Weeknd, and “safety net” feat. Ty Dolla $ign. Both songs speak vulnerably of her fear of falling in love again. In “off the table,” Grande wonders if she’ll ever be able to love again after losing someone she loved. The track consists of a slow re-verbed R&B beat and the magical feeling The Weeknd brings to any song he is featured on. Similarly, “safety net” represents Grande falling for someone despite everything she has been through in past relationships. I have to appreciate the progression of the storyline of her life throughout this album, as well as her past albums as well. 

Grande follows up those meaningful tracks with “my hair.” This song highlights her incredible vocals and range, ending with her singing in her whistle register, something few musicians can physically do. Aside from the outstanding vocals of this track, the lyrics about letting someone see her in her natural state — her natural hair — is as vulnerable as it gets.

Tracks “nasty” and “love language” are some additional fun, love songs that have earned a spot on any and all feel good playlists of mine. This album isn’t Grande’s first time opening up about sex and romance, but these are some of her most explicit tracks. For long time fans, it feels like she finally feels comfortable showing us that side of her.  

The album closes with “pov,” which I would undoubtedly give the title of Grande’s greatest ballad and song to date. This song is beautiful in every imaginable way. She full-heartedly sings of wanting to love herself the way her significant other loves her. This is the most touching and powerful way to describe love. Her vocals are outstanding in this track. You can hear the beautiful rasp of her voice in the last chorus which just adds another layer to the emotional depth of this standout song. 

Ariana Grande has mastered her ability to make fun, catchy tracks while still showing off her powerhouse vocals with “Positions.” The progression of the storyline of her personal life flows flawlessly from albums “Sweetener” to “thank u, next” to “Positions,” keeping fans hooked on her personal growth. The queen of pop has made one of the strongest comebacks to music with this album.

★★★★☆