Ariana Grande returns to the spotlight after an eventful year, characterized by the release of her seventh studio album and her much-anticipated performance in the musical *Wicked*. Today, she unveils eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead, an enhanced version of her original album. This deluxe edition features an expanded intro and five new tracks, along with a poignant short film that seamlessly continues the storyline from the “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”music video.
The title of this deluxe release hints at the hopeful themes within, emerging from an album deeply rooted in personal reflection and raw honesty about Grande’s experiences, particularly surrounding her marriage and subsequent divorce from Ethan Slater, her *Wicked* co-star. Despite the public unfolding of these intimate details, Grande crafts her narrative to highlight the idea that there’s always more beneath the surface, even for those in the public eye. Her album stands out as a masterfully composed break-up collection, and the inclusion of these new tracks enriches that experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj1Kvhog6PUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj1Kvhog6PU
The “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”music video captures Grande’s character as she signs a contract with “Brighter Days Inc,”which allows the removal of memories associated with a past relationship. The narrative weaves through various objects tied to her memories, illustrating the process of erasing her former lover from her mind.
In contrast, the short film “brighter days ahead”starts with a scene from the music video, where a doctor incinerates a box of memories. It follows Peaches, Grande’s character, now elderly, as she reflects on her remaining memories in a stark, empty room awash with home videos and performances from the album. This 26-minute short film effectively encapsulates the emotional essence of Grande’s album, bringing its themes full circle in a powerful, emotional narrative.
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intro (end of the world) – extended
Track 14 – 2:41
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztotaQ79eekhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztotaQ79eek
Fans rejoiced with the inclusion of the extended version of “intro (end of the world)”on the deluxe tracklist. Nearly doubling in length, this version adds layers to the original, allowing Grande to express unfiltered emotions and elaborate on the album’s preceding themes. It’s both a continuation and an expansion of her introspection, unveiling profound truths that resonate throughout the other tracks on the album.
“Please, pay me no mind
While I jump into your skin and change your eyes
So you see things through mine (Through mine, through mine, through mine)
Can’t you sense me? I’ve been right here all this time (All this time)
Would you still be here pretending you still like me? (Would you still be?)
Pretending you don’t regret not thinking before asking”
Instead of feeling like an unnecessary added segment, this intro fulfills its role by providing a seamless transition into the new tracks. It introduces listeners to a darker, more introspective space that deepens the overall narrative of her work, effectively marking the start of a new journey within the album.
5
warm
Track 16 – 3:21
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_JNpPN7Dfohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_JNpPN7Dfo
“warm”serves as a contemplative exploration of finding love again after a period of solitude. The title evokes the comfort and safety of a new relationship, in sharp contrast to the loneliness of her single life. Grande reflects on the joy of companionship and questions why she would refuse the warmth of love when it’s within reach.
“‘Cause I’m cool
On my own (On my own)
But it’s warmer
In your arms (In your arms)
‘Cause it’s nice to unravel
Tears, how they travel
Happy ones tonight
‘Cause it’s warm (‘Cause it’s warm)
In your arms”
The chorus triumphantly celebrates the release of emotional burdens, emphasizing the beauty of joy outweighing sadness. This track symbolizes Grande’s welcoming attitude towards new love, displaying both sweetness and a hint of shyness as she opens her heart again.
4
twilight zone
Track 15 – 3:18
“Did I dream the whole thing? Was I just a nightmare? Different dimensions Stuck in the twilight zone Is this a black and white scene? If so then I’m in the gray one Hope you win for best actor ‘Cause I had you completely wrong” This track evokes comparisons to Taylor Swift’s “Down Bad,”as both artists reflect on past relationships with a blend of disbelief and introspection, examining how those memories linger despite new achievements and moves forward. “And, yes, I promise If I’m being honest You can get anything you’d like Can’t you see? I bloom at night Boy, just don’t blow this Got me like, “What’s your wish list?” You can get anything you’d like I’ll be your dandelion, mm-mm” “dandelion”may not evoke as much raw emotion as other deluxe tracks but offers a playful, tongue-in-cheek sentiment reminiscent of her earlier works. With its catchy melodies and clever lyrics, this track stands out as a nostalgic nod while showcasing her growth. Guided by otherworldly strings, “past life”grapples with moving on from a former partner who left a haunting impression on her life. Grande illustrates the struggle of raising her expectations and the journey of accepting that the past is indeed behind her. “Phased me just like the moon (Ah-ooh) I used to think you were the medicine But you were just code blue And you’re thinking it too and I already knew (I knew) I just didn’t want to waste more time” The emotional depth of her vocals shines through distinctly in this track, marking a departure from softer tones to a powerful declaration of self-acceptance. The line “I used to think you were the medicine, But you were just code blue”powerfully encapsulates the realization of false security in a past relationship. Unquestionably, the top track on this deluxe album is “Hampstead,”which references the north London neighborhood Grande inhabited while working on *Wicked*. The song opens with resonant piano melodies, immersing listeners in a cozy pub atmosphere, creating a sense of intimacy as she performs. “What makes you think you’re even invited? The doors are closed with lights off inside and all the while There’s no one home, you’re still outside I wonder why What’s wrong with a little bit of poison? Tell me I would rather feel everything than nothing every time Uh-uh, fear me, stranger A little bit of sugar, danger I’d rather be seen and alive than dying by your point of view I do, I do, I do, I do” Grande solidifies her voice and narrative in “Hampstead,”addressing her critics directly and affirming her autonomy as an artist. This track resonates with anyone familiar with the complexities of public scrutiny and personal vulnerability, reminding us that even those in the limelight are human, facing challenges of their own.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UE2kT5LxE0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UE2kT5LxE0
3
dandelion
Track 17 – 3:24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN4nWpW1UMA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN4nWpW1UMA
2
past life
Track 18 – 3:35
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPY97B24nC4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPY97B24nC4
1
Hampstead
Track 19 – 3:36
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qE2mTzg5Iw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qE2mTzg5Iw