Almost two years ago, Ariana Grande released her seventh studio album, “eternal sunshine.” The album came after Grande took a break from songwriting and singing so that she could star in the movie, “Wicked.” In a few months from now, Grande will go on tour for the first time in several years, performing songs from the “eternal sunshine” album.
This album was close to my heart two years ago and still is today.
I had just started my first year of college when the lead single from the album was released. Listening to some new music helped me escape the loneliness of being away from home, even if only for a while. However, the album’s theme of healing from an unhealthy situation compelled me to keep listening. I had just overcome some mental health struggles and left unhealthy friendships. So, the album was quite relatable and is one of my favorites of all time.
Listening to the album again, especially after “eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead” was released last year, was a similar experience to the first time. However, my perception of the album changed significantly, most likely due to a change in both my music taste and the added depth that the deluxe gives to the album. The original version of the first song, “intro (end of the world),” now seems incomplete after the release of the extended version in the deluxe album. The first single “yes, and?” is out of place. It is catchy and upbeat but does not further the album’s main theme of heartbreak and healing. Despite this, some of the other songs on the album, such as “true story” and “we can’t be friends”, remain some of my favorites from Grande’s discography.
Healing from a person or situation that hurt you is a process, and Grande reflects this effectively with songs such as “eternal sunshine” and “i wish i hated you.” The album also accurately reflects the complex emotions felt when dealing with an unhealthy relationship, romantic or platonic.
Grande further explores the healing process in the deluxe edition. “twilight zone” and “past life” acknowledge her past relationships and the trouble that came with them, while “Hampstead” and “warm” are songs about moving forward and trusting again. My favorite song from the deluxe has to be “past life.” The line “woke up with a ghost by my side” could refer to someone else, or it could be mentioning a past version of yourself that no longer exists. It makes me think of the younger versions of myself that no longer exist and are lost to time.
The music video for the deluxe, “brighter days ahead,” made me contemplate how I will see things when I am old and losing memories; if I will look back on my life with gratitude or regret. The image of an older Grande looking back on her life, with all of its highs and lows, beautifully illustrates the concepts of self-reflection and looking back on life.
Grande may not have released music for several years while she was filming “Wicked,” but I believe that this album was worth the wait. “eternal sunshine” is a relatable collection of songs that represents healing and moving forward. I hope that Grande will one day release more music. However, this album is more than enough to remind us all of her legacy. Although she has hinted that this upcoming tour may be her last in a while, she has forever left her mark on the popular music industry.
