Following the release of her seventh studio album, “eternal sunshine,” Ariana Grande starred in the hit movie rendition of “Wicked” while simultaneously working on another project: the extended version of “eternal sunshine,” along with a short film called “brighter days ahead.”
The extended album consists of six new tracks: “intro (end of the world) [extended],” “twilight zone,” “warm,” “dandelion,” “past life,” and “Hampstead.” These new tunes not only completed Grande’s journey through “eternal sunshine,” but also added a warm glow to her already magical album.
“Twilight zone dives” into Grande’s experience with a sudden end to a relationship and the struggle with processing it, much a reference to the end of her and Dalton Gomez’s marriage.
“Warm” explores Grande’s ability to be okay on her own, slowly but surely. However, she knows everything would be much easier and warmer at his side.
“Dandelion” is a plea for a lover to stay and a promise to be his dandelion. Often dismissed as a weed, the beauty of a dandelion is only captured by a few. Grande considers her lover to be one of these few. It encompasses the saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and she promises to show her lover her beauty in many different angles.
“Past life” is about Grande’s final acceptance of the breakup and having a sense of being able to move on. She explores her thoughts and the steps it took her to get to the point of acceptance. “Now, I’m fine to leave you in a past life.”
“Hampstead” marks her moving on and recognizing some of the good in leaving. Grande finds new things about herself that give her satisfaction in being on her own; it opens a new door for exploration of new thoughts and feelings.
The sequence of these songs represents stages of grief throughout an end to a relationship, specifically her divorce from Dalton Gomez.
In her short film, Grande explores the magic of aging, while also addressing the loss of memories. She is featured as an old woman named “Peaches,” living in a senior home that provides its occupants with the ability to relive their happiest memories. On one day, Peaches chooses to replay her last four memories on the same day, one after the other.
The short film, “brighter days ahead,” contains a music video for each new track, in the form of memories. Peaches watches everything from a cherished childhood moment to a performance in a star-studded arena.
The album as a whole marks a turning point in Grande’s career and a departure from her previous music styles. From pop icon to delicate Peaches, Grande’s talent extends endlessly.
