One of the most significant music performers of the last ten years is Ariana Grande. She has continuously topped the charts and garnered several headlines for the highs and lows of her personal life. The entire globe is now watching her every move—and song. Her most recent albums, Thank U, Next, and Sweetener, which were essentially diaries of her life, helped to bring in the current pop trend of authenticity above theatrics. No longer do listeners merely demand style in their top 40. They want content.
The finest songs by Ariana Grande smoothly blend both: a superb audio quality that sounds great on headphones and on a dance floor, as well as brilliant lyrics that urge you to think, weep, and move. Some of these songs prioritize the lyrics over the beat or vice versa.
1. “Ghostin”
This song, especially the melodic breakdown at 3:23, is what paradise sounds like. Simply said, it’s a masterpiece: a magnificent demonstration of transforming suffering into art and of crying alongside strangers in the hopes that their own wounds would be healed. Although the song was never formally acknowledged, “Ghostin'” is said to be about Grande lamenting the death of Mac Miller while she was still dating Pete Davidson. Regardless, the song is a unique instance of vulnerable pop done well, when the musician truly bares their soul as opposed to being sincere. It’s as authentic and unadulterated as music can be.
2. “Bad Idea”
Although “Bad Idea” is one of Thank U Next’s more upbeat songs, it still has a powerful message. The song epitomizes AG’s style: “yuh”-heavy with a sensual, pulsing beat that is distinctly her music. At the 3:20 mark, when the tune changes from sweaty, gay-club euphoria to something somber, almost trap-like, you can hear this quite clearly. All the drama is a necessary component of every excellent Ariana Grande song.
3. “Thank U, Next”
“Thank U, Next” merits a place on our list based solely on its cultural impact. With lyrics that mention her ex-boyfriends and a parody video of all your favorite rom-coms, this song had a massive cultural impact. Truthfully, it was one of the last times a pop singer created an impact big enough to get everyone talking—and the breezy earworm chorus of the song made sure we didn’t stop.