Arianators have been going a bit crazy over the past few days. Ariana Grande is expected to release her fifth studio album on February 8. However, don’t be fooled. Despite its close proximity to Valentine’s Day, Grande’s latest release will most likely be chock full of break up anthems.
The album is Grande’s second in six months, and is a follow-up to Sweetner. It comes as a surprise to fans, because shortly after the death of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, she announced that she would take a break from music. One month later, she then said that she has been recording new music.
According to an article entitled Everything We Know About Ariana Grande’s Album Thank U, Next, Grande’s decision to release this album six months after her previous comes from the fact that she wants to “drop music whenever she feels like it.” This is unlike many pop stars who wait years for a new album/era, such as Taylor Swift.
With that being said, here’s what we know so far. On January 23, she revealed the track list on her social media pages, including Twitter and Instagram. And, there is a layer of mystery with this list. With track names like Needy, Ghostin, and Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored, fans’ anticipation have sky-rocketed. However, Grande is staying quiet — that is until the album is released.
And, of course, singles Thank U, Next, 7 Rings, and Imagine will also be on the album.
In addition, Grande also revealed the cover art for her latest release on social media as well. It features Grande wearing a black tank top and black lipstick, with the words Thank U Next on her chest in black ink. You can view her Instagram post here.
So far, this album has created a lot of buzz. Between its’ rom-com inspired music video and empowering lyrics, Thank U, Next has become 2018’s breakup anthem, and one of the most buzzed about songs of the year.
Furthermore, there is a bit of controversy with the song 7 Rings. According to an article on Vulture entitled To Whom Does Ariana Grande’s ‘7 Rings’ Owe Its Sound?, rapper Princess Nokia noted some similarities to her song Mine in a now-deleted video on Twitter and Instagram.
With that being said, Princess Nokia wasn’t the only one who noticed some similarities to the song. Rappers 2 Chainz and Soldier Boy also made comments about it on social media.
However, despite the buzz, I’m sure that this album will be one of the most buzzed about in 2019.
Written by Natalie Barletta | Photo: PR Photos