by Ariana Grande
Released October 30, 2020 via Republic Records
Reviewed November 9, 2020
Top tracks (based on community voting)
34+35 (60%), positions (57%), pov (30%)
Positions is a great album that proves the R&B sound fits Ariana Grande like a glove. The features complement her sound, and the production works great with her sultriness, from the orchestral elements to the trap drums, to the near-impeccable mixing. One of the more common criticisms is that the lyrics are shallow and simple, but it doesn’t matter. They’re clever enough that it works, and even when the lyrics have flaws, it doesn’t really detract from the production value and overall sound that much. Her hooks are incredible, she uses her vocals well (from the whistle notes on “my hair” to the layering on “west side”), and it is so incredibly infectious. Ultimately, Ariana Grande makes a great album that is her best work since Dangerous Woman. – Alan (8.5/10)
Shifting toward an R&B-heavy sound, Ariana Grande openly embraces sensuality on her sixth studio album, Positions. The result is a fun album that is filled with eroticism and romanticism. While certainly a little formulaic at times, this is a solid pop record if you’re looking for something a little sultry. – Dominick (7.5/10)
Coming off the success of thank u, next, which got widespread acclaim for its focus on her struggles, Ariana Grande's latest album, Positions, sees her reveling in sensuality. With explicit and often blunt lyrics, Grande lets her listeners know what she wants and which way she wants it. Her lyrics aren't just suggestive, they're spelled out—or in some cases, written out in arithmetic. While Grande's vocals are as superb as ever, the subject matter is shallow and leaves a lot to be desired. Similarly, the production largely forgoes the trap influences from her previous work, instead opting for a more traditional, pop/R&B style that struggles to stand out from track to track. Without the deep introspection or stellar production of her previous work, Positions doesn't quite come through. – Daniel (6.9/10)
Alan: 8.5/10 | DeVán: 8/10 | Dominick: 7.5/10 | Hadley: 7/10 | Enth: 7/10
Daniel: 6.9/10 | Cam: 6.8/10 | Jared: 6.5/10 | Victoria: 6/10
