REVIEW
by Amber De Luca-Tao

Most of us are familiar with Ariana Grande’s arguably overplayed radio smash hits.

History has proven time and time again that artists who have found their careers in kid’s sitcoms have had a hard time developing and maintaining a more serious reputation, but Grande has made the successful transition and that is reflected in her latest album release.

Since her Nickelodeon days as Cat Valentine in Victorious, Grande has brought us some unforgettable pop bangers in Problem, Break Free, Love Me Harder – you know them (and probably the words too).

At 22, Grande has hit the album trifecta and dropped her third studio album, Dangerous Woman.

She wanted the album title to be more than just a name.

Egyptian feminist writer Nawal El Saadawi once said: “You are a savage and dangerous woman. I am speaking the truth. And the truth is savage and dangerous.”

Grande said this quote was the inspiration for the title Dangerous Woman, as it portrays herself as a stronger person and consequentially empowers her fans.

Apple Music describes Grande’s latest album as "swaggering step forward for the pop superstar". Well, yes, it certainly is a step forward, but it’s much more than just a swaggering one.

Dangerous Woman is edgier, more mature and definitely more sexualised than anything else Grande has ever done – let’s just say, it’s a whole lot more dangerous and shows her evolution as a woman.

Each of the album's 15 tracks is distinctly separate from the others. Like many other high-profile recording artists, critics are quick to judge. On more than one occasion Grande has been accused of having not yet settled on a sound. This is an accurate sentiment, but not necessarily a bad one.

From the electronic synth-heavy beats in Let Me Love You featuring Lil Wayne, to the hip-hop, reggae feel of Side to Side featuring Nicki Minaj, you’ll find her ever-versatile, Mariah Carey-esque vocals adapt to whatever genre the track showcases.

Grande’s aim in collaborating with Minaj was to exemplify that both rapper and singer can represent many different kinds of women. This is just another example of how much Grande has not only matured as an artist, but as a woman too. Big props to her.

The lyrics alone are a pretty accurate indicator of her maturation from teenager to woman. Not a single love song or boy-obsessed lyric in sight. Just a countless number of suggestions that she may be sexually active, just maybe.

Grande has worked hard to be recognised by the world as a serious recording artist and the music on this album reflects this for sure. There are definitely some songs on this album that are going be radio repeats.

I honestly recommend Dangerous Woman if you have a thing for songs that get stuck in your head – and not in the annoying way.

Grande is here to slay.