By Nayria Figueroa Colon
Heartbreak that turned into melodious gold through every lyrical masterpiece. On March 8, 2024, “Eternal Sunshine” by Ariana Grande marked her seventh studio album, which is exceptionally magical.
The album title is a nod to 2004’s “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. The movie takes you through the lives of two lovers who go to the extreme to erase and forget their memories from their relationship. Using the movie’s plot, we go through Grandes idea of thinking she was going to stay in the relationship she thought would last for a lifetime, but as a result, she knows that her life can’t be held back with love that is not reciprocated. She then discovers a relationship she found unexpectedly in a whirlwind of events.
“Eternal Sunshine” contains 13 tracks, each with its meaning and story that end with a voice note of reassurance about her decisions and her life ahead. From beginning to end, each song contains well-produced music by Max Martin and lyrics that take more significant meaning and memories of a life Grande could’ve had.
“Intro (end of the world)” is the album’s first track. This intro has Grande asking, “to “How can I tell if I’m in the right relationship?” With this question in mind, she takes us through the album while trying to figure out the answer. While this song is short and sweet, we have a grand scenario through the backup of dreamy vocals and orchestration that try to answer, “If the world was ending, would the love of your life be there for you?”
The second track, “Bye,” is a seventies-style pop anthem about leaving a relationship. Grande’s lyricism and vocals are as sharp as ever. “Bye” sounds timeless and is not only one of the best songs on the album but possibly one of Grande’s best songs in her entire career.
“Don’t Wanna Break Up Again” is the third track on the album. It takes listeners to the middle of her past relationship. It is a sadder reality of ending a relationship and is a great follow-up to “Bye.” This song has one of the catchiest choruses.
“Saturn Returns Interlude” references a soundbite from YouTuber Diana Garland. It is a way for Grande to “get real” and sort out her life. It is the perfect song to transition to the title track, “Eternal Sunshine.”
The title track, “Eternal Sunshine,” is the perfect referential song to the film. In it, Grande wishes to “wipe her mind” from all of the toxic moments of her relationship. This song adds the most context to the album and creates understanding.
“Supernatural” is the sixth track on the album. The song makes you feel like you’re in outer space with the 90’s backtracks and high belts. This song has the best Bridge on the entire album.
R&B is Grande’s newer genre of exploration. In “True Story,” the production by Max Martin is a standout, and it is by far the best-produced and lyrical song on the album. Grande plays the “bad girl.”
Following the “role of the bad girl,” we have the terrible girl anthem, “The Boy is Mine.” This song resembles her leaked hit, “Fantasize.” The Brandy and Monica hit of the same name intertwines but never feels derivative. “The Boy is Mine,” “Bye,” and “True Story” are the three best songs on the album.
“Yes, And?” is the lead single of “Eternal Sunshine,” and interpolated Madonna’s “Vogue.” It explores the topics of individuality and not caring about what others say. It is the most out-of-place song on the album because of how bouncy and dancier than the rest of the songs.
“We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” is Grande’s tackle on heartbreak and public perception. Her songwriting skills shine through in this song. The song is about erasing your ex from the picture and moving on, but it also describes feeling misunderstood by people close to her and the public.
The album’s ballad, “I Wish I Hated You,” is chillingly raw. While singing, her voice cracked from tears. She was singing about hating her partner so that it would be easier to leave him. It is one of the album’s most artistically crafted songs.
“Imperfect for you” gives the 60’s soft rock aesthetic. The Beatles influenced her with a natural guitar ballad, and the track explores her struggle with trauma and anxiety. She also recognizes that mental health problems can make it difficult in relationships to tackle those issues.
The closer of the album, “Ordinary Things (feat. Nonna),” is the answer to her question, “How can I tell if I’m in the right relationship?” The last words of the album are from Grande’s grandmother, whom she calls Nonna. Nonna says, “Never go to bed without kissin’ goodnight. That’s the worst thing to do. Don’t ever do that, and if you can’t, and if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, you’re in the wrong place. Get out.” The song tied the album all together and is an uplifting piece of work to end the album.
“Eternal Sunshine” marks a new chapter for Grande. The album brought many of her inspirations and referenced many events/topics many can relate to. The record is a definite new beginning to Grande’s musical journey and was a remarkable return after many years.
