Album Review: Ariana Grande’s ‘Dangerous Woman’

Ariana Grande is back with her third studio album, “Dangerous Woman” and after the two year wait – she has returned with another solid smash. Featuring artists like Macy Gray, Future, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne and tracks including title track “Dangerous Woman” and newest single, “Into You” – Ms. Grande has treated her fans to something very special.

Kicking off the album is “Moonlight”, which is a soft ballad that is very reminiscent of the first album’s stand out track, “Honeymoon Avenue”.

Next up, the album’s lead single and title track “Dangerous Woman”. This track, which is one of my personal favorites from the album showcases Grande’s powerhouse vocals and ability to belt high notes that only the greatest and most conditioned vocalists can stand up to.

“Into You”, which is the second single from the album is an up-tempo track that is probably the one song that you’re sure to be humming even after listening to the whole album. Written by songwriter and producer Max Martin, this is the perfect choice to tease listeners exactly what else comes along with this album.

The next song, “Side To Side” is the pen ultimate summer jam. Ariana teams up with “Bang, Bang” rapper Nicki Minaj once again and there is no doubt that this should be the album’s third single. Set to a reggae meets commercial beat and very catchy chorus, this one is yet another favorite of mine.

“Let Me Love You” features rapper Lil Wayne and is what I would consider one of the more urban-influenced tracks of the album. The track gives me R&B/Hip Hop mid-tempo feelings and is certainly a nice song to vibe out to.

The following track, “Greedy” is exactly what I think of when I describe a “catchy” and “fun” song. I believe this will be a definite favorite for all of Ariana’s fans, The Arianators due to it’s sound and carefree feeling. This is a sound that Ariana has managed to master and when you think of Ariana, this is the type of record you will most likely relate to.

“Leave Me Lonely”, featuring famed crooner Macy Gray is an extremely emotional ballad that is magically elevated even further thanks to the raspy, raw vocals of Gray. Paired with Grande’s powerhouse vocals, this is a track for the real ballad lovers.

Rapper Future joins Ariana on “Everyday”, which is a great track that is perfect for playlists ranging from house party, to simply the car jams. Everyone loves that one song that they can relax and vibe to as well as relate to on a lyrical level and this is what “Everyday” brings. Future gives the song a very nice edge.

“Bad Decisions” which was written and produced by Max Martin, who with his incredible sound and innate ability to create the perfect record that transcends into different genres while still sticking true to the tone of the album return to give the album another boost of energy and fun.

Closing the album out is “Thinking Bout You”, which is a record that reminds everyone of Ariana’s amazng vocal range and again – ability to belt like not many of her contemporaries. This is a track that has another killer chorus that is sure to have you singing along.

Overall, I absolutely love this album. For those of us who were waiting since “Focus” premiered last October, I can safely say that I think all of our patience was not in vain. Ariana shows once again that she can create an album that can be enjoyed by everyone and lovers of all genres from pop, to electronica/dance, to R&B & Hip Hop.

“Dangerous Woman” is currently in stores, so be sure to get the album on iTunes and also stream on Spotify!

Photo Credit: Republic