Ariana Grande
'Dangerous Woman'
Review

For the full track-by-track review and overall summary visit:
 https://talkabouttunes.wordpress.com/2016/05/17/arianadangerouswoman2016/

1. Moonlight  

(A.Grande, T.Brown, V.McCants, P.L.Johnson)

Awww, what a sweet introduction from Miss Grande; the soft tones at the beginning of the track which subtly carry the song almost sounds like a child’s lullabye. These are complimented by Grande’s ever changing vocal moments, with soft whispy vocals, angelic falsetto and haunting echos. The middle 8 is a lovely touch to the track with a violin and harp sounds.
Originally the album was called Moonlight, I wonder if the original track list resonated with this sound? A lovely start 7/10

2. Dangerous Woman   

(J.Carlsson, R.Golan, M.Martin)

From a soft and sweet violin sound to a more darker and grungier sound, surprisingly ‘Dangerous Woman‘ follows ‘Moonlight‘ exceedingly well. This track could easily be featured in ‘50 Shades of Grey‘ and shows off a different side to Grande, with a more adult theme “Bad girls underneath like that”. Grande goes on to kill this song with amazing powerhouse vocals and takes the song up a notch after a ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ themed middle 8 with a unique guitar riff filled instrumental. I can’t compliment this song enough. It’s amazing to sing along to (Even if I can hear my neighour’s dog barking) it’s mature, sophisticated and appeals to a wide audience. 9/10

3. Be Alright    

(A.Grande, T.Brown, V.McCants, K.Rohaim, N.Audino, L.Hughes, W.Tafa)

A very different sound from Ariana now, I feel like I have just walked into ‘Sass Central’. An upbeat track came in at just the right point and really lifts the mood. I can’t sense much substance lyrically apart from the empowering “The high times are golden and will lead to better days” and “All them tears will come and go” but it’s such a fun track and the instrumental reinforces this. My favorite part of this song comes from the different arrangements it supplies, Grande’s team have successfully managed to make 1 song sound as though it’s 3 sewn together without sounding out of place – the twists and turns are great to hear. Then finally the track ends just like it began with next to no music and small chime sounds. 8/10

4. Into You  

(A.Grande, M.Martin, S.Kotecha, A.Kronlund, I.Salmanzadeh)

Another upbeat track is very much appreciated and this track feels like a banger to me. I can see this going down a storm on the club scene.. “A little less conversation and a little more touch my body” is a great lyric (But I can see Mariah Carey fans getting antsy about it). The builds this song provides are grease, especially from the second verse to the chorus (which is exceptional) and is perfect for what is to come. 
Wow… That middle 8 is perfect – it includes, dance beats (Maybe dubstep?) and killer vocals (The best combination from Grande). If you liked ‘Break Free‘ you’ll love ‘Into You‘ it’s like a mature version of the aforementioned track. 8/10

5. Side By Side (Featuring Nicki Minaj) 

(A.Grande, I.Salmanzadeh, M.Martin, O.Maraj, A.Kronlund, S.Kotecha)

 So far, these tracks are flowing very well considering each songs sounds very different from the last and ‘Side By Side‘ is no exception. The urban/R&B beats make for a pleasant change. I must admit, I am struggling to understand what Ariana is singing, but then again – it wouldn’t be an Ariana album if I could understand her. 
When Nicki makes her late appearance, it sounds as though it’s a Rihanna track and you kind of forget Ariana is the main artist. It almost feels like it’s a generic Nicki Minaj song as opposed to an Ariana track. This is definitely a body roll song if I ever heard one. 6/10
 

6. Let Me Love You (Featuring Lil’ Wayne) 

(A.Grande, T.Brown, V.McCants, S.Franks, D.Carter)

Oooh here we go. The intro to this song is dark and seedy…. but it’s perfect! I can see a black and white video with lots of smoking going on. The sound is so mature for Ariana but it works so well – the effect on her voice works well with the theme of the track and it sounds quite similar to what Mariah Carey would go for. If you are a fan of ‘Best Mistake‘ from ‘My Everything‘ you will love this tune, it draws so many similarities.
I commend Ariana thus far into the album for creating modern songs without them being bland and effortless – she really puts a lot into her work and so far she isn’t disappointing. 7.5/10

7. Greedy     

(M.Martin, S.Kotecha, A.Kronlund, I.Salmanzadeh)

GREEDY! Why hello there – I almost didn’t hear you kick in!
I love the angle Ariana has taken with this song, being greedy for love – and the attitude she displays really benefits the track and it’s funk fest of an instrumental “Baby you got lucky ‘cus your rockin’ with the best“… I can’t say I disagree. 
Comparisons to ‘Uptown Funk‘ have been drawn and I can see the similarities, it brings funk to pop which in my opinion has been long overdue (Long before Uptown Funk). I also love how the track is an up tempo floor filler and she can still show off her killer vocals. I can’t praise this song anymore.  10/10

For the full track-by-track review and overall summary, visit:
https://talkabouttunes.wordpress.com/2016/05/17/arianadangerouswoman2016/