“Thank U Next” is an honest, therapeutic single that finds Ariana Grande reflecting on life, love, and focusing on bettering herself.

Despite releasing Sweetener in 2018, Grammy-nominated pop artist Ariana Grande already has her eyes on her next studio album. Furthermore, it’s potentially more than just talk, as Grande debuted a new single, “Thank U, Next,” which has created a buzz. Regardless whether Grande released a truly interesting new single, given her own turbulent 2018, people are naturally going to talk about any- and everything she does. Hence, “Thank U, Next” adds fuel to the fire.

“Thought I’d end up with Sean / But he wasn’t a match / Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and almost laugh.” Hmm, is she pulling a Taylor Swift? Clearly, Grande is reflecting on her relationships, going on to add her most recent exes, the deceased Mac Miller and Pete Davidson to the mix: “And for Pete, I’m so thankful / Wish I could say, ‘Thank you,’ to Malcolm / ‘Cause he was an angel.” Grande continues to focus on her exes on the first pre-chorus as well as the chorus, profanely proclaiming, “Thank you, next / I’m so fuckin’ grateful for my ex.”

On the second verse, Ariana Grande focuses on herself – her own well-being. “I know they say I move on too fast / But this one’s gon’ last,” she proclaims, before asserting ‘the one’ to be herself.  She flips the script on the second pre-chorus, focusing on her own excellence. On the bridge, she anticipates marriage, but ultimately plans to “make that shit last.”

Final Thoughts 

Lots of folks are likely to think whatever they want regarding Ariana Grande and the mid-tempo single “Thank U, Next.” In my opinion, it’s an honest, therapeutic single that finds Grande reflecting on life, love, and focusing on bettering herself.  It’s well-sung, well-produced, and lyrically, conveys Grande’s current state of mind following a tough year.  Successful and enjoyable by all means.

Ariana Grande » Thank U, Next [Single] » Republic » Release: 11.3.18

Photo Credit: Republic