REVIEW: Ariana Grande, Sweetener

A euphoric body of work capturing a young woman living life to its fullest.

Ariana Grande, Sweetener (Republic)

It’s no secret that Ariana Grande has been a pop princess ever since stepping onto the music scene. However, it’s hard to say most of her albums have ever felt like consistent listens — until this, a euphoric body of work capturing a young woman living life to its fullest. Pharrell helms the majority of production, supplying beats far more inventive than anything we’ve seen from him in recent memory. Songs without his involvement feel somewhat unbalanced, though they work well as solo spins. The days of being boxed into Mariah Carey comparisons are long behind her, as Grande can safely call herself a legend in her own right. 9/10 Trial Track: “Borderline” feat. Missy Elliott