Ariana Grande, born on June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, is a multi-talented American singer, songwriter, and actress who has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Standing at just 5 feet tall, Grande possesses a powerhouse voice that defies her petite stature. Her vocal range, often compared to Mariah Carey’s, spans four octaves, showcasing an impressive ability to effortlessly traverse intricate melodic lines.
Grande’s career began in the Broadway musical “13,” but she gained widespread recognition through her role as Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon TV series “Victorious” and later on “Sam & Cat.” However, it was her transition into the music scene that truly propelled her to superstardom. With chart-topping hits like “Problem,” “Bang Bang,” and “Thank U, Next,” Grande has become a pop icon known for her catchy tunes and emotionally charged performances.
Beyond her musical prowess, Ariana Grande is recognized for her distinctive style, often featuring her signature high ponytail and retro-inspired fashion choices. She has also been a vocal advocate for social justice issues and mental health awareness. Grande’s resilience and artistic evolution continue to captivate audiences worldwide, making her a prominent figure in contemporary pop culture.
1. Thank u, next
“Thank U, Next” is a breakthrough single by Ariana Grande, released in November 2018. The song serves as both a personal anthem and a reflection on her past relationships. Following her highly publicized engagement to comedian Pete Davidson and the end of their whirlwind romance, Grande channeled her emotions into this empowering track.
The lyrics of “Thank U, Next” express gratitude for the lessons learned from each of her ex-partners and the personal growth achieved through those experiences. The chorus celebrates self-love and resilience, emphasizing the importance of moving forward without resentment. The phrase “thank u, next” became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless memes and affirmations.
The song’s success was not only attributed to its catchy melody but also to its authenticity and relatability. Grande’s openness about her life struggles and triumphs resonated with fans, establishing a deeper connection between the artist and her audience. “Thank U, Next” not only topped charts but also marked a pivotal moment in Grande’s career, showcasing her maturity as an artist and solidifying her status as a pop sensation.
2. 7 rings
“7 Rings” is another hit single by Ariana Grande, released in January 2019 as a prelude to her fifth studio album, “Thank U, Next.” The song is an anthem of female empowerment and financial independence, drawing inspiration from a shopping spree Grande and her friends had after a challenging period in her life.
The title “7 Rings” refers to the seven Tiffany & Co. rings Grande purchased for herself and her friends during that shopping spree. The lyrics convey a message of self-reliance, resilience, and the ability to find solace and strength within one’s circle of friends. The catchy chorus, with its interpolation of “My Favorite Things” from “The Sound of Music,” adds a playful and memorable element to the song.
“7 Rings” was well-received commercially, topping charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim for its catchy production and confident lyrics. The accompanying music video, directed by Hannah Lux Davis, is a lavish and visually stunning display that complements the song’s themes of opulence and empowerment.
The track showcases Ariana Grande’s ability to blend pop and R&B influences while exploring personal narratives, further solidifying her position as a dynamic and influential artist in the contemporary music scene.
3. Break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored
“break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” is a pop song by Ariana Grande from her fifth studio album, “Thank U, Next,” released in 2019. The track, written by Grande, Savan Kotecha, Ilya Salmanzadeh, and Max Martin, became a commercial success and received attention for its catchy melody and bold lyrics.
The song revolves around themes of desire and temptation. In the lyrics, Grande expresses interest in someone who is already in a relationship, creating a provocative and daring narrative. The chorus, with its repetitive and straightforward lyrics, contributes to the song’s catchy and memorable nature.
Musically, “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” features a blend of pop and R&B elements, characteristic of Ariana Grande’s sound. The production incorporates sleek beats and Grande’s impressive vocal range.
The track sparked discussions for its unconventional and bold approach to the theme of infatuation. Its provocative title and lyrics, combined with Grande’s confident delivery, made it a notable addition to her discography and contributed to the success of the “Thank U, Next” album.
4. Into you
“Into You” is a pop and dance-pop song by Ariana Grande from her third studio album, “Dangerous Woman,” released in 2016. The song, written by Grande, Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, and Alexander Kronlund, is celebrated for its infectious melody, energetic production, and Grande’s vocal performance.
“Into You” revolves around themes of desire and the excitement of a new romantic relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of attraction and the anticipation of getting closer to someone special. The chorus, with its catchy refrain, “A little less conversation and a little more touch my body,” captures the flirtatious and seductive nature of the song.
Musically, “Into You” incorporates elements of synth-pop and dance-pop, showcasing a more mature and polished sound for Ariana Grande. The production features pulsating beats, shimmering synths, and Grande’s soaring vocals, creating a dynamic and euphoric atmosphere.
The song received critical acclaim for its catchy hooks, sleek production, and Grande’s vocal delivery. “Into You” became a commercial success and is often regarded as one of the standout tracks from the “Dangerous Woman” album. Its popularity has endured, making it a fan-favorite and a notable addition to Grande’s catalog of hit songs.
5. Dangerous woman
“Dangerous Woman” is the title track and lead single from Ariana Grande’s third studio album, released in March 2016. The song marked a departure from Grande’s earlier, more bubblegum pop sound, showcasing a more mature and sultry side of her artistry.
The lyrics of “Dangerous Woman” convey a sense of confidence and empowerment, as Grande embraces her own sensuality and expresses a desire for a passionate and intense romantic connection. The track features a powerful and seductive vocal performance, highlighting Grande’s impressive vocal range and control.
The accompanying music video enhances the song’s themes, portraying Grande in various glamorous and empowering scenarios that reinforce the idea of a “dangerous woman” who is in control of her own narrative. The visual aesthetics of the video, combined with Grande’s sultry vocals, contributed to the song’s success.
“Dangerous Woman” received positive reviews from critics who praised Grande’s vocal delivery and the song’s mature sound. It also performed well on music charts, becoming a commercial success. The track played a pivotal role in establishing Ariana Grande as a versatile artist capable of exploring different musical styles while maintaining a strong and authentic artistic identity.
6. No tears left to cry
“No Tears Left to Cry” is a pop song by Ariana Grande, released in 2018 as the lead single from her fourth studio album, “Sweetener.” The song is notable for its upbeat and optimistic vibe, showcasing Grande’s resilience and positive outlook after facing challenges.
Written by Grande along with Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, and Ilya Salmanzadeh, “No Tears Left to Cry” addresses themes of overcoming adversity and finding hope in the face of difficulties. The lyrics convey a sense of empowerment and encourage a forward-looking perspective.
Musically, the song incorporates a blend of pop and dance-pop elements. The production features a dynamic mix of electronic beats, shifting tempos, and Grande’s impressive vocal range. The chorus, with its catchy hook, “Right now, I’m in a state of mind, I wanna be in like all the time,” adds to the song’s infectious and uplifting quality.
The accompanying music video, directed by Dave Meyers, is known for its visually stunning and gravity-defying sequences. “No Tears Left to Cry” received widespread acclaim for its innovation and marked a new chapter in Ariana Grande’s career.
The song was a commercial success, topping charts in various countries, and has been praised for its message of resilience and its contribution to Grande’s evolution as an artist.
7. Side to side
“Side to Side” is a collaboration between Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, featured on Grande’s third studio album, “Dangerous Woman,” released in 2016. The song is a catchy and rhythmic pop track with dancehall influences, exploring themes of seduction, desire, and the physical aftermath of an intense romantic encounter.
The lyrics of “Side to Side” vividly describe the physical strain and exhaustion that Grande experiences after a particularly energetic night, using the metaphor of swaying side to side to convey the aftermath of the encounter. Nicki Minaj’s verse adds an extra layer of playful and confident energy to the track.
The song’s production, with its Caribbean-inspired beats and infectious melody, contributed to its commercial success. “Side to Side” became a chart-topping hit and received positive reviews for its catchy and memorable nature. The collaboration between Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj proved to be a dynamic pairing, with both artists complementing each other’s strengths.
The accompanying music video, directed by Hannah Lux Davis, features a vibrant and colorful gym setting, further emphasizing the song’s themes while showcasing Grande’s charisma and Minaj’s bold personality. “Side to Side” remains one of Ariana Grande’s standout tracks, known for its infectious energy and successful blend of pop and dancehall influences.
8. Problem
“Problem” is a hit single by Ariana Grande featuring Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, released in April 2014. The song serves as the lead single from Grande’s second studio album, “My Everything.” “Problem” is a catchy pop and R&B track that showcases Grande’s vocal prowess and features Azalea’s distinctive rap verses.
The song’s lyrics explore the complexities of a romantic relationship, with Grande expressing frustration over the difficulties and uncertainties that arise. The chorus features the memorable line “One less problem without you,” encapsulating the theme of empowerment and moving on from a problematic relationship.
“Problem” received widespread acclaim for its catchy melody, Grande’s impressive vocal performance, and the successful blend of pop and R&B elements. The track topped charts in various countries and became a commercial success, solidifying Ariana Grande’s status as a pop sensation. The collaboration with Iggy Azalea added an extra layer of appeal to the song, creating a dynamic combination of pop and hip-hop influences.
The music video, directed by Nev Todorovic, features a retro aesthetic and showcases Grande’s signature style. “Problem” remains one of Ariana Grande’s most iconic and commercially successful songs, marking a significant moment in her career.
9. God is a woman
“God Is a Woman” is a pop and R&B song by Ariana Grande, released as the second single from her fourth studio album, “Sweetener,” in 2018. Written by Grande along with Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, Rickard Göransson, and Ilya Salmanzadeh, the song is known for its bold and empowering lyrics.
“God Is a Woman” explores themes of female empowerment, sensuality, and the divine feminine. The lyrics use metaphorical language to convey a sense of strength and self-assuredness, with Grande proclaiming her own power and agency. The title itself challenges traditional gender roles and expectations.
Musically, the song features a mix of pop, R&B, and trap elements. The production is characterized by its sultry and atmospheric vibe, complemented by Grande’s impressive vocal delivery. The track builds to a powerful climax in the chorus, where Grande’s vocals take center stage.
The accompanying music video, directed by Dave Meyers, is visually striking and incorporates surreal and artistic imagery. “God Is a Woman” received positive reviews for its catchy melody, impactful lyrics, and Grande’s vocal performance.
The song achieved commercial success, charting high in multiple countries, and it has been praised for its contribution to Grande’s artistic growth and the themes it explores. “God Is a Woman” remains one of Ariana Grande’s notable and distinctive tracks.
10. Breathin
“Breathin” is a single by Ariana Grande from her fourth studio album, “Sweetener,” released in 2018. The song stands out for its introspective lyrics and the way it addresses Grande’s struggles with anxiety and the importance of taking deep breaths to cope with challenging moments.
In “Breathin,” Grande reflects on her mental health, conveying a message of resilience and the need to persevere through difficult times. The chorus, which repeats the mantra “Just keep breathin’ and breathin’ and breathin’,” emphasizes the calming and centering act of taking deep breaths as a coping mechanism.
The song received positive reviews for its honesty and vulnerability, with many listeners appreciating Grande’s openness about her mental health struggles. Musically, “Breathin” features a dreamy and ethereal production that complements the contemplative nature of the lyrics. Grande’s vocal delivery is emotive, adding depth to the overall atmosphere of the song.
“Breathin” became a commercial success and resonated with audiences, particularly those who could relate to the message of overcoming anxiety. The track showcased Ariana Grande’s ability to address personal struggles in her music, connecting with listeners on a deeper emotional level.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
