Continuing my countdown of 2024 notable album releases by women…
The Ladies of 2024
#3 – Ariana Grande – Eternal Sunshine
This was the first album to drop of all the ones I’m featuring, and though it has faded from the conversation, it remains one of the year’s best new releases.
Ariana Grande’s seventh album is 35 minutes of pop heaven, and maybe the breeziest album ever inspired by a divorce.
Taking her inspiration from the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Grande sings about wanting to erase the memories of her failed relationship. There are no ballads here, though, only radio-friendly bangers.
Working with Max Martin, she introduces some house and synth-pop flavors that modernize the sound she first perfected on the mid-2010s’ stellar My Everything and Dangerous Woman.
As an appetizer before her much-anticipated turn as Glinda in this fall’s film adaptation of Wicked, Eternal Sunshine is a treat.
Bye-bye
Boy, bye, hmm
Hmm
Bye-bye
Boy, bye
It’s over, it’s over, oh, yeah
[Verse 1]
This ain’t the first time I’ve been hostage to these tears
I can’t believe I’m finally movin’ through my fears
At least, I know how hard we tried, both you and me
Didn’t we? Didn’t we?
[Pre-Chorus]
So I grab my stuff
Courtney just pulled up in the driveway
It’s time
[Chorus]
Bye-bye
Boy, bye
Bye-bye
It’s over, it’s over, oh, yeah
Bye-bye
I’m takin’ what’s mine, yeah
Bye-bye
It’s over, it’s over, oh, yeah
[Verse 2]
You know? I’m stronger than I think
Usually, I’d join you on the floor, but this dance ain’t for me
Boy, just turn the music up
Maybe, someday we’ll look back with love
Didn’t think you’d lose me
Now it’s just too late to choose me
[Pre-Chorus]
So I grab my stuff
Courtney just pulled up in the driveway
It’s time (It’s time)
[Chorus]
Bye-bye
Boy, bye (Boy, bye)
Bye-bye
It’s over, it’s over, oh, yeah
Bye-bye
I’m takin’ what’s mine, yeah (Takin’ what’s mine)
Bye-bye
It’s over, it’s over, oh, yeah
[Bridge]
Now it’s certainly bittersweet
This hook feels too hard to sing
But it’s better than repeat (Than repeat, than repeat, than repeat)
Ooh
[Chorus]
Bye-bye (Bye-bye)
Boy, bye (Boy, bye)
Bye-bye
It’s over, it’s over, oh, yeah (Bye)
Bye-bye (Bye-bye)
I’m takin’ what’s mine, yeah (Takin’ what’s mine, ooh)
Bye-bye
It’s over, it’s over, oh, yeah (Ooh)
Bye-bye (Bye-bye)
Boy, bye
Bye-bye
It’s over, it’s over, oh, yeah (It’s over, baby)
Bye-bye (Bye-bye)
I’m takin’ what’s mine, yeah (I’m takin’ what’s mine)
Bye-bye
It’s over, it’s over, oh yeah
Meet Me In Montauk 
I’ve always enjoyed Ariana Grande’s music. She certainly had her moment in the spotlight. It will be interesting to see whether she maintains/returns to that level of commercial success and popularity as Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have.
Her friendship with Cynthia/Elphaba is the stuff of Instagram heaven; I’m excited to hear their duets, and I can’t imagine “Popular” won’t rocket up the charts.
Ever since her turn as a Voice coach, Ariana has counted me as a fan.