After releasing her most recent album “thank u, next,” Ariana Grande is jumping right back into her flirty pop sound with her newest project, “positions.” Grande released the news of her new album on October 14 on Twitter, saying “i can’t wait to give u my album this month.” Fans have been really excited about the new album and Grande has been teasing bits and pieces of the album, leading up to its release. The title track is currently the only single and the video has been trending for a week with a whopping 50 million views. So let’s see what this album is giving…

1. shut up

This song is a great intro for the album. It’s a cute little song with some classical music teases. I love the use of the orchestra throughout the song in a fun, modern way. Lyrically, she’s snapping back at the haters to say she doesn’t care what they have to say about her life or her music because she likes her sh*t.

Best line: Keep opinions muted for the h*ll of it / ‘Cause I like my sh*t

2. 34+35

Before I get into this one, add 34+35. You get it now? Yeah. That’s what the song is about. Even though this is somewhat explicit, it has a very upbeat, pop feel to it, so you don’t feel like it’s explicit. You could probably listen to it in the car with your mom if she doesn’t listen to the lyrics.

Best line: Got the neighbors yelling “Earthquake”  / 4.5 when I make the bed shake

3. motive (with Doja Cat)

This is that dance around your room, getting ready to go out with your friends type of vibe. There’s a switch up from a disco-tech feel to modern hip-hop in the track that is guaranteed to make you move.

Best line: I could call bullsh*t out from a mile away / You want me if you can keep coming back for me / Might have to curve you if you just can’t talk straight 

4. just like magic

This is a really beautiful song. It has an amazing melody and meaning. It’s definitely great to listen to during the time of COVID. It’s all about positivity. manifestation, and good karma. She really hit the nail on the head with this one.

Best line: Good karma, my aesthetic / Keep my conscience clear that’s why I’m so magnetic / Manifest it, I finessed it  / Take my pen and write some love letters to heaven

5. off the table (with the Weeknd)

This a gorgeous upbeat ballad. If you’re a fan or if you know all that she’s been through in the past couple of years, it’ll definitely have you in your feels. I can’t help but imagine that this song is somewhat about Mac Miller. I could be wrong but after her tribute to Mac Miller in her last album, I don’t think I am. 

Best line: I’ll wait for you, even though it always feels like I’ll be number two / To someone you can’t hold anymore

6. six thirty

This is definitely not a sit still song. The beat will have you bopping your head at the very least. She gets a little flirtatious in this one as she questions “Are you down? What’s up?” repeatedly. The title of the song would insinuate that she’s asking about one thing, but after listening to it, you’ll notice it’s about a little more than what you expect.

Best line: What if I need a friend / Will you ride ’til the end? / Am I enough to keep your love?

7. safety net (ft. Ty Dolla $ign)

If you’re getting into a new relationship after being hurt in the past, this song is for you. She perfectly draws out that feeling of fear when you have to put your heart on your sleeve and take that leap of faith with somebody new. The music compliments that vibe really well. You won’t need a box of tissues for this one, but maybe a pint of ice cream….

Best line: I’ve never been this scared before / Feelings I just can’t ignore / Don’t know if I should fight or fly / But I don’t mind / Tripping, falling with no safety net

8. my hair

As ancient as this term may seem, this song is so groovy. That’s the best what to describe it. The second she starts singing, your head just involuntarily starts swaying from left to right. It’s an unexpected sound compared to the rest of the album, but it’s a great change of pace.

Best line: I want you to touch it softly / Like the way you do my mind / It’s got body and it’s smooth to touch / The same way as my skin

9. nasty

The title says it all, really. She doesn’t get too descriptive in this song, but she says just enough for you to know EXACTLY what she’s talking about. She’s laying it all out on the table for this one. This might be a nice jam to add to any *special* playlists you might have.

Best line: Yeah, my body’s gotta say something to you / That’s one way to tell I speak the truth

10. west side

If you’re more into music or vibes than the lyrics, this is your song. This is a different sound for her, but it fits her more than expected. It has some 90’s R&B teases that a lot of people have been waiting for from her. The lyrics are nice, but the music definitely shines brighter here.

Best line: I don’t wanna think too much / I just wanna feel

11. love language

This song is just a vibe. You might not want to dance to it. You may not even want to bop your head, but it’s the kind of song that you wouldn’t dare skip. It’s the kind of song that you just chill to. 

Best line: I ain’t tryna sign no lease / I’m just gon’ make him my home

12. positions

And now for the title track….this is exactly the sound that you’d expect from her. It was the perfect way to introduce this new era. This definitely has the potential to be overplayed on the radio. And don’t even get me started on that ICONIC video…

Best line: Heaven sent you to me / I’m just hoping I don’t repeat history

13. obvious

I desperately hope this is the next single. Every album has a repeat song (the one that you listen to back to back until you’ve learned all the words, ad libs, and background noises). This feels like that song. It’s the kind of song you don’t get tired of hearing. It’s chill, but also fun and upbeat. Just the perfect recipe, really.

Best line: Others that I’ve had had to impress me before / But I knew you were the real thing when you walked through that door

14. pov

She most definitely went out with a banger. Miss Grande has mastered the art of bop ballads, and this is one of her best. All of her albums have a ballad that is coincidentally a bop, but this onr takes the cake. Sure, it’s a little slower and calmer, but I would scream this at the top of my lungs in a car.

Best line: I wanna love me /The way that you love me /Ooh, for all of my pretty / And all of my ugly too /I’d love to see me from your point of view

I wouldn’t be surprised if “positions” topped the charts in weeks to come. All of Grande’s bodies of work grow with her and they all connect really well with her audience and people outside of it. It has a range of sounds, so there’s something for everybody, but everything fits her voice perfectly. She released it at the perfect time, just before cuffing season. I just know couples everywhere are going to be on their baecation road trips, blasting this album and serenading each other.