Ariana Grande’s highly introspective and house-influenced seventh studio album, “Eternal Sunshine,” has finally been released. This article has ranked each track on the album to provide an overview of its quality and impact.

After the successful debut of the Max Martin-produced house track “Yes, And?” which reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100, marking Grande’s sixth song to achieve this feat, “Eternal Sunshine” delves into deeply personal themes. It reflects on her divorce from Dalton Gomez, the transformative effects of her Saturn Return, and the complexities of memory. The album was also influenced by the writers’ strike, which temporarily disrupted the production of her upcoming Wicked movies. “Eternal Sunshine” arrives at a pivotal moment in Ariana’s career and personal life. With seven albums under her belt, she has become somewhat of an esteemed figure in pop music. Moreover, she entered her thirties amidst the challenges of a global pandemic and the end of her marriage. It is evident that she has experienced significant life events. “Eternal Sunshine” was not created out of convenience but out of necessity, as it contains a collection of music that Grande couldn’t hold back. The album draws inspiration from the concept of Saturn Returns and the critically acclaimed film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” which explore themes of fate, love, and memory in ever-evolving romantic relationships.

Through “Eternal Sunshine,” Ariana Grande continues her exploration of pop and R&B, showcasing devastatingly honest and self-penned lyrics that reveal her remarkable personal growth. She acknowledges her visits to therapy, confronts the “bad girl” image often thrust upon her, and admits her own flaws as a lover and partner. This album is the most vulnerable and transparent musical release in Ariana’s career, as she bares her heart and mind. Collaborating with Max Martin, Ilya, Shintaro Yasuda, Nick Lee, Peter Kahm, Oscar Görres, and David Park, Grande has crafted a commendable body of work across 13 tracks. “Eternal Sunshine” expands her artistic and sonic boundaries in various captivating ways.

While the specific rankings for each track on “Eternal Sunshine” are not provided in the given information, this article has reviewed and evaluated the songs to offer an assessment of the album’s individual tracks.

13. “Saturn Returns (Interlude)”

This track is ranked at the bottom because Ariana Grande is not featured on it. Titled “Saturn Returns,” it serves as an interlude where astrologer Diana Garland explains the concept of a Saturn Return. This phenomenon occurs when the planet Saturn completes its cycle around the sun and returns to the same position it held during a person’s birth. Typically occurring around the ages of 29 or 30, the effects of a Saturn Return include increased mental clarity, which can begin as early as 27.

Garland elaborates, saying that it is a time for individuals to confront the realities of life and truly discover their authentic selves. While this interlude may overtly allude to “Eternal Sunshine” being a concept album, it is likely necessary in an era where the art of interpretation and reading between the lines has become somewhat lost.

12. “Ordinary Things” (feat. Nonna)

Nonna, Ariana Grande’s beloved grandmother, is the only featured artist on the album “Eternal Sunshine,” and she plays a crucial role in connecting the album’s overall concept. The album begins with Grande questioning how to determine if a relationship is right, and by the end, Nonna provides an answer: “Never go to bed without kissing goodnight. It’s the worst thing to do. Don’t ever, ever do that. And if you can’t, and if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, you’re in the wrong place. Get out.”

Apart from the insightful advice from Nonna, “Ordinary Things” serves as a fitting conclusion to the album. While it may not have the immediate impact of the album’s more energetic tracks, it brings a sense of closure and maintains the light, atmospheric quality that permeates the entire record. Lyrically, Grande lists ordinary things that become extraordinary when experienced with a loved one, reminiscent of her song “Winter Things.” This choice makes it a clever ending because the lyrics carry more weight after navigating the emotional challenges scattered throughout the rest of the album. However, in terms of dynamic presentation, “Ordinary Things” may be a bit too understated for its own benefit.

 

11. “Don’t Wanna Break Up Again”

This song deserves recognition for its incorporation of ’90s R&B and pop melodies, despite the focus on house influences throughout “Eternal Sunshine.” Grande skillfully blends her vocals with these melodies, evoking a tone that encompasses apathy, fatigue, and yearning. In a piercing second verse, she sings about making things easy, investing in therapy, and blaming her own codependency, while expressing disappointment in her partner’s lack of effort and mistiming. Grande’s ability to manipulate her vocal tone has noticeably improved between her previous album “Positions” and “Eternal Sunshine,” and she capitalizes on this growth in “Don’t Wanna Break Up Again.” Although the track falls into the category of a gloomy dance bop, it is her deliberate vocal choices, such as the cathartic run on “won’t abandon me for you and I,” that make her rendition of the style truly exceptional.

10. “Intro (End of the World)”

The song showcases Ariana Grande’s ability to deliver impactful intros. Drawing on the same dramatic strings and melodies seen in previous album openers like “Shut Up,” “Imagine,” “Moonlight,” and “Honeymoon Avenue,” Grande wastes no time in setting the tone with “End of the World.”

She ponders, “How can I tell if I’m in the right relationship? Aren’t you really supposed to know that shit? Feel it in your bones and own that shit. I don’t know.” Immediately, Grande immerses us in a crumbling relationship that has been deteriorating for longer than she realized. The impending sense of doom justifies the grandiose title “End of the World” and her vocal performance, which exudes both nonchalance and profound distress. From the opening sound of vinyl static to the sorrowful background guitar, “End of the World” continues Grande’s streak of highly effective album intros.

9. “Yes, and?”

Since its release, “Yes, And?” has achieved significant milestones, including reaching the top spot on the Hot 100 chart and receiving a remix from Mariah Carey. While it is a solid single, it falls short of being Ariana Grande’s best work. The true essence of “Yes, And?” is best appreciated within the context of its parent album. Positioned immediately after the villainous track “The Boy Is Mine,” “Yes, And?” pulls Eternal Sunshine out of that alternate reality and channels the vibrant energy of its predecessor into a carefree vibe that resonates with the Hot 100 chart-topping sound. With its bold lyrics (“Why do you care so much whose dick I ride?”) and intense house sound, it’s evident why this song was chosen as the lead single. However, it represents only a fraction of the brilliance that Eternal Sunshine has to offer.

8. “Supernatural”

In many ways, “Supernatural” can be considered the “Breathin'” of the Eternal Sunshine album. It is an undeniable home run and a guaranteed pop sensation. Ariana Grande’s lyrical exploration of the enchantment of love creates an intriguing contrast to the underlying astrology themes that anchor the record. Surprisingly, the combination works seamlessly, especially with such a catchy melody. The only area where “Supernatural” slightly falters is in the repetition of the “it’s like supernatural” refrain, which can become a bit tiresome. However, as she unleashes the full power of her vocals during the final chorus, she becomes completely immersed in a state of absolute pop bliss, rendering the repetition inconsequential.

7. “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)”

Confirmed as the second radio single of the album, “We Can’t Be Friends” immediately presents itself as an enhanced version of Ariana Grande’s 2014 hit “Love Me Harder,” which also featured The Weeknd. The track pulsates with energetic synths, taking inspiration from the playbook of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.”

Grande sings, “We can’t be friends, but I’d like to just pretend. You cling to your papers and pens, wait until you like me again. I’ll wait for your love.” These lyrics intertwine with a dancefloor-shaking combination of intense strings, powerful synths, and nostalgic background vocals. Throughout the album, Grande blurs the lines between fiction and reality, and on “We Can’t Be Friends,” she explores the blurred boundaries between friendship, romance, and the gray area of longing in between. Despite the track’s conciseness, it lacks a climactic moment that would truly deliver the catharsis hinted at by its urgent instrumental arrangement.

Ariana Grande has just updated her image for MV “We can’t be friend (Wait for your love)”

6.”Eternal Sunshine”

It’s somewhat unexpected that the title track of an album that showcases such evident personal and artistic growth for Ariana Grande remains firmly rooted in the trap-infused pop&B style of her previous albums, Sweetener and Thank U, Next. However, it is still a fantastic song. Throughout Eternal Sunshine, Grande’s tone carries a melancholic quality, and that sentiment is preserved in the title track, where subtle hints of sadness and regret blend harmoniously with the buoyant background synths. In the chorus, she skillfully incorporates trips into her head voice, adding a delicate fragility that accentuates the vulnerability of her songwriting.

As the song progresses, Grande reaches the section with the lines “deep breaths, tight chest” in the post-chorus, delivering them in a staccato manner that cleverly captures the anxiety that accompanies the end of a relationship and the decision to walk away from the wreckage and towards the light. She sings, “Now it’s like I’m looking in the mirror, hope you feel all right when you’re in her. I found a good boy, and he’s on my side. You’re just my eternal sunshine.” These lyrics reflect a sense of self-empowerment and moving on from the past.

5. “I Wish I Hated You”

Despite being overshadowed by mega-hits like “7 Rings” and “34+35,” it’s important to recognize the significant influence Imogen Heap has had on Ariana Grande’s artistic development. In “I Wish I Hated You,” a deeply introspective track that directly connects to the album’s ties with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Grande harnesses those influences and transforms them into a profoundly affecting electro-pop ballad.

Grande’s vocal performance traverses a range of emotions, alternating between an evocative tone reminiscent of her cover of “Still Hurting” and a staccato delivery that mirrors the whimsical synths in the background. Through the song, she explores the complicated desire to wish ill upon an ex-lover, hoping that their actions would make it easier for her to move on and find closure. It’s weighty and contemplative subject matter, perhaps the most personal she has expressed in her music since “Ghostin'” in 2019, yet it is refreshingly candid. While Grande has previously ventured into sweeping love ballads and upbeat tracks, “I Wish I Hated You” challenges both herself and her listeners to delve into the intricacies of a love that has transcended its original purpose for both parties involved.

4. “The Boy Is Mine”

Ariana Grande, like any exceptional pop star, possesses a keen understanding of what people crave, even if those individuals are uncertain themselves. There’s a valid reason (beyond the song’s infectious catchiness) why “Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” debuted at No. 2 on the Hot 100 in 2019. People have an affinity for a villain, particularly when it’s presented with a playful wink.

In comes “The Boy Is Mine,” a polished reinterpretation of the Grammy-winning duet by Brandy and Monica bearing the same title. This track marks Grande’s full immersion into her bad girl persona. “The boy is mine, I can’t wait to try him, let’s get intertwined, the stars, they align,” she croons, playfully alluding to the celestial imagery that underpins much of the album. With a trap-infused spin on the ’90s R&B sound that “Fantasize” also draws from, Grande finds the perfect backdrop to showcase her ability to seamlessly blend a slick rap-sung cadence with breathy vocalizations. Let’s not overlook the tempo changes that accentuate the push and pull of the song’s love triangle, as well as Ariana’s complex relationship with the public’s perception of her.

3. “Bye”

The first half of Eternal Sunshine showcases a collection of dancefloor anthems in the style of Robyn, and “Bye” stands out as the standout track among them. Despite its seemingly unassuming title, this dance-pop song combines emotive strings and subtle disco influences to serve as the soundtrack for Ariana’s departure from a serious relationship. Teeming with funk and a sense of liberation, Ariana delves even deeper into her vocal prowess, tapping into the diva persona she initially explored in the lead single, “Yes, And?”

The entire song is exceptional, but the pre-chorus arguably stands as the most remarkable moment on the entire album. Ariana sings, “So, I grab my stuff, Courtney, just pull up in the driveway, it’s time,” in an ever-ascending falsetto that miraculously captures both the anxiety and excitement that accompany new beginnings, all while showcasing the inherent wit and humor in Grande’s songwriting. Serving as a sort of older sister to the 2016 track “Greedy,” “Bye” is an absolute gem that shines brightly within the album.

 

2. “Imperfect for You”

It might have been a bit harsh to make listeners wait until the twelfth track to reintroduce the dry, melancholic guitars that were hinted at in the album’s introduction, but the wait for “Imperfect for You” is entirely worthwhile. After a flurry of high-energy dance tracks and a whirlwind of different personas, “Imperfect” arrives as a breath of fresh air. The sound deviates from Grande’s usual style, but fans who enjoyed her cover of “Don’t Dream It’s Over” will appreciate the stripped-down and raw quality of “Imperfect.”

This devastating ballad sees Grande pouring her heart out as she sings about a love story that ultimately transforms into a “happy disaster.” “Imperfect for You” bravely attempts to navigate the complex emotions that follow the end of a relationship. Balancing the good and the bad alongside an enduring connection that may no longer be romantic is no small feat, but Grande’s tender vocal tone and revealing lyrics (“How could we know that this was a happy disaster, I’m glad we crashed and burned”) effectively capture the essence of the experience.

1. “True Story”

One of the beauties of a concept album is the creative freedom it provides Ariana Grande, allowing her to embody different characters that serve as conduits for her to address rumors, defend her integrity, and completely subvert the expectations of her detractors.

With its evident nods to the ’90s pop and R&B groove of “Fantasize,” a previously leaked track that gained immense popularity on TikTok in 2023, “True Story” stands out as perhaps the most intellectually astute song Grande has ever created. We’re all familiar with the controversy that erupted when tabloids seized upon a messy love triangle involving Grande, her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, and his wife last year. The public backlash against Grande was swift, with both supporters and critics expressing their opinions with nearly equal intensity. To some, Grande was portrayed as the quintessential contemporary homewrecker and the embodiment of someone who doesn’t support other women. With “True Story,” Grande essentially says, “Alright, if that’s the role you want to assign me, then I’ll play it.”

As she sings, “I’ll play whatever part you need me to, and I’ll handle it with grace,” against a backdrop that evokes the futuristic productions of Timbaland and Missy Elliott for Aaliyah, Grande demonstrates her ability to embrace controversy and provoke thought. She has described “True Story” as “an untrue story based on untrue events,” allowing for a narrative ambiguity that enables her to accomplish something crucial in pop music—a departure from the prevailing era of relatability—by becoming a provocateur.

From the layered harmonies reminiscent of Positions to a drum-heavy pop and R&B sound reminiscent of Thank U, Next, and a powerful final chorus reminiscent of her earlier My Everything era, “True Story” merges the pop star templates from Grande’s past with her current artistic configuration. She fearlessly blurs the lines between fiction and reality in her quest to reclaim her truth, presenting it to the entire world.