Just from the lead up to Sweetener I could tell that Ariana Grande was cooking up something serious. She has already established herself as a celebrity and a star but despite having some undoubted success in music, I don’t think she’s ever really established herself as a serious star in music, the likes that could be ranked among the top pop stars out there. Sweetener is her answer to that and in the process of crafting an excellent pop record, she’s found her musical voice and identity and become infinitely more relatable and likeable because of it. Everything on the album feels effortless and she carries herself like an artist completely confident in her craft. Purposeful is the word I’d use to describe the album. She’s clearly matured as an artist and the infusions of funk and soul into her music really gives you something to dig into. There may not be as many instant bangers as one might expect, but Sweetener is a completely realized project a full offering of everything she has to offer as a creative, not just a celebrity.
When all is said and done
You’ll believe God is a woman
And I, I feel it after midnight
A feelin’ that you can’t fight, my one
It lingers when we’re done
You’ll believe God is a woman– “God is a woman”
Have you heard Sweetener? What’d you think about it? Do you think she’s finally established herself and earned her respect as a true artist? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to leave your own ratings and reactions for the album.
