The pop singer is back after a much-needed break from social media and the public eye following the tragic Manchester concert bombing last May. Grande has reportedly finished her fourth studio album which has been described as a “personal masterpiece”… of course.
Today is finally the day. We get a taste of what she’s been hanging onto for quite some time now. Grande’s new single “No Tears Left to Cry” is an obvious reference to what happened last year. Fans at a listening party in London said the song brought them to tears. A source told The Blast that people “openly wept at how she alludes to the bombing and how incredible the song is.”
At first listen, Grande’s echoing vocals immediately steal the show, singing, “right now I’m in a state of mind, I wanna be in like all the time, ain’t got no tears left to cry.” A runway-esque beat leads the song to easily mimic tracks off the singers debut album, Yours Truly. Despite popular belief, “Tears” isn’t sad at all. It’s a beautiful medley showing resilience and happiness.
Njomza: Minimalist comfy vibes with a hint of modern slang mirror Njomza’s lyrics and sound (Check out her lead single “Sad For You”). Cropped hoodies, comfy sweats, and basic hats all under $35. GIMME!
Blackbear: The Bear is always on top of what’s trendy. Distressed, oversized tees, small logos, etc. Most are basic colors while some items come in the custom Blackbear orange we all know and love.
Ariana Grande: Mixing street graffiti with classic color blocking. Each piece feels curated from the pop Queen herself. Sweatshirts, tees, bracelets, medical masks. Yes, you heard me right.
Harry Styles: Romantic nostalgia and feminine florals are sprinkled on every article of clothing. Not only does Harry spread happiness with his music but also a positive message on his merch that says, “Treat People With Kindness”.
Halsey: The official merch for the Hopeless Fountain Kingdom tour isn’t released yet, but it is absolutely going to be dope. Renaissance themes and bright lively colors are already flooding her HFK tour. Right now there’s a cute royal t-shirt and a gorgeous gold choker that reads “Hopeless”.
Pairing up with hip-hop vets is in SZA’s musical nature; “Galore” is no different. She’s worked with Rihanna, Chance the Rapper, Drake… this time, Travis Scott. A repetitive song about the everlasting need for love. SZA proves her R&B chops one note at a time.
This track marks the third collab between the DJ and pop songstress. As usual, Grande’s vocals steal the show as she sings about a love that’s taken over her; “I can’t quit you” she wails beautifully. Cat merges pop vocals with inventive electro sounds that make him stand out among the rest.
“Cherry Hill” – Russ
Low-key hit maker, Russ, is back with the hauntingly beautiful “Cherry Hill”. Wavering between rap, hip-hop, and R&B, he can do no wrong. “Maybe I’m a food, maybe I’m a fool for you…” he sings repeatedly. A brief electric guitar riff adds to the sultry element felt throughout this song.
“Love Gang” – Whethan feat. Charli XCX
Charli XCX brings attitude to Whethan’s gritty dance beat on “Love Gang.” Her punky vocals make this track radio ready any minute. There’s no doubt, we’ve missed Charli; “Gang” reminds us of just how cool she is.
“I’m the One” – DJ Khaled, Quavo, Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne
As usual, what makes for a good rap song? Throw on about 4 people and something’s gotta sound dope, right? “I’m the One” is your summer car jam; cruising down city streets with your friends. Bieber carries the chorus while Chance and Lil Wayne shut it down with some hot verses. I’m patiently waiting for this to take over radios everywhere.
Mac Miller just came back in a big way. Dating pop’s favorite high-profile princess and releasing a brand new album, collabing with Ty Dolla $ign, Kendrick Lamar, and even Ariana Grande herself. Turning down about ten notches, The DivineFeminine proves to be one of Miller’s calmest efforts yet. The tracks are more of a deep eclectic compilation, making you feel warm and cozy instead of ready to pick up a solo cup.
Fans had a taste of this musical shift early on with the vibey summer single, “Dang!”
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featuring soulman Anderson Paak. It feels like Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” mixed with Motown, mixed with Big Band, mixed with R&B, and dipped in a vat of soft rap. Nothing’s aggressive and the musicality is at its peak. The verses are sweet & sour, making you pay attention to every word for fear you’ll miss the point. This is the Mac we should all be listening to.
Ty Dolla $ign assists on standout track, “Cinderella” where Miller focuses on a woman he’s in love with. A melancholy riff repeats itself as mellow hip-hop beats ooze into your body. “You in my dreams that’s why I sleep all the time, just to hear you say I love you, just to touch you,” Miller cohesively spits out.
Ripping a page out of rap master Kendrick Lamar’s book, “God is Fair, Sexy, Nasty” feels like a deep cut from Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly. Miller went on Zayne Lowe Beats 1 Radio Show and commented on the album closer saying, “It sounds like being in the ocean, relaxing, calm, floating and just like there and comfortable in your thoughts, and that’s how the record ends, which is so awesome.”
Divine [dih-vahyn] – “Of or relating to a god, especially the Supreme Being.” There’s no doubt this album is an ode to not only women everywhere (thanks Mac!) but little Miss Ariana Grande. He drops Hansel & Gretel hints of her on almost every song, making you wonder if she was the sole muse of this project. Opening track, “Congratulations” features what sounds to be clips of her infamous child-like giggle along with another female voice saying, “The Divine Feminine, an album by Mac Miller.” Romantic piano notes then guide Miller’s soft vocals. This theatrical opener already sets Feminine apart from his previous work.
Miller admitted Feminine was inspired by love, telling billboard.com, “On the last album, I realized there’s no love songs, and I wanted to do a project based around that.” He also mentioned his duet (“Favorite Part”) with his girlfriend; “I wanted a foundation to paint on, something very simple with her.”
Along with Ariana Grande’s new album, Dangerous Woman comes some saucy lyrics. Grande’s not one to swear and talk more on the sexy side, but “Everyday” is a step in that direction. She breathily sings, “He giving me that good s**t, that make me not quit” as a harsh back beat leads you into a soaring huge chorus. A feature from hip-hop/rap King right now, Future brings “Everyday” into a hip-hop sound we’re not used to hearing. Grande’s vocal runs, as usual, are just as flawless as ever. “Everyday” is one of the biggest songs off of Dangerous Woman, which is why it’s getting so much traction so far with fans. Listen to this song and try not to dance.
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