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BuzzJack Music Forum _ Ariana Grande _ Focus: 5 Years On

Posted by: Blade 30th October 2020, 12:00 AM

Ariana Grande - Focus
^{UK chart-run: 10-24-21-26-28-29-46-52-35-49-63-68-67}

Well it looks like Ari is a fan of 30th October release dates! Today she unleashes 'positions' but we also got a brand new single from her this time 5 years ago. 'Focus' was the first taste of fresh music from Ariana since the conclusion of the 'My Everything' era earlier in the year. It was originally intended to be the lead single from her 'Dangerous Woman' album (originally called 'Moonlight') but this idea was scrapped so it ended up being relegated to a standalone single, with title track 'Dangerous Woman' becoming the new lead in 2016. It mirrored 'Problem' stylistically with the dance-pop horn sound once more. But this time the uncredited vocals of Jamie Foxx would take centre stage on the chorus instead of Ariana herself, a polarising move. 'Focus' topped up Ariana's tally of top 10 hits here with a #10 scrape. She opted for a different look to usual in the video as her brunette hair became platinum blonde for the occasion. This look was ditched for the 'Dangerous Woman' era but would later be brought back for 'sweetener' visuals. The music video for 'Focus' currently has a staggering 902 million views - not bad for a standalone single!

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How has 'Focus' held up for you 5 years later?

Posted by: Blade 30th October 2020, 12:02 AM

I think my feelings on this song are well-documented by now Ari's actual parts are fine but the Jamie vocals for the chorus are borderline unlistenable for me, they drag the whole thing down big time. My least favourite Ariana single as a result. On a more positive note I really like the video!

Posted by: Riser 30th October 2020, 12:12 AM

Still one of my faves *.* I'm a bit sad that it was relegated to a standalone single and isn't a fan favorite, but on the bright side, the relative lack of airplay kept it from getting old for me. I prefer 'Focus' over the likes of 'Problem' and 'Dangerous Woman' and am well aware I'll be alone in that opinion

Posted by: Hallo'Riheen 30th October 2020, 12:15 AM

It's a diet bop and doesn't deserve a lot of the hate it gets, but it's verrrry of it's time. To be honest it's not even of it's time, it sounds like a 2013/14 track I never go back to it but at least she gave us a cute wig in the video.

Posted by: Blade 30th October 2020, 12:30 AM

Btw it's scary how quickly those 5 years have gone - I vividly remember hearing 'Focus' for the first time with other BuzzJack people on that rabb.it website

Posted by: JulianNial 30th October 2020, 04:09 AM

Jeeeeez half a decade?! Can time stop for a bit!!

I kind of wish it was actually included on the album, because it's a bop tbh.

Posted by: RobBot 31st October 2020, 12:59 AM

My feelings, just like Jordan's, are quite well documented on thinking this is her most underrated track ever. It's always on at work and gives me such an energy rush and I do feel like it's an elevated Focus. The "one, two, three, come on girls" into horn section gives me big 'Work It Out' feels which is one of my favourite Beyonce songs and I love the little 'ding' before the final chorus.

B O P.

Posted by: oof 31st October 2020, 01:42 AM

iconic smash hit

Posted by: Cameron 31st October 2020, 11:15 PM

I LOVE this still. I remember it was released at the same time as Sax by Fleur East and sitting on the bus to uni listening to them both on repeat.