People will always have something negative to say - after all, which artist always satisfies ALL their fans AND casual listeners? As a casual listener it’s clear from the metaphoric upside down cover (her world has been turned upside down after the terror attacks) to the song titles ‘NMTLTC’ (have cried to the point where she must move on) to the lyrics on ‘Breathing’ (advice given to help her through the post traumatic stress of the terror attacks) and the overall mid tempo vibe of the album - Ariana Grande is a Pop Star battling depression.

Yes it was a mistake to let Pharell produce so much of the album, because he’s not been poppin’ in a LONG time and the tracks end up just sound like filler and even less substance than usual.

For the artist she is - there’s a lack of anthemic fun Pop (I’m So Into U, Bang Bang, One Last Time, Break Free etc) because she can’t carry songs that aren’t high on melodies and Pop hooks. Even the standout album tracks are missing (Leave Me Lonely, I Don’t Care, Only 1, Be My Baby)

She’ll really need to mix her discography if she tours because this album is quiet sombre. A long essay perhaps but I see people coming for her without seeing the elephant in the room. ??