Unveiling Ariana Grande’s Vulnerability in Eternal Sunshine

When ‘yes, and’ released in January, there was anticipation for usual pop princess Ariana Grande to release a house genre album. Moreover, we expected a lower pitch bass to blare on the first track ‘intro (end of the world)‘ of her new album, Eternal Sunshine.

Photo by Katia Temkin

We were completely wrong… And it’s a good thing we were.

‘Intro (end of the world)’ is instead a dreamy, sweet melodic song that’s sonically soft but powerfully written. It sees Grande begin to question if she should leave her relationship. Throughout the thirteen-track run, she attempts to answer this question, break down the faults of her partner, and examine her mistakes.

Eternal Sunshine is Grande’s most vulnerable, honest, and charismatic album to date. 

Photo by Katia Temkin

The title itself, Eternal Sunshine, based on the 2004 movie, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, starring Jim Carrey (Grande’s favorite actor) and Kate Winslet. The sci-fi romance story sees the extent to which someone will go to forget the one they used to love. The plot is the basis behind the music video for ‘we can’t be friends (wait for your love),’ which stars Evan Peters. The Max Martin production has a great Euro pop influence that is rhythmically infectious. 

Despite this, the song’s lyrics are quite harrowing. Grande pleads to be loved by her partner. It’s a similar sentiment to the track ‘don’t wanna break up again.’ Grande is always on the receiving end of  heartbreak within the relationship explored in Eternal Sunshine. At first there’s a refusal to accept that things won’t change within their dynamic. ‘Don’t wanna break up again’ looks more towards accepting that it’s better to leave even if it hurts. 

Grande sings, “This situationship has to end, but I just can’t refuse.”  

There’s a hint of denial, and she doesn’t want to speak the words out loud – but by listening, one can tell the relationship is over. ‘Bye‘ is more about the perspective of finding independence within a breakup. There’s similar undertones to Grade’s 2019 hit, ‘thank u, next,’ but now Grande doesn’t gain a lesson; rather, she takes back her confidence. The contrast between resilience and fear at the idea of heartbreak was brilliantly done with the album.

Grande curates almost every feeling that occurs during a breakup. From resentment to guilt to anger, the experience is vivid and all these emotions are heightened on ‘i wish i hated you‘ ‘eternal sunshine,’ and ‘imperfect for you.’ ‘Imperfect for you,’ a personal favorite of ours, emphasizes that imperfection is what makes a relationship real. ‘I wish i hated you,’ on the other hand, is an electronic-infused pop ballad that delves into the polarizing nature that occurs in a relationship. The song’s melody and lyrics create a heartfelt narrative that celebrates that there’s no hard feelings after separating from someone. 

Grande referenced the song in an interview with Zach Sang stating,

“It’s one that I won’t listen to, probably, or sing live, probably. But I think it’s a very important color to exist within the album because it’s just an important piece of the puzzle for me. But I’m happy to acknowledge the goodness, I really am, and the efforts, and that it just was not correct, and I don’t need to pretend that you’re a monster to make peace with this ending.”

Photo by Katia Temkin

The anguish of letting go of the past and the enduring memories of love are poignantly brought to light by Eternal Sunshine. It combines the optimistic idea of  sunshine with an intensely depressing narrative to create a startling juxtaposition that stays with you throughout the album.

Make no mistake, however; Eternal Sunshine is more than a quintessential breakup album. Grande taps into her lovergirl persona as well. When she released ‘Positions’ in 2020, we got to see her embrace her sexuality with songs such as ‘main thing,’ ‘nasty,’ and ’34 + 35.’ The sensual lyrics and innuendos, combined with Grande’s silky vocals, made for a terrific R&B and pop blend. The tracks from the midsection of the album, ‘supernatural‘ and ‘the boy is mine,’ feel similar to the tone of ‘Positions’ but more fresh. ‘The boy is mine’ is a reimagining of the 1998 hit by Brandy and Monica. But instead of jealousy and possession, it’s more about obsession. Grande is lovestruck. It is a major contrast to previous tracks, but it’s authentically Grande to include a few captivating catchy love songs. 

Eternal Sunshine culminates beautifully with the final track, ‘ordinary things.’ The song is a moving reminder of the spectacular moments concealed in the things we do on a daily basis. It’s a call for us to find beauty in the small but significant moments that form the foundation of our relationships. 

This album, in its entirety, is a testament to Grande’s maturation. Over 10 years into her career, Eternal Sunshine sees Grande at her absolute best, delivering an array of songs that are both musically complex and emotionally stirring. Coming off the heels of filming Wicked, no one ever expected for Grande to release an album. We’re grateful she could give us the gift of her voice on this heartfelt project that peers into the joy and heartache she’s felt in recent years. If you leave with anything from this album, let it be from the final few seconds said by Grande’s Nonna:

Never go to bed without kissin’ goodnight

That’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.

Eternal Sunshine is out now.