Happy Weekend, everyone!

 

I hope you had a wonderful week and are feeling optimistic for the remainder of the semester. This week has honestly been tough for me, which is why I am excited to share such a fun edition of “Ranked” with you today!

 

This blog post will take you back to a simpler time: 2014.

 

When I was thinking about which artist or album I should review for this passion blog post, I wanted to do an album that has no skips; one where every song is enjoyable. May I present to you: the album My Everything by Ariana Grande.

 

This album was released when I was at the ripe age of twelve years old and I remember listening to all of these hits on the radio and on YouTube. Listening to these songs now, in 2021, I enjoy the songs for their content but also their sentimental, nostalgic feature they now include as I recall seventh-grade-me jamming out to Miss Grande on the radio when riding to dance class.

 

This was a tough decision since there are so many great choices on this album, so without further ado,

Here are my top 5 favorite songs from My Everything:

 

5. “Break Free” feat. Zedd

This song is an upbeat, feel good song that describes Ariana’s experience of realizing that she is completely over something (or likely, someone) and is celebrating being on her own and being herself. She is grateful for this newfound experience of “breaking free” from her past barriers that were limiting her from living her life, and now lavishes in the freedom to do whatever she pleases.

 

I really enjoy this song because I have always been a very independent person, so every time I hear this song I resonate with the chorus’ lyrics, “I’m stronger than I’ve been before / This is the part when I break free / ‘Cause I can’t resist it no more”. This can be a source of inspiration to take one’s own path even if it is difficult to leave something, someone, or somewhere behind.

 

4. “Problem” feat. Iggy Azalea

“Problem” is easily one of the most iconic songs from the year 2014. The music video was extremely popular as it rocked stereotypical 60s fashion and created fantastic energy for its viewers. Iggy Azalea’s featured verse along with Big Sean whispering in the background of the post-chorus makes the song complete, especially as 2014 was Azalea’s big year when her song “Fancy” with Charli XCX played on every radio station hourly.

 

The saxophone loops, blaring trumpets, and upbeat percussion create a dance-pop aura for the song that everyone enjoys. The song includes the lyrics, “I got 99 problems but you won’t be one,” which is still a popular reference years later.

 

3. “Why Try”

This song starts out slower, then picks up the tempo for the chorus and changes its dynamics. The song is about a relationship that is destined to go wrong but is disguised with a positive slant to it. Growing up, I always thought this was a fun song but now that I go back and read through the lyrics, I notice that the song depicts a borderline verbally abusive relationship that the singer seemingly can’t end because she thinks she’s in love.

 

The lyrics “Even when you’re yelling at me, I still think you’re beautiful / Through it all, you could still make my heart skip” as well as the chorus, “You drive me insane / Now we’re screaming just to see who’s louder / So why do we try?” demonstrate the scenario of an unhealthy relationship that is too far gone past the bridge of healthy communication tactics. Despite the message (since I am absolutely not in support of abusive relationships) I chose this song as a part of my top 5 due to the catchiness and they way it is interesting how such a heavy message is hidden within upbeat pop.

 

2. “One Last Time”

I vividly recall myself downloading “One Last Time” onto my iPod touch in 7th grade and sharing headphones with my friend on the bus so we could both listen to it. I thought that this was the prettiest song on the album that showcased Ariana’s voice beautifully. At the time I wasn’t as concerned with the lyrics but now can definitely understand some of her emotions expressed lyrically.

 

In this song, Grande is clearly trying to lose feelings for a previous love interest who has moved on, but she cannot stand to see him with another girl and being happy without her. This notion is expressed by the lyrics, “Baby I don’t care if you’ve got her in your heart / All I really care is you wake up in my arms / One last time / I need to be the one who takes you home”. Grande clearly wanted closure in a past relationship, and is struggling to see her ex-partner move on without an ending to her time with him.

 

1. “Bang Bang” feat. Jessie J & Nicki Minaj

“Bang Bang’ is undoubtedly one of the most popular songs from all of the 2010s, as it is a cross-over event between Jessie J, Nicki Minaj, and Miss Grande herself. This trio produces some killer vocals as well as a fast paced tempo the entire time, and is rounded off by a rap verse by the queen of rap, Nicki Minaj (CALLING ALL BARBS!). This song (originally released as a single) is a bit repetitive but this nature makes it easy for all people to sing along at least to the chorus. This song screams nostalgia and is one of my all time favorite collaborations from the 2010s.

 

Thanks for reading my blog about Ariana Grande’s My Everything. Which song was your favorite?