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The latest release from Ariana Grande, the deluxe edition of Eternal Sunshine, has made waves since its debut on Friday, showcasing her growth as an artist.
Before diving into the enchanting world of Wicked last year, Grande took a moment to return to her pop roots with Eternal Sunshine, a deeply personal album reflecting on the emotional aftermath of her two-year marriage. This collection marks her official exploration of themes related to her divorce.
Despite the lengthy timeframe surrounding the release of Wicked and the subsequent awards circuit, which kept her immersed in her role as Galinda, fans were pleasantly surprised by hints of new music from her Eternal Sunshine era. The recent release of the Brighter Days Ahead deluxe edition features five additional tracks, indicating that this chapter of her career is not yet closing.
A standout track from the deluxe edition is “Twilight Zone,” aptly named after the iconic show that Grande has previously celebrated during Halloween. This song explores her emotional landscape, depicting her journey out of a toxic relationship while grappling with her sense of reality. The poignant opening lines—“Did I dream the whole thing?/Was I just a nightmare?”—set the stage for a narrative filled with questions about authenticity and deception. Grande calls out her ex’s theatricality, positing that he should win “best actor,” and reflects on whether his new partner is aware of the complexities of their relationship.
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The chorus delivers a polished, mid-tempo pop sound that showcases her collaborations with the renowned Max Martin. In “Twilight Zone,” Grande candidly addresses the subject of her song, making her intentions clear. In the second verse, she questions her past protections, leaving no doubt about the inspiration behind her lyrics: “Why do I still protect you?/Pretend these songs aren’t about you/Hope this might be the last one/’Cause I’m not foolin’ anyone.”
Though the success of Wicked has somewhat overshadowed Eternal Sunshine, the release of the deluxe edition reaffirms her prowess as an emotionally insightful artist. While Grande has suggested a shift toward acting in the future, this new body of work hints at a promising evolution in her musical artistry—one that fans hope she will continue to explore without a lengthy hiatus.
Source
www.rollingstone.com