By Sania Daniyal
On October 30, Ariana Grande released her 14-track album “Positions.” The album has an R&B and trap-pop sound with hip hop, neo-soul, and funk elements. Lyrically, the songs in “Positions” address romantic topics, and Doja Cat, The Weeknd, and Ty Dolla Sign all make guest appearances on the album.
“‘Positions’ is really good because it’s all about women empowerment and the lyrics have a whole different meaning,” said freshman Nerissa Singh.
The title track "Positions" is a love song about Grande’s versatility in making a new relationship work. This album is all about the artist searching for peace, tracing the silent work of piecing oneself together, and delighting in young romance all at the same time.
Her third album is different from many of Grande’s previous ones. Listeners can find Grande in the company of long-time collaborators with sounds from Max Martin and the duo Social House. This album features songs such as “Off the Table," a duet with the Weeknd that depicts the growth from the struggle of dysfunctional relationships to the embracement of new love.
Source by Anna Detke
The title number on the album, "positions,' was listened to 14,857 times during the November 29 - December 5 tracking period on the Mediabase pop radio.
The album generally received positive reviews from music reviewers but some criticized its production and lyrics.
“'Positions' doesn’t broaden Grande’s sound the way her past few albums have, and it isn’t buoyed by a heroic anthem, like ‘no tears left to cry,’ or guided by a specific mission, like how ‘thank u, next’ honored her relationship history,” said media company Pitchfork.
“A lot of people think it’s repetitive but as a huge fan, I think it’s a great album that grows on you. Ariana made such personal albums recently so it’s meant to be a bit more chill,” said freshman Guneet Hanjra.
Despite the criticisms of the album, “Positions” reached top charts in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK while also debuting at No. 1 on US Billboard 200. “Positions” has heavily affected the music industry since its initial release and will continue to do so as more people listen to the album.