Not A Disaster, Still A Disappointment
Stereogum • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Ariana Grande's new album, "petal," marks a significant shift from her previous pop-star persona, featuring a quieter, more introspective sound that downplays her vocal power in favor of subtle, ambient production.
- The lead single "hate that i made you love me" received mixed reactions, seen as a subdued and passive-aggressive message to fans, lacking the immediate cultural impact of her past hits.
- "petal" was created mainly with longtime collaborator ILYA and features Grande writing most of her own lyrics, focusing on themes of personal boundaries, love, and celebrity exhaustion.
- The album's sound incorporates elements of UK garage, synth-rock, and '90s R&B, showcasing Grande's willingness to experiment but resulting in music that feels more like background listening than chart-topping pop.
- Critics view "petal" as a transitional work that could signal Grande's move away from pop superstardom toward acting or more niche musical projects, delivering a polished but ultimately less impactful record.
