Review: Eternal Sunshine by Ariana Grande

When asked what comes to mind when you hear the words “Eternal Sunshine,” most people would think of the brilliant film “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” until Ariana Grande released her album “Eternal Sunshine,” heavily inspired by the movie.

On March 8th, 2024, Ariana Grande returned from her four-year hiatus to release her seventh studio album, “Eternal Sunshine. “ This album expanded her discography and showcased different sounds that she hadn’t explored before. A year later, she released a continuation of her album, Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead. Ariana Grande uses the deluxe album to shape her narrative, explore her loss, and heal through hardships.

Ariana Grande started her career as an actress starring in the Broadway musical 13, yet gained popularity on the Nickelodeon hit show, Victorious, where she played lovable, yet crazy, Cat Valentine. She was so lovable that she got her spinoff later, Sam & Cat. Upon the show’s end, she signed with Republic Records, releasing her first album, Yours Truly, producing hits such as “The Way” and “Baby I”. Next came My Everything and Dangerous Woman. Both contain international hits. Her following albums, Sweetener and Thank You Next, are some of her most popular, being Grammy-nominated, and making her the first solo artist to hold the top three spots on the Billboard Hot 100. With her album Positions being her last album before going on a musical hiatus for 4 years.

Now that we’ve done a crash course on Grande, we are brought to March 8, 2024, listening to the first track on the album “Intro to the end of the world”, and not stopping until the final note of “Ordinary Things”, the last song on the album. It is clear that this album is a journey with many twists and turns and complex feelings. But overall, you gain a sense of completion, a feeling that it will be okay.

We hear heartbreak and loss from the songs “We Cant Be Friends” “Eternal Sunshine” “True Story” and “Don’t Want to Break Up again”, then we explore songs like “Bye” and “yes and?” showing how she does not need the media or anyone to criticize her. And finally, we hear songs about acceptance and love such as “Imperfect for You”, “Ordinary Things”, “The Boy is Mine”, and “Supernatural”.

Each song has different meanings, but together Grande creates an album focusing on growth, rebirth, as well as dealing with the pain, such as loss and heartbreak. Presented through a cohesive album, all wrapped up in an orangey red bow.

Over a year later, we hear eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead. A continuation of her 7th studio album, only emphasizing the message and themes of eternal sunshine.

Now, a lot has happened in the span of a year for Grande, for one, Wicked(2024). Arguably the most iconic movie to come out of 2024, and definitely the most memorable press tour of recent years. Also, making her relationship with Ethan Slater, wicked co-star, public, while maintaining her beauty line, she has had a busy year.

With Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead, we hear a familiar sound, quite literally opening with a continuation of the first song, but giving us different perspectives about her divorce. She continues her journey of healing with songs such as Twilight Zone, and Hampstead.

Grande chose to speak out about what has gone on in her life and the societal pressures she is facing. It is clear that this album has a lot of heart, that many can relate to.