Following the quirky, off-putting single “the light is coming,” Ariana Grande rebounds superbly on “God is a Woman,” the third single from ‘Sweetener.’

‘Adventurous’ seems like an appropriate characterization of Ariana Grande in 2018.  Returning with her highly-anticipated fourth studio album, Sweetener, based on the promo campaign, it seems to be a daring effort.  Advanced promo single “No Tears Left to Cry” was encouraging and uplifting, while “The Light is Coming” was definitely futuristic, gimmicky, and quite polarizing.  Arguably, Grande makes her boldest statement yet, one that God himself might question – “God is a Woman.” Say what?

Naturally, the bold urban-pop record isn’t about spiritual matters, unless you consider sex to be spiritual.  At the beginning, Grande establishes the sensual theme on the chorus.

“You, you love it how I move you / You love it how I though you / My one, when all is said and done / You’ll believe God is a woman / And I, I feel it after midnight / A feeling that you can’t fight / My one, it lingers when we’re done / You’ll believe God is a woman.”

Wow.  Essentially, Ariana Grande is so good in bed that after making sweet love with her, you’ll believe that God is a woman… Something like that.  There’s more sacrilege to be heard on the verses, including “Baby, lay me down and let’s pray” on the first, and “And boy, if you confess, you might get blessed.” Woo Ari, you’re bad girl! The best moment of this soaring, slickly-produced urban-pop ballad comes during the outro.  It’s her that Grande delivers her best vocals, ascending to that next level.

Final Thoughts 

While Dangerous Woman was the transitional album that found Ariana Grande maturing into an adulthood, Sweetener looks to fully confirm she’s a fully-grown woman. “God is a Woman” is a superb rebound following the ultra-divisive “The Light is Coming” which was a bit too quirky to catch on, regardless of contributions from Nicki Minaj and Pharrell Williams. While the most devout, pious Christians may take offense to the ‘blasphemy’, those open-minded and devout fans of Grande will definitely be in heaven.

Ariana Grande • Sweetener • Republic • Release: 8.17.18

Photo Credit: Republic