positions by Ariana Grande
Positions is the sixth studio album by American singer Ariana Grande, released on October 30, 2020, by Republic Records. It is a midtempo R&B and trap-pop album that primarily discusses themes of sex, and features guest vocals from Doja Cat, the Weeknd and Ty Dolla Sign. Two singles have been released to promote the album; the title track was released as the lead single on October 23, 2020, and "34+35" was made the second single alongside the album release on October 30. Positions received generally favorable reviews from music critics, with compliments towards Grande's vocals but criticism for its lyricism and production. Background On April 19, 2020, it was first reported that Grande was working on new music. She also declared in May 2020 that she had recorded a song with Doja Cat earlier that year. In the same interview, however, Grande stated that she would not release an album during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. On October 14, 2020, Grande announced on social media that her upcoming sixth studio album would be released the same month. Three days later, she posted a slow-motion video in which she types out the word "positions" on a keyboard. That same day, Grande's official website launched two countdowns counting down to October 23, 2020 and October 30, 2020. On October 23, 2020, she confirmed via her Twitter account that the album was coming on October 30 and posted the cover art. The tracklist was revealed the following day.
Unlike Ariana Grande’s last album, the contemplative and mournful <i>thank u, next</i>, which was released shortly after, and partly in response to, the tragic death of her ex Mac Miller, <i>Positions</i> is light-hearted and playful—a flirty wave from the other side. Her joy is deserved. During a gruelling stretch that would have broken most musicians (a deadly terrorist attack at her own concert, Miller’s overdose and her public breakup with then-fiancé Pete Davidson), Grande delivered two of the best albums—and one of the highest-grossing tours—of 2018 and 2019. That she might finally be experiencing some release, which is what these songs sound like, is a reminder to all of us that time and reflection can heal. So let’s move forward, shall we?<br /> Grande doesn’t waste a single second changing the tone. “All them demons helped me see shit differently/So don’t be sad for me,” she coos on “shut up”, the album’s sweeping, orchestral opener that puts trolls on mute. Strength and self-assuredness are themes throughout the album, and she gracefully takes credit for positive changes. She’s meditating and minding her karma (“just like magic”), blissing out on healthy habits and sexual vim (“nasty”, “34+35”) and diving into new romances without worrying too much about getting hurt (“safety net” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, “off the table” featuring The Weeknd). The implication is less about casual detachment and more about living in the moment: Pain and loss are a part of life, but so are pleasure and love. She seems acutely aware that we have little control over any of it.<br /> Accompanied by long-time collaborators like singer-songwriters Tayla Parx and Victoria Monét and producer Tommy Brown, Grande deftly explores new rhythms and moods—breathy retro-funk (“love language”), low-slung R&B (“west side”)—without drifting too far from soaring pop. “motive”, a duet with Doja Cat, tastefully shuffles between lurching trap and four-on-the-floor club beats. And the staggering “my hair”, easily an album highlight, feels like a late-’90s girl-group power ballad on which Grande effortlessly carries each part. Importantly, it never feels like she’s trying sounds on for size; she is the rare singer with a voice so powerful and an aesthetic so self-assured that subgenres, collaborators, rules and trends all bend to her.
