Written by: Delilah Stone / Staff writer & Presley Henson / Staff writer
“Petal”, a new album by Ariana Grande has become a worldwide hit in the music industry. The 37 minute long album reflects off of her favorite artist Imogen Heap’s electropop style and the person she is today.
This being her eighth studio album, it explores themes of self worth, romance, personal growth and the negative side of fame. One of the more popular songs on the album “Hate That I Made You Love Me” was released as a single two months prior to release and has reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The release of her new album was during the tour to promote her previous album “Eternal Sunshine”, which is a bit odd. “petal” came less than two years after Grande said she was planning to put more of her creative energy into musical theatre and acting.
Compared to her older album, “thank u, next”, I think she could have done better. “thank u, next” was Grammy nominated for best pop vocal album, and album of the year in 2020.
“thank u, next” was released in 2019 following the death of Grande’s ex-boyfriend Mac Miller and the end of her engagement to Pete Davidson. After this, Grande took a long break from social media and the internet to record new material.
I think “thank u, next” is one of Grande’s best albums. Her angelic vocals and well written lyrics are what helped her gain two Grammy nominations.
On the other hand, some people say “petal” is her “most musically accomplished album’’.
“I think they’ll feel familiarity and comfort in it because it just feels like it pulls from many different parts of myself. And yet at the same time, it is very experimental and different for me,” Grande says in an interview with Apple Music.
In my opinion it is basic, it lacks decent lyrics and she doesn’t even use difficult passages to sing. It is advertised as “unfiltered rage”, but in comparison to her previous album, “Eternal Sunshine”, it lacks tonal variety and feels monochrome.
But, is this the Ariana Grande that we know? After her movie “Wicked”, her fans became worried about her and her health. Grande faced continuous and intense public speculation and backlash about her weight and appearance.
While many listeners have complimented the lead single “petal” and its vocals, others have expressed worry about Grande’s physical appearance and ongoing weight loss. Many people have reached out to express their concern for Grande’s health but she revealed she will be taking a “step back” from public appearances.
