★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5
Many TV actresses try to make the jump to mainstream musician, but few prove to be as successful as Nickelodeon star Ariana Grande has been. Since the release of her debut, the 21-year-old has received critical acclaim for her impressive vocal range and smooth R&B creations. For her recently released sophomore effort, My Everything, the artist has already scored three top ten hits, including the summer smash, "Problem" featuring Iggy Azalea.
Along with "Break Free" featuring Zedd and "Bang Bang" alongside Jessie J and Nicki Minaj, Grande has proved to be an unstoppable, lovable force in the music industry. For the second go around, more pop influences are heard throughout the 12-track standard edition which may surprise some critics and fans, for better or worse is still to be determined. However, for an album set to hit the top spot of the Billboard 200, it's safe to say audiences love the voice and personality of the talented Grande.
After a brief, Mariah Carey-influenced intro, the album kicks off with horn-driven lead single "Problem" featuring Iggy Azalea which peaked at the runner up position on the Billboard Hot 100. Though the song took more than one listen to hook people in, Grande's powerful vocal performance shines bright and steals all the attention. The track showed an adorable sassy side to the artist, featured a catchy rap verse from Iggy and could not be escaped this summer.
"One Last Time" will put unnecessary critics of Grande's new sound to rest. The midtempo ballad is the perfect blend of pop and EDM as the artist's controlled vocals signify a sense of growth and maturity. "Baby I don't care if you got her in your heart, all I really care is you wake up in my arms," Grande confesses on the troubled song detailing the aftermath of a break up. The artist can't seem to let go, the pain and heartache is heard.
Ryan Tedder is the go-to songwriter for memorable pop ballads, so it's no surprise his hands are all over "Why Try", a track that gives a closer look into the deterioration of a relationship. Though she seems to keep her composure on the verses, Grande really tackles the chorus with every ounce of emotion she has left. It may be a midtempo production, but that could just be to keep listeners from hearing the true pain in the vocals.
When Grande teamed up with Zedd sparks flew. "Break Free", another top ten hit from the album, was a departure from the artist's previous R&B-influenced efforts. The lyrics may make no sense whatsoever, however, a feeling of empowerment and strength still bursts through. The EDM production is a highlight, it could have turned the song into a typical club tune, but in the end, it showed Grande could really do it all.
Released as a promotional single, which shot straight to the top of the iTunes charts, "Best Mistake" featuring Big Sean gets much more scandalous amid rumors of the two artists dating. "Can we please make up our minds, and stop acting like we're blind," Grande sings on the R&B creation that would have fit in perfectly with her debut. The two have chemistry, the song is well-executed and another chance to showcase her range.
The album transports listeners back to the slow cuts of the 90s as "Be My Baby" is one of the tamer additions to the new effort. While it may not be as explosive or memorable as the preceding tracks, the song is strong evidence of Grande's extremely successful reign on the charts. Norwegian DJ Cashmere Cat gets proper credit for the slinky, throwback production as it supports the vocals and overall track vibe.
"Break Your Heart Right Back" puts the album back on the right route and uses an unexpected sample of Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out" perfectly. Once again, Grande sounds to be in her element as the pop and R&B influences blend well together to create a track that would work in the any of the last few decades. The additional verse from Childish Gambino is strong and welcomed, adds another layer to the commendable finished product.
Co-written with One Direction's Harry Styles, "Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart" is a song which seems to be dividing critics. Though nothing groundbreaking or spectacular, at times cheesy in terms of songwriting, Grande definitely gives a lovely, commanding vocal performance on the traditional love ballad. Maybe it would have worked better as a duet with Styles, but the finished product is not much to get excited over.
After a few soft ballads, Grande makes a complete 180 and bursts back onto the dancefloor with "Hands On Me" and some assistance from A$AP Ferg. "If you like what you see, baby put your hands on me," Grande seductively sings on sensual club banger, it's her anthem for completely shedding her past image of innocence. The track is fun, it's energetic and it's very different for the singer, but she easily succeeds.
The album closes with the title track. "My Everything" is another slow ballad, however, this time around Grande seems to get her message across more effectively. All attention is focused on the artist's lovely, slightly vulnerable vocals as she sings of pushing her pride to the side once she realizes her love is out of her life. Though it may be too short for a closing track, the song is a simple, sweet plea that any heartbroken lover can relate to.
On the deluxe edition, "Bang Bang" with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj is a firecracker of a song, a little more jazz inspiration than the rest of the album, where Grande almost steals the spotlight from the main artist. On "Only 1", Grande seems to be giving her best Ashanti impression circa 2002. It is a nice, percussion-heavy darling of a track. "You Don't Know Me" shows yet another side to the artist's personality, it's a bit more sassy and abrasive, slightly less cute and adorable.
My Everything is a vast departure from Ariana Grande's brilliant debut, but that is far from a negative. Expanding her range to reach the furthest ends of the pop, dance and EDM genres, Grande commands every single track with convincing vocal performances with a set of pipes that rival those of the most leading ladies of the radio today. With three of the album tracks sitting nicely in the Billboard Hot 100 top ten, it's clear that Grande is releasing music that resonates with listeners, but also perfectly showcases the talents she brings to the elements of vocal delivery, songwriting and intriguing production. The new album is diverse, it's solid and it is screaming for radio airplay.
Tracks to Hear: "One Last Time", "Why Try", "Break Free feat. Zedd" and "Love Me Harder feat. The Weeknd"
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