Album Review: Yours Truly (Ariana Grande)

Hot off the charts is Ariana Grande's first album 'Yours Truly', officially released yesterday (August 30th, 2013) in Australia. First things first, here's the song list:

1. Honeymoon Avenue
2. Baby I
3. Right There (feat. Big Sean)
4. Tattooed Heart
5. Lovin It
6. Piano
7. Daydreamin
8. The Way (feat. Mac Miller)
9. You'll Never Know
10. Almost Is Never Enough (feat. Nathan Sykes)
11. Popular Song (feat. Mika)
12. Better Left Unsaid
13. The Way (feat. Mac Miller) (Spanglish Version)

Overall, I think that this is a pretty solid album. If you have $20, and live near JB HI-FI, I say go for it. Would you go out of your way to get it? If you're an Arianator, of course! But for those of you who just want some music to listen to in the car? Maybe, maybe not.

Honeymoon Avenue

Ariana starts off her album with a bang. This song, although seemingly not her style, has a great beat and delves into a sort of R&B feel. I really liked this song, and think it will go well on the charts. I can definitely see this blasting through our car speakers on the radio in no time.

Baby I

Previously released as single, Baby I is a classic example of Ariana's pop style. Although her vocal abilities are clear, I am not a big fan of the song itself. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate it or anything, it just isn't one of my favourites. She can do so much more, and it kind of comes across as a cop out to the pop market. If you're into that kind of music, this is the song for you. But if you're more like me, and prefer her edgier, less 'cookie-cutter' material, than you might wanna skip this track.

Right There (feat. Big Sean)

One of the many collaborations on the album, 'Right There' is a catchy song with more of a 90's R&B feel than any other track on the album. The only thing I don't like about the song is that you can tell it is heavily edited, despite Ariana's incredible voice. I just feel that it detracts from the overall sound. However, the song itself is fun and catchy, and is certainly a winner. Personally, I can't wait to hear what it will sound like live.

Tattooed Heart

Not as mature as the other songs on the album, 'Tattooed Heart' is a sweet song that gives off a 50's kind of vibe. I actually really liked it, with the sugary backing vocals and the piano accompaniment. The song isn't pretending to be something it's not, and that's what I like about it. Ariana gets to show off her voice in a different style, not having to belt as she normally does. This different tone is interesting and is a nice addition to the album.

Lovin It

This upbeat song certainly ups the anti, and is a massive energy boost. The dynamics make it interesting to listen to, and the song as a whole is fun and full of life. It is probably among my top 5 on the album, and is definitely worth listening to or purchasing on iTunes.

Piano

Despite the name, 'Piano' is another upbeat pop song. It reminds me of the majority of songs on the radio at the moment, my inner hipster deciding not to like it for that very reason. It just seems as if she's trying a bit too hard to fall into that 'pop' genre, and be the same as everybody else, when she should be doing the opposite. Although I don't love it, I certainly don't hate it either. It's just kind of a 'nothing' song for me, but others may love it's pop style.

Daydreamin'

Originally the title track of the album, 'Daydreamin' is a sweet, youthful song. Although beginning with soft, breathy vocals, the song picks up and becomes more lively towards the chorus, as Ariana belts a bit as well. Although this song will probably not do so well on the charts, I quite liked it. The youthful feel was refreshing, and it just promotes a positive vibe. I highly suggest taking time to listen.

 

The Way (feat. Mac Miller)

Possibly the most well known song from the album, 'The Way' hit the charts early, being the first single released from 'Yours Truly'. This song has rightfully earned its popularity, as it is both modern and catchy, making it fun to listen to. You can tell that Ariana enjoys performing this, and it shows throughout the track, making everyone else enjoy listening to it as well. One of my favourites, this song holds its own and is certainly a hit.

 

You'll Never Know

This track has a prominent dance beat, and once again gives off a 90's vibe. I'm not necessarily sure whether or not that's a good thing, but I certainly enjoy listening to it. Although it isn't necessarily one of my favourites, 'You'll Never Know' is catchy and makes you feel good when listening to it (as most of Ariana's music does). Probably not one of the most memorable songs on the album, but it is fun nonetheless.

Almost Is Never Enough feat. Nathan Sykes

This acoustic ballad may not be one for the charts, but certainly is emotive. Ariana is able to show her more vulnerable side, yet still in a way that is commercially desirable. Her breathy delivery is sweet and heartfelt, and makes it an interesting track on the album. Purchasing this to play at a dance club would probably be a mistake, but in any other forum, I highly recommend it.

Popular Song feat. Mika

Despite not charting well when initially released, 'Popular Song' is actually one of my favourites on the album. It is fun and bubbly, and the quirky music video just enhances that joyful vibe. The message of the song is also great, and perhaps its the musical theatre buff in me coming out, but I think the inclusion of the riff from 'Popular' in hit musical 'Wicked' fits in seamlessly. So, if you haven't got it already, you should definitely download it, like, right now.

 

Better Left Unsaid

The final track on the album (save for the bonus iTunes extra), certainly ends 'Yours Truly' with a bang. Whether this is a good bang or a bad bang is up to you to decide however. Although this is a fun song, it is kind of uneven. It changes from a powerful song, to a fun song ideal for dancing. Although it is constantly changing, I still quite enjoyed listening to it. Not the best song on the album, but certainly not the worst.

The Way (feat. Mac Miller) (Spanglish Version)

I have to say, I really do not understand the point of this recorded version. The half of the song in English leaves the Spanish 'Arianators' confused, while the Spanish half left the English speaking 'Arianators' in the same state. Either way, pretty much everyone who listens to the song will only understand half of it. It kind of seems like an unnecessary track (which is probably why it isn't on the hard copy of the album, and only comes as a bonus on ITunes), especially considering the original was such a hit.



Anyway, taking into consideration all of these songs, overall, it is a pretty strong album to launch Ariana's solo career. It has songs that will please all of her fans (which I highly doubt is a coincidence), and will leave everyone in a positive mood after listening.

Hope this has informed your decision, or at the very least, entertained you somewhat. Til' next time . . .

Annabel xx