criticism
Comeback of the pop star
“Yes, And?” – Ariana Grande hits out at her critics with a new song
Ariana Grande, soon with a new record: her previous album was from 2020.
© Matt Sayles/Invision/AP/dpa
Superstar Ariana Grande has released the first song from her new album, it’s called “Yes, And?”. The single sounds sweetly poppy, but is a middle finger to its critics. And an anthem of encouragement for her fans at the same time. A night review.
A steel-gleaming elevator. Four music critics stand in a circle, their arms crossed over their chests. “Yeah, that’s why it’s exclusive… Typical Ari,” says a woman with black sunglasses. “Well, I liked her better when her bangs were a few centimeters shorter,” complains a frowning man. The camera pans further. “And who cares if she’s happy? I don’t want happiness. I want art!”
It’s the first seconds from the music video “Yes, And?” from Ariana Grande. The song of the same name was released last night. On Sunday, the Instagram queen had already hinted to her 379 million followers that a new single would be coming out soon. The 30-year-old posted a blurry picture of her face: red lips, eyeliner, gold earring. The caption reads: “yes, and? ♡ 1.12”. The post now has almost 5 million likes. Your fans celebrate. The Ari is back.
Pop music that wants to unite genres
The “Arianators,” as their followers are called, have been waiting for new material and new singles for more than three years. Most recently, Grande released two remixes with ex-boyfriend and singer The Weeknd, “Save Your Tears” and “Die For You.” A musical marriage of two separate superstars. Grande’s previous album “Positions” was released a while ago in October 2020 and became the singer’s third number one album on the US charts. Grande’s new album, which features “Yes, And?” announced that it will be released this year.
What can we expect?
“Yes, And?” In any case, it sounds sweetly poppy and very danceable. The song wants to animate, wants to entice you onto the dance floor. The disco sound, the house beats, the tempo: Grande’s single is reminiscent of Madonna of the late 80s and her song “Vogue”. Pop music that combines several genres, picks up on references, and makes sources of supply visible.
Musically, Ariana Grande expands the scope – lyrically she wants exactly the opposite. In the song “Yes, And?” It’s all about one thing: boundaries. With the single, the singer draws a line between herself and the world. A thick, glass wall that separates her from her critics, more than that – a wall that protects her from them. “My tongue is sacred, I speak upon what I like / Protected, sexy, discerning with my time / Your energy is yours and mine is mine / What’s mine is mine,” breathes Grande. Her tongue is holy, she only speaks about what she likes. Grande is alluding to the many rumors that continue to surround her, such as the rumors about her divorce from real estate agent Dalton Gomez. Grande continues to sing: My energy is mine, your energy is yours – that’s her message. And she repeats it like a mantra, as if she had to remind herself of it again and again.
“Don’t comment on my body, do not reply / Your business is yours and mine is mine / Why do you care so much whose (…) I ride / Why?” Grande continues to sing. Nobody should comment on her body – and why do people care who she sleeps with? The most searched query about her on Google is: Ariana Grande Husband.
More than just a middle finger to her critics
It is not the first time that the singer has discussed her relationship life in songs. Her hit “Thank U, Next” was released in 2018, a break-up song without the War of the Roses. She dedicates a line to each ex-partner: the comedian Pete Davidson, the rapper Big Sean, the late rap legend Mac Miller. With this song she sent the message: No malice, but personal growth. Her fans should share her relationship lessons.
The song “Yes, And?” is therefore more than just a middle finger to its critics. It can be assumed that it is intended to function as an anthem of encouragement. Grande sings: “Yes, and? / Say that shit with your chest / and be your own fuckin’ best friend.” Power words designed to encourage fans to be their own best friend. To stay with yourself. “Now, I’m so done with caring,” sings Ariana Grande, as if she were just bored by all the rumors surrounding her.
“Yes, And?” is the half-defiant, half-irritated shrug of the shoulders of a pop star who doesn’t want any whispering headlines, but of course knows that he also benefits from them. One can certainly look forward to the album that follows this single.