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Posted by: Jade 10th June 2019, 07:57 PM

30 of you took part in the 'thank u, sweet' rate over the past 2 & half weeks. As of tomorrow all will start to unfold!

In the meantime, please feel free to predict away. What will the top 10 look like? and the bottom 5? What average did the winner receive? and what is the highest album track? So many questions! Alternatively, share what you wish the results would look like.

Results shall be brought to you by myself, Cameron, Joseph & Juliano.

Posted by: Jack 10th June 2019, 09:19 PM

HYPED.

Posted by: Jade 11th June 2019, 05:30 PM

27. 'pete davidson' // 4.73
lovin' it: blacksquare (9), Andrew. (8) / thank u, next: Jack (-1), jakewild, Cqmerqn & Theonix (0)

26. 'blazed' (feat. Pharrell Williams) // 5.51
lovin' it: Darwin Turrestson, digitalking (9) / thank u, next: jakewild, Cqmerqn (2)

25. 'the light is coming' (feat. Nicki Minaj) // 5.56
lovin' it: jakewild, Andrew. (10) / thank u, next: blacksquare, Cqmerqn, Doug, UltraMe! (-1)

Finishing rock bottom is 'pete davidson', an ode to Ariana's now ex-fiancé of the same name, the comedian and actor. I presume the reason this finished so low is because the song is even shorter than the length of their relationship! Although, the opening track of 'sweetener' is shorter than this and has avoided the bottom 3, so who knows. I guess it lacks the acapella charm of that. 'pete davidson' features romantic lyrics ("and i know that you're my soulmate and all that") and hopeful ones ("imma be happy"), it's a time capsule of these loved up whirlwind romance days. Ariana has understandably snubbed this song from her current world tour as her and Pete called it a day in October 2018. This isn't a particular highlight for me really, it's too short to be, but I do appreciate the strings and Ariana's dreamy vocal delivery of a happy time in her life. This was the final song recorded for 'Sweetener' but the first song to drop out from that album in this rate.

Next up in 26th is the first full-length song and collab to drop out - 'blazed' featuring Pharrell Williams. If you were wondering why this has flopped, I think the answer is in that last sentence! On this forum (and a fair bit elsewhere on the internet tbh) it's very common to have the opinion that Pharrell's production dragged down 'sweetener', following the introduction to the era with a Max Martin creation. Not only do we have Williams' production but also vocals here, further fuelling the flames of the Pharrell haters. I feel like Pharrell's production is not quite as out there here, unlike on the title track and 'the light is coming', it's a fairly chilled album track by his standards really. Ariana's airy accompanying vocals match well with this vibe. I don't think I would've expected this to do quite this badly, but perhaps it just blended in a bit too much with the other Pharrell songs and failed to be a highlight as a result. I'm a fan anyhow. ‘Sweetener' taking a real hit so far!

Rounding off this bottom three is yet another 'sweetener' song, this time 'the light is coming'. I cannot believe it avoided last place or even second last with FOUR -1 scores! It was just too polarising to do any worse as it did receive a fair amount of high scores as well, including a 9 from me. It's a bop okay! This is a noisy Pharrell produced song and Ariana's fifth collaboration with Nicki Minaj. However, Ariana revealed in an interview with The Fader that she auditioned a whopping eight different rappers before turning to Nicki! It's thought that one of them was Skepta. I personally find Nicki's part highly inessential so I don't even think this needed a rapper really. This song premiered to mixed reactions, on BuzzJack specifically it was deemed a momentum killer after the triumphant 'no tears left to cry'. As much as I enjoy this song, it thankfully was not quite the second single, despite getting a music video, instead that honour went to 'God is a woman'. We all saw how badly this did in AF Idol okay! Oops. Nicki is 'cancelled' nowadays, but the element that seems to put people off more than anything else isn't her, it's a looped sample from a CNN clip of a man shouting at a senator, who says: "You wouldn't let anybody speak for this and instead…” in the background of this song over... and over... and over again. I personally got used to the sample fairly quickly but I can understand why it would be jarring as it is such a prominent part of the song, distracting from Ariana herself. Perhaps this would've done better without that part. My highlight of the song is Ariana's quick-fire delivery of the bridge.

sweetener: 03/15
thank u, next: 0/12

Posted by: JosephAvery 11th June 2019, 06:00 PM

Honestly kinda amazed that TLIC isn't last :')

Posted by: Jack 11th June 2019, 07:59 PM

I think 'The Light Is Coming' gets too much of a hard time on here, it's not her best song by any means but it's still a bop!

Posted by: Jonjo 12th June 2019, 12:02 AM

TLIC is better than most like to suggest it is, but if the hook was about 3 lines shorter each time, it woulda been better imo.

The other 2 tracks are among the weakest on Sweetener so I'm not surprised to see them so low. 'blazed' should be better than it is. It just feels boring.

Posted by: UltraME! 12th June 2019, 12:28 AM

All three are dreadful, especially TLIC. Good riddance to all x

Hopefully the results will continue being this good *.*

Posted by: Dexton 12th June 2019, 03:10 AM

TLIC deserves to be (a bit) higher but Blazed and Pete being last isn’t surprising tbh. Blazed is alright but yeah nothing special at all

Posted by: Juliano 12th June 2019, 01:49 PM

Can't say I'm shocked at that result, I perhaps didn't think 'blazed' would do this badly, but only by a couple of places tbh.

Posted by: Cameron 12th June 2019, 05:02 PM

24. 'raindrops (an angel cried)' // 6.4
lovin' it: Jonjo, ...ready for it (10) / thank u, next: jakewild (3)

23. 'make up' // 6.45
lovin' it: LMLous (10) / thank u, next: coi (2)

Up next we have a 30 second short acapella piece by Ariana which features as the introductory piece to Sweetener. Ari's vocals are hauntingly beautiful on this track with the underlying theme of her emotions towards the Manchester Arena bombing that had taken place the previous year.

At 23 we have the first track from 'thank u, next' to drop out... 'make up'! This track received generally mixed reviews from the voters in the rate. I can definitely see why. The production is a bit of a mess but the actual vocals are splendid, hence why I gave it a 7. However, when writing my commentary I have been listening to the album again and I feel that maybe my score is too high. Is the song up there with classic album tracks from the first 3 eras? No! Is it better than half the Pharell tracks on Sweetener? Yes.

sweetener: 04/15
thank u, next: 01/12

Posted by: Jade 12th June 2019, 05:17 PM

I hold 'raindrops (an angel cried)' in similar regard to 'The National Manthem' by Little Mix, a beautiful sounding acapella opening to the album, but it needs to be longer than just an intro so I can form a proper connection with it! I do agree that her vocals sound haunting though due to the subject matter and because she's a crazily good vocalist anyway. I'm still not over how brilliant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVYTzauIb_4 acapella version of 'Dangerous Woman' is. More acapella Ari please *.*

'make up' is my least favourite on 'thank u, next' so I'm glad that's the first song to drop from that record. It's not bad, but is the least stand out song on the album for me.

Posted by: UltraME! 12th June 2019, 05:37 PM

Raindrops deserves to be WAY higher Idc how short it is, it's beautiful

I'd probs have Make Up a couple of places higher as well haha

Posted by: coi 12th June 2019, 06:05 PM

No objections to the way things are going so far!

Posted by: Theonix 12th June 2019, 09:45 PM

Raindrops below needy? Nah

Posted by: HausofTove 12th June 2019, 09:53 PM

The Light is Coming is still a fun listen, ya'll have done it so dirty! Not many other complaints, hoping the next few tracks out are TUN ones though x

Posted by: JosephAvery 12th June 2019, 10:32 PM

Neither of those are huge losses but raindrops is a gorgeous intro!

Posted by: Juliano 13th June 2019, 02:27 PM

22. 'R.E.M.' // 6.46
lovin' it: (10) blacksquare, Nick F1 / thank u next: 365, jakewild, Bré, UltraME! (2)

21. 'better off' // 6.46
lovin' it: (10) Andrew, blacksquare, digitalking / thank u, next: Dexton (-1), LM Lou (3)

Before entering the top 20, we have a tie between two 'sweetener' tracks, however the latter here received more 10s, giving it the advantage. Interestingly 'better off' received a (-1), whilst R.E.M's lowest score was (2)... but four of them!?

Speaking of which, at #22 is one of my personal favourite album tracks, super chill, it almost gives me festive vibes. I personally would have loved to see it as the winter single from sweetener, however of course Ari quickly moved on to her next project. The song was originally recorded, intended to be a part of Beyoncé's 2013 self-titled album, under the working title of "Wake Up". I'm slightly shocked to see this one so low, since it seemed to be an early on favourite for many from sweetener. To be fair, there is a lot of hefty competiton!

Out next, just missing out on a place in the top 20, is the (only) "true" ballad from 'sweetener; 'better off', is a beautifully produced and delivered track, that has been a massive grower to me over the past few months. It's theme is about ending a toxic relationship. Ari has stated that it is one of her favourite tracks from the album.

So... so far we've only lost 1 track from thank, u next!

sweetener: 06/15
thank u, next: 01/12

Posted by: Jade 13th June 2019, 02:37 PM

Oh 'Better Off' is way too low it's not the easiest listen ever due to the subject matter but sonically it's gorgeous.

'R.E.M.' is finally starting to click with me a bit more thanks to watching a couple of live performances of it, the verses feel like a bit of a moment when she performs it. Still one of my least favourite songs from 'sweetener' though so I'm not mad about that position. Still need to hear the Beyoncé version!

'sweetener' continuing to take quite a hit oops!

Posted by: JosephAvery 14th June 2019, 05:12 PM

20. 'borderline' // 6.51
lovin' it: (11) HausofTove / thank u next: 365 (1)

19. 'successful' // 6.71
lovin' it: (10) LewisGT, digitalking / thank u, next: Theonix (-1)

Another two from Sweetener drop out as we head into the top 20. The first is a collaboration with Missy Elliott in the form of borderline, a song that seems to split fans down the middle, as shown by its polarising scores above. Some absolutely love it, yet it fails to make an impact on others. Personally? I'm somewhere down the middle, not a huge loss for me but I'll bop when it comes on!

successful is also out in this section, which is a song I definitely prefer. It's catchy and memorable but also polarising - perhaps even more so than borderline as it received a score of -1 from Theo! Doesn't stop it managing to finish higher though, so despite a lower peak and also a lower low, you lot prefer successful to borderline.

sweetener: 08/15
thank u, next: 01/12

Posted by: HausofTove 14th June 2019, 05:24 PM

'borderline' is easily one of the best songs on these albums. 365 taste is questionable!

Posted by: Juliano 14th June 2019, 05:36 PM

I prefer 'successful', I just find 'borderline' a bit flat or off, but it's definitely the instrumental that makes me feel that way. I DO however much prefer 'R.E.M.' and 'better off' to both of these tracks.

Posted by: coi 14th June 2019, 06:23 PM

Half of Sweetener gone and only the worst song out from thank u, next. This is going very well.

Posted by: Liаm 14th June 2019, 06:46 PM

Wtf R.E.M. is WAY too low

Posted by: Jonjo 14th June 2019, 07:38 PM

'R.E.M' is sooo bland. I actually think it's my least fave Ari song for the fact it literally does nothing. :/
'Better Off' is gorgeous though. So beautifully heartbreaking.
'borderline' is ok. I should like it a lot more than I do.
'successful' is really cheeky but cute.

Posted by: Jade 14th June 2019, 08:46 PM

'borderline' is pretty good but I had such high expectations beforehand with Missy Elliott being involved, sadly it didn't quite live up to those! I would've preferred more of a full fat banger from them a la Missy's recent team-up with Lizzo.

Well, my least favourite from 'thank u, next' recently dropped out and now my least favourite from 'sweetener' has! I can't really warm to 'successful', the lyrics aren't great and the production there is probably the worst from the whole album. '7 rings' did the bragging thing better x

Posted by: Jade 15th June 2019, 09:38 AM

18. 'get well soon' // 6.8
lovin' it: digitalking (10), Andrew., Cqmerqn, SamJudd, Nick F1, Cameron & Darwin Turretson (09) / thank u, next: Theonix (1.5), UltraME! (2.5)

17. 'needy' // 6.9
lovin' it: Andrew., Cqmerqn & coi (10) / thank u, next: Theonix (0), LMLou (2)

'get well soon' drops out next, resulting in 60% of 'sweetener' exiting the game before we've even reached the top 15! Quite a bad showing for the album so far, especially when you consider that it is the one with more songs on it. 'get well soon' acts as a self-help moment for Ariana as she channels her anxiety through song. We of course know how her world was turned upside down in 2017. This song is a tribute to those who lost their lives in Manchester as she rounds off the song with 40 seconds of silence for them. It is also 5:22 in length, the longest on the album, to represent the 22/05 date that the tragedy occurred on. Plus 22 lives were lost. I love these small details. I expected the song to sound a whole lot different sonically, perhaps more of a weepy ballad. But the production doesn't really make me feel emotional at all, it's quite dramatic but not really in a sad way. The lyrics are where the meaning lies for sure. They're reflective and supportive to those listening, such as "I'll be right there just to hug you". This was definitely an unexpected sound considering the subject matter but one that I ended up enjoying after a few listens, I particularly like the way that the song builds throughout. A journey for sure.

Next up is finally another 'thank u, next' song! This is 'needy', which you guys also deemed not as good as its rhyming counterpart 'Greedy' in a recent poll in this AF. This is track #2 from the 'thank u, next' album and went down really well with the general public during album release week. In fact, so well that it became Ariana's 13th - and latest - top 10 single in the UK, peaking at #8 after heavy cherrypicking. It peaked at #14 in the US. I suppose it was helped by featuring so high on the album's track list. This is one of the least standout songs of the album for me personally, so I was disappointed that it was one of the few to get a chart play and top 10 status to its name! I just find it to be meandering and the production is only so-so. I do think that this is a strong point lyrically though, lines like "Good at overthinking with my heart" are relatable for a lot of people out there. Another lyric that also stands out to me is "...and sorry if I say sorry way too much" because Ariana tends to apologise a lot in interviews for the smallest things. So it's another personal one for sure with the detailing of this anxious behaviour. Still a whopping 10 songs from 'thank u, next' to go in this rate!

sweetener: 09/15
thank u, next: 02/12

Posted by: coi 15th June 2019, 10:26 AM

Poor 'needy', I'd actually say that's one of my favourite songs on the album!

Posted by: Tawdry Hepburn 15th June 2019, 10:52 AM

'Needy' is such a bore. Still pissed that its second week on the chart narrowly prevented 'Bloodline' getting an entry.

Posted by: Juliano 15th June 2019, 12:36 PM

QUOTE(Tawdry Hepburn @ Jun 15 2019, 11:52 AM)

Still pissed that its second week on the chart narrowly prevented 'Bloodline' getting an entry.

Posted by: blacksquare 15th June 2019, 03:39 PM

QUOTE(Juliano @ Jun 13 2019, 03:27 PM)

Posted by: LewisGT 15th June 2019, 04:05 PM

Borderline is probably the weakest across the two albums for me so no disappointment to see that out already.

R.E.M. & Successful are too low though

Posted by: Juliano 16th June 2019, 09:30 AM

QUOTE(blacksquare @ Jun 15 2019, 04:39 PM)

Posted by: Cameron 16th June 2019, 02:36 PM

16. 'in my head' // 7
lovin' it: digitalking (10) / thank u, next: LMLou (-1)

15. 'imagine' // 7.68
lovin' it: digitalking (11) / thank u, next: LMLou (4)

'in my head' just falls short of the top 15 and gains an average of 7. This one is one of my particular favourites from 'thank u, next' which is why I gave it a 9. the 'hea-ah-yea-ah-yeah-ah-eeee' chorus is blissful. Y'all better appreciate.

Next up is 'imagine'. Released as the first promo single from 'thank u, next', 'imagine' kicks off the top 15. Ariana's vocals sound absoloutly devine on this track and was pretty instant on first listen.

sweetener: 09/15
thank u, next: 04/12

Posted by: Jade 16th June 2019, 03:21 PM

'imagine' actually killed my hype for this era a bit around the time it was a promo single, but it's grown on me so much now! The whistle notes *.*

'in my head' was love at first listen though, I agree that the part you pointed out is blissful Cameron and I love the trappy production as well.

Posted by: Juliano 16th June 2019, 06:09 PM

Those are both PROPER marmite tracks. I still haven't grown to In My Head, but Imagine I've always quite liked.

Posted by: Juliano 17th June 2019, 10:45 AM

14. sweetener // 7.71
lovin' it: Cqmerqn, Sam Judd, digitalking (10) / thank u, next: Theonix (4)

13. goodnight n go // 7.9
lovin' it: Andrew., Jonjo, digitalking, Jordan Lee (10) / thank u, next: coi (5.5)

Well hello! Coming at you a few hours early than I would have liked, but the afternoon/evening schedule is packed today.

I can really tell the quality of tracks are really rising as we approach the top 10. Two tracks just missing out, with average scores of just below 8 are two more tracks from 'sweetener' are:
At #14, what I like to call the "Bop-it bop." is the title track from 'sweetener', which managed to chart in the top 20 in Hungary and Ireland, top 30 in the UK and top 100 in quite a few other countries, probably down to it's almost annoying catchiness. Up until it's release, it was the highest charting non-single to not be released in the US at #55. Another 'Pharrell' production, It was the first song that was written and recorded for the album.

Then at #13 is the 'Imogen Heap' cover/remixed version of 'Goodnight and Go'. Ari has always stated that Imogen is a big influence for her and that's she is a big fan. The track came about after Ari invited Imogen to perform at her 'One Love Manchester' concert. Ari turned it into an EDM and Future Bass flavoured song, whilst maintaining the Choruses mid-tempo "balladness" (?) of the original. It was one of only two album tracks performed at 'Ariana Grande at the BBC.' along with 'R.E.M.'.
It also performed well in many music charts, charting top 20 in Hungary and top 100 in Australia, Canada, Portugal, Scotland and the USA. It received an impressive four 10s in this rate and is the first track to have a lowest score of above 4.

So her 'sweetener' album is still not fairing well at all, we only have the singles and the other only song I could have seen as a single yet to go. 'thank u, next' is still holding impressively strong!

sweetener: 11/15
thank u next: 04/12

Posted by: Jade 17th June 2019, 12:26 PM

I feel like on paper I should stan 'goodnight n go' as I've liked every Imogen song I've heard, but it's only ever been 'nice' at best. Maybe one day it'll creep up on me more.

I love a bit of 'sweetener' on the other hand, a bop! Or a 'bop it bop' as you put it Juliano, the nostalgia is real *_* anyway, the bridge is lovely and the chorus is enjoyable, infectious trash. I think I would've pegged this as my guess for highest 'sweetener' album track before knowing the results, never would've guessed 'everytime' glad that's doing so well though!

Posted by: LewisGT 17th June 2019, 12:29 PM

Sweetener is one of the weakest across the two albums for me.

Goodnight n Go on the other-hand is lush

Posted by: Tawdry Hepburn 17th June 2019, 01:24 PM

I don't mind both of those, two of the better album tracks from sweetener (not that there's a lot of of them to choose from in that respect).

Posted by: Theonix 17th June 2019, 01:36 PM

Sweetener is actual trash How is it above Imagine?!

Posted by: Calum 17th June 2019, 02:34 PM

Sweetener is average. goodnight n go is great though, shame it didn’t manage top 10!

Posted by: Bré 17th June 2019, 09:48 PM

Poor 'sweetener' tracks getting rekt here but in fairness I barely remember any of them oops (and the album tracks were mostly below the quality of the majority of 'thank u, next' so I can't say I don't agree with the results xx 'everytime' was a notable exception so glad that is the highest placed 'sweetener' album track). How did 'the light is coming' finish behind the 5 second intro track though?? x

'imagine' is way too low, that's a really lovely song.

Posted by: HausofTove 18th June 2019, 06:37 AM

Sweetener track is cute! Goodnight n go, I should return to more than I do tbh.

Posted by: JosephAvery 18th June 2019, 05:58 PM

12. fake smile // 7.9
lovin' it: LMLou (11) / thank u, next: HarryEzra, Dexton (5)

11. everytime // 7.98
lovin' it: LewisGT, Jay (10) / thank u, next: Dexton (4.5)

Just outside the top 10 now! A fifth thank u, next track drops out, leaving over half the album to occupy the top 10. fake smile was an instant highlight for me personally, and it peaked at #26 on the Hot 100, only the ninth highest track from the album behind the three singles, promo single imagine and five others, so Buzzjack like it more than the US did!

Just missing the top 10 is the highest Sweetener album track. everytime misses out by 0.8 of a point. It peaked at #62 on the Hot 100 - the second highest new track to make the chart! Ariana has said it drifts in and out of being in her top 5 Sweetener songs, and it was co-written by Max Martin. We're now only left with the three Sweetener singles in the top 10!

sweetener: 12/15
thank u next: 05/12

Posted by: Jay ☆ 18th June 2019, 07:05 PM

Everytime is by far my favourite album track from Sweetener, so I'm glad to see it's the highest in the results! It deserved Top 10 though x

Posted by: Jade 18th June 2019, 07:49 PM

^ I agree that 'Everytime' deserved top 10, it's a beaut! Admittedly it took me a while to connect the title and song however, because it isn't that prominent, I think 'Back To You' would've been a better title in terms of memorability Mollie King teas x 'fake smile' feels about right though, a lovely moment on 'thank u, next' but not one of my absolute favourites. Wow at that album representing 7/10 of the top 10

I'll be kicking it off tomorrow, here is the top 10 in alphabetical order:

7 rings
bad idea
bloodline
break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored
breathin
ghostin
God is a woman
NASA
no tears left to cry
thank u, next

Feel free to predict/post your order of preference!

Posted by: HausofTove 18th June 2019, 08:53 PM

Even though a fair few results I'd have switched around... I think that's the top 10 I would have gone for / predicted!

No Tears... is coming for a gargantuan average and win though - and rightfully so.

Posted by: Theonix 18th June 2019, 10:04 PM

I'd swap ghostin for everytime but otherwise that's a very solid top 10!

Posted by: Juliano 19th June 2019, 09:50 AM

QUOTE(Theonix @ Jun 18 2019, 11:04 PM)

I'd swap ghostin for everytime but otherwise that's a very solid top 10!

Posted by: Jade 19th June 2019, 10:07 AM

No spoilers of course, but my order of preference would be:

01. God is a woman
02. no tears left to cry
03. 7 rings
04. ghostin
05. break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored
06. breathin
07. NASA
08. bad idea
09. thank u, next
10. bloodline

What a brilliant set of top 10 songs!! 'bad idea' only being my 8th favourite there feels so weird. A testament to the quality of what's left.

Posted by: Dexton 19th June 2019, 10:53 AM

As a wild guess:

1. NTLTC
2. TY,N
3. God is a woman
4. bad idea
5. BUWYGIB
6. Breathin
7. 7 Rings
8. NASA
9. Bloodline
10. ghostin

But it’s gonna be so close between the Top 5/6 idek. No Tears will win by a landslide but I can kinda see thank u, next or god is a woman showing a bit of competition

Posted by: Jade 19th June 2019, 05:01 PM

10. NASA // 8.06
lovin' it: digitalking, Jade (10) / thank u, next: LMLou (5), NickF1 (5.5)

Kicking off the top 10 is 'NASA', track 3 from 'thank, u next'! This begins an entire upper echelon with 8+ averages. The song cleverly incorporates a double entendre, with themes of both space ("you know I'm a star...") and needing space from someone ("...imma need space"). Hence Ariana answering "sort of" when asked if this song was about space before we heard it for the first time. It's about being stable on your own, which feels very relevant after Ari settled on being single for a while, following a couple of high-profile relationships. The song opens with the empowering lines: "This is one small step for woman, one giant leap for woman-kind" and fun fact, it's actually drag-queen Shangela who says those words. The song then quickly becomes an addictively catchy and bouncy moment on the album. It really stands out to me as a lot of fun in amongst a lot of chill-out songs. Ariana actually said that she had the most fun making both 'NASA' and '7 rings' from the album, I can see why. This happens to be one of my absolute favourites from 'thank u, next', hence being one of the two posters to give it a 10, so I'm thrilled that it snuck into the top 10. I shall forever dream of this being released as a single with a space-themed video to accompany it. Alas, Ariana just had to break our hearts by calling it a day after 3. Ah well.

sweetener: 12/15
thank u next: 06/12

Posted by: Juliano 20th June 2019, 09:15 AM

I love that song, it's probably the one I catch myself randomly singing the most. If I talk about the album at work (for what ever reason I can find), I've had it a few times where people have said that they "Like the one about Space".

Posted by: Cameron 20th June 2019, 07:40 PM

9. ghostin // 8.26
lovin' it: blacksquare (11) / thank u, next: LMLou (4)

Fresh off the press of its Lounge inspired thread and at my personal favourite position in rates ( ) is 'ghostin'. This dreamy, slow and emotional track shows off the stunning vocals of Ariana to a repetitively haunting instrumental. Gaining an 11 from blacksquare and multiple 10's and 9's, this track proves popular with Buzzjack posters due to its evident uniqueness.

sweetener: 12/15
thank u next: 07/12

Posted by: Jonjo 20th June 2019, 08:18 PM

ghostin' is by far her most emotional and vulnerable track. Absolutely stunning. Glad it made the top 10!

That whole top 10 is amaze though!!

Posted by: Jay ☆ 20th June 2019, 08:30 PM

I adore Ghostin - emotional/vulnerable/stunning is the perfect description for it. I'd love to see her sing this live, but I totally understand why she says she can't do it.

Posted by: Jade 20th June 2019, 08:49 PM

My favourite album track from 'thank, u next' - it's gorgeous, from the lyrics to her vocals I remember hearing it for the first time while walking to work earlier in the year and being floored by how emotional it was. The revelation of it sampling a Mac song made it even moreso. So so heartfelt

Posted by: JosephAvery 20th June 2019, 09:01 PM

ghostin is gorgeous !!

Posted by: Juliano 21st June 2019, 04:16 PM

8. bloodline // 8.5
lovin' it: Jonjo, jakewild, SamJudd, Doug, Liam, Calum, Juliano, Harry Ezra, Dexton, Theonix, Jordan Lee, JosephAvery, UltraME! Jay (10) / thank u, next: coi (4)

Next up: SUMMER SMASH!! THE NEXT SINGLE FROM THA... oh wait... None for Gretchen Wieners, no 11s for 'bloodline' (but an impressive fourteen 10s) and more annoyingly, no music video. I was waiting for Scream Queens meets Baywatch realness. 'bloodline' is a real highlight from 'thank u, next' and screamed out to most of us as being a clear future single for the Summer months, giving us 'Side To Side 2019' vibes. Will definitely be interesting to see how this one fairs in my upcoming 'Shoulda been a single contest'. The track begins with a funny snippet of Ari's grandmother; "Nonna", complaining about her new hearing aid, but that's definitely what it sounds like.

'bloodline' entered the top 20 in eight countries and and top 100 in eleven others, however missed out in the UK due to chart rules and heavy streaming of 'needy'.

sweetener: 12/15
thank u next: 08/12

Posted by: blacksquare 21st June 2019, 06:18 PM

If she had released Bloodline and NASA pre-album then they would have both been massive smashes. I can't believe they're sitting on them.

Ghostin' is just perfect and wonderful.

Posted by: Jade 21st June 2019, 06:19 PM

Wow look at all of those 10s 'bloodline' is a lot of fun and would definitely make sense as a single. Looking forward to the 'should've been a single...' game that you mention in the commentary Juliano! looks like 'bad idea' is highest album track then

Posted by: JosephAvery 21st June 2019, 06:21 PM

bloodline is so so good, one of her best non-singles

Posted by: Bré 21st June 2019, 06:55 PM

The best album track from both albums being the highest *.* I hope 'bad idea' isn't out next as having the singles as the entire top 6 would be a little too predictable x

I'm not a fan of 'bloodline' but I didn't like 'Side To Side' either so ~

Posted by: Tawdry Hepburn 21st June 2019, 08:48 PM

I'll never get over 'Bloodline' not being a single. It's just so cruel.

It's leagues above the other singles from that album.

Posted by: Juliano 21st June 2019, 09:38 PM

QUOTE(Tawdry Hepburn @ Jun 21 2019, 09:48 PM)

I'll never get over 'Bloodline' not being a single. It's just so cruel.

It's leagues above the other singles from that album.

Posted by: Jordan Lee 22nd June 2019, 04:57 PM

bad idea should’ve went ages ago!

The worst song on thank u, next and like 80% of sweetener is better too (very unpopular opinion but it’s a skip!)

NTLTC I think will win this.

Not too surprised at what’s left but certain tracks on sweetener went soon for my liking.

goodnight n go deserved top 10. REM went way too soon. break up should be gone.


I’m predicting a top 3 of

NTLTC
breathin
God is a woman

Posted by: JosephAvery 22nd June 2019, 09:18 PM

7. 7 rings // 8.6
lovin' it: Cqmerqn (11) / thank u, next: Calum (-1)

Rather fittingly, 7 rings drops out at 7. However, I can't help but feeling that though it's a satisfying position, it's way lower than expected Perhaps it's a testament to how strong the top end of this rate is? Or it's just the impact of a troll like Calum xx

7 rings was released as the second single from thank u, next, and rather randomly it samples My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music. However, the sample made for one of Ariana's biggest hits yet - a contender for her absolute biggest. The punchy chorus kickstarted a wave of memes on Twitter much like its predecessor and soared to #1 around the world.

The field is now equal between both Sweetener and thank u, next! Which will be the next to lose a song? And with our first single dropping out, it's fair game for anyone!

sweetener: 12/15
thank u next: 09/12

Posted by: Jade 22nd June 2019, 09:36 PM

I agree with everything you said Joseph, I'd be lying if the number geek in me wasn't satisfied by '7 rings' being at #7 but that's way too low! If I'd been allowed an 11 for 'thank u, next' as well then it would've definitely gone to that. I was obsessed from my first listen (it shot straight to #1 in my personal chart) and I still haven't tired of it even now. The 'sound of music' interpolation is genius, I have no idea how she pulled that off without it sounding like a complete mess but she did THAT. The production is amazing, the lyrics have an insane sing-a-long factor and the video was another fabulous one under her belt. Love love love.

How things have turned around from 'sweetener' trailing behind - now it's neck and neck for the amount of songs left from each album argh! Exciting.

Posted by: HausofTove 22nd June 2019, 09:54 PM

bad idea SLAYING as highest album track and still not revealed yet !!!!! deserved x

Posted by: coi 22nd June 2019, 10:03 PM

Well the singles from Sweetener were excellent, just that the rest of the album wasn’t as good.

I have to say I’m surprised at 7 rings going out before bad idea though, but it is indeed amusing to see it at #7 of all positions!

Posted by: Jade 23rd June 2019, 12:09 PM

6. break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored // 8.68
lovin' it: Nick F1 (11), Andrew., SamJudd, Calum, digitalking, Bré, Jade, Jack, HarryEzra, coi, Dexton & LewisGT (10) / thank u, next: jakewild (3), blacksquare, Cameron & Darwin Turretson (6)

Next another 'thank u, next' single drops out, leaving the title track as the only single left from this campaign. However, it still faces competition from album track 'bad idea' for the title of highest song from the album overall. 'break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored' was an instantly eye-catching title when we were first exposed to the track-list. It's both intriguing in terms of subject matter and length, clocking in at 40 characters long - Ariana's longest song title to date. The song isn't quite as in your face as you'd expect from that title though. It's less Avril Lavigne 'Girlfriend' sonically and instead more of a mid-tempo trap offering. But the attitude is there lyrically for sure. 'break up...' was an instant hit with the public. Ariana dropped the song alongside the video (another one directed by Hannah Lux Davis) and it instantly became her 5th UK number 1... replacing herself there, as '7 rings' held the podium position the week before! This was a record breaking moment for Ari as she became the first female artist ever to replace herself at #1. The records extended to across the pond too, as this song peaked at #2 resulting in an all Ariana top 3 (with the other singles from this campaign) - meaning that she is the first solo artist EVER to occupy the whole top 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Beatles are the only other act to manage this feat. Amazing. I'm personally a big fan of the song, it was definitely a grower in places (the chorus was more understated than I was expecting) but there was no denying that production from the word go. One of the best produced moments on the album for sure. This is another song that features a sample - this time N Sync's 'It Makes Me III'. This was the final song recorded for 'thank u, next'.

sweetener: 12/15
thank u next: 10/12

Posted by: coi 23rd June 2019, 12:17 PM

I wasn't expecting that to come below 'bad idea' either! My favourite single from the album going out there, definitely deserved better imo.

Posted by: Jordan Lee 23rd June 2019, 12:28 PM

bad idea should’ve been number 25 only that pete track and the light is coming are worse

Please please drop out next

Posted by: LewisGT 24th June 2019, 05:00 PM

Bloodline is the song whose position I disagree with the most so far. It's in my bottom 5 across the 2 albums.

It's also a shame to see BUWYGIM falling out before the top 5

Posted by: Cameron 24th June 2019, 08:44 PM

5. bad idea // 9.13
lovin' it: 365, Jonjo, jakewild, Cqmerqn, LMLou, Doug, Liam, Digitalking, Bre, Juliano, Jack, HarryEzra, LewisGT, Theonix, UltraME!, HausOfTroye and Jay (10) / thank u, next: coi (5)

Kicking off our top 5 is the last remaining album track of the rate, 'bad idea' from 'thank u, next'. This track is very punchy with the 'uh-huh' backing vocals providing extra oomph to the track. This almost sounds like it was made for Charli XCX but Ariana delivers it so well. This track has clearly connected with Buzzjack. Fandab gang!

sweetener: 12/15
thank u next: 11/12

Posted by: Jade 24th June 2019, 08:50 PM

An entire top 5 with averages of 9 and above - incredible! I never would've predicted 'bad idea' to finish so high so it was a nice surprise when calculating the results. It initially wasn't one of my biggest highlights from 'thank u, next' but it has definitely grown into one over time. A single that never was for sure!

Posted by: HausofTove 24th June 2019, 08:52 PM

Incredible song and the stand out of the last era. That final build up / moment is LIFE. Gutted it never became a single but the era's single releases were a mess oh well, it received recognition here which is all that matters *.*

Posted by: coi 24th June 2019, 09:20 PM

Wow I wasn't expecting my 5 to be the lowest score anyone gave that! It makes it look like I dislike the song, I really don't!

Posted by: Tawdry Hepburn 24th June 2019, 09:24 PM

QUOTE(Jordan Lee @ Jun 23 2019, 01:28 PM)

bad idea should’ve been number 25 only that pete track and the light is coming are worse

Please please drop out next

Posted by: HausofTove 24th June 2019, 09:29 PM

sweetener: 12/15
thank u next: 11/12

And I oop-

Posted by: Juliano 25th June 2019, 03:10 AM

Yep, after that crazy lead by 'thank u, next', things didn't half turn around in the top 10!

Posted by: Juliano 25th June 2019, 08:06 PM

*such a fitting still shot, considering we are exactly half a year from Christmas.

4. thank u, next // 9.31
lovin' it: 365, blacksquare, jakewild, Cqmerqn, SamJudd, Cameron, Liam, Calum, digitalking, Juliano, Jack, HarryEzra, Dexton, LewisGT, Theonix, Jordan Lee, UltraME! and Jay (10) / thank u, next: LM Lou (5), Bré, coi (7.5)

So before we leap into our top 3; thank u, next's title track is the last song from the album to leave the rate, narrowly missing the top 3 (by 0.1 of a point), meaning it was unable to break apart the "Holy trinity" of singles from 'sweetener', however, which will fair best?

There is too much to say about this TUNE...

Pretty much a surprise release and unconventional as it was; thank u, next was Ari's brilliant way to move on from her 'sweetener' era, after much emotional distress and disconnect from the project. It claimed her first #1 in her home country, for an incredible seven weeks! It also topped the charts in Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea and the UK!! (Are you going cross eyed reading all of those countries yet?).

It's lyrics quickly became iconic and are still quoted daily by many. They also somewhat controversially shout out Ariana's exes; Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, Pete Davidson and of course "angel" Mac Miller, a brave and bold move on her behalf, after much pressure from her label to change the lyrics. It's lyrics related to so many and became a staple for those getting over anything, whether it be a relationship or just a bad experience in general.

After it's fabulous video premiered, it quickly broke the record for most viewed video in 24 hours on YouTube and Vevo, with over 55 million views. It wittily included a sneaky preview of '7 rings' that nobody could have guessed, alongside references and reenactments of famous scenes from 'Legally Blonde', 'Mean Girls', 'Bring It On', and '13 Going on 30'. The video was star-studded, with cameos from 'Troye Sivan', 'Jennifer Coolige', 'Kris Jenner', 'Coleen Ballinger', 'Victoria Monet', 'Elizabeth Gillies'... and the list goes on, OH but special shout out to Toulouse, the real star of course.

The track and video in general received overwhelming praise from the get go, which was very promising to see after the somewhat mixed response to 'sweetener'.
Seems like it became a staple for many of you with an overwhelming EIGHTEEN 10s and few/middle low scores.

Honestly don't feel I've written enough to cover this, but you get the message!
Anyway, I'll shut up now!

thank u, next xx

sweetener: 12/15
thank u next: 12/12

Posted by: Jade 25th June 2019, 08:35 PM

That was a great read Juliano! 'thank u, next' was suuuuch a grower for me, I remember initially being really disappointed by it (minus the Mac lyric which was a sweet touch) but it soon wormed its way into my affections crazy how she just casually dropped the biggest single of her career out of nowhere *.* the video was everything for me as a Mean Girls stan! I want the thank u, next 'Burn Book' style notebook from her site but can't quite justify £20

Posted by: Juliano 25th June 2019, 10:22 PM

QUOTE(Jade @ Jun 25 2019, 09:35 PM)

That was a great read Juliano! 'thank u, next' was suuuuch a grower for me, I remember initially being really disappointed by it (minus the Mac lyric which was a sweet touch) but it soon wormed its way into my affections crazy how she just casually dropped the biggest single of her career out of nowhere *.* the video was everything for me as a Mean Girls stan! I want the thank u, next 'Burn Book' style notebook from her site but can't quite justify £20

Posted by: Jordan Lee 25th June 2019, 11:20 PM

I’m another one who had thank u next grow on them too.

At the time it came out I was like whaaaat!!

She’s just released her three best singles none of which topped the charts and this is the one what’s going to #1 with ease.

But now I kind of love it. The video won it over for me. I’d have put 7 rings above it though.

Posted by: JosephAvery 26th June 2019, 04:54 PM

3. breathin // 9.41
lovin' it: Cameron, Calum, Lewis GT, Theonix (11) / thank u, next: LM Lou (6)

The averages are getting really quite insane as we move into our top 3 of Sweetener songs alone. I guess it proves that thank u, next is the more consistent album, but Sweetener has higher highs!

The first of the three singles from that album to drop out is breathin, the third and final single. It was an instant fan favourite and spent its sole week in the UK top 10 immediately after the album was released. The song is about Ariana's anxiety attacks, where she found it difficult to breathe. You guys showed the song a lot of love, with four scores of 11 and only one score below an 8.

In the charts worldwide, it saw instant success, which is a testament to how good a song it was because its music video didn't arrive for over two months after its UK peak! It was the highest new song to debut on the Hot 100, at #22, when Sweetener was released. It went on to peak at an impressive #12 peak. The song also went top 10 in Belgium (Wallonia), Australia, Czech Republic, Ireland and Portugal among others.

sweetener: 13/15
thank u next: 12/12

Posted by: Jade 26th June 2019, 05:15 PM

‘Breathin’ is stunning it took a bit of time to grow (as is the case with a lot of her songs I’m realising) into the fave it is now but I’m really appreciating it more than ever lately. The video was quite understated compared to the two that came before it but I love the meaning behind it. Sometimes less is more.

Superb top 2 left!

Posted by: Theonix 26th June 2019, 07:38 PM

Breathin was the most instant of all of Sweetener for me, including the two singles still to come. By far the highlight of the album and amongst Ariana's very very best

Posted by: Juliano 26th June 2019, 10:24 PM

Breathin is high up somewhere in my favourite ever tracks not only by Ari, but in general! Really helps me get through the day sometimes, very nearly gave my 11 to it. Any of the top 3 easily deserved to be #1 in my eyes.

Posted by: Jordan Lee 27th June 2019, 10:43 AM

breathin is beautiful and deserves top 3.

am I right in thinking this isn’t actually one of Aris personal favourites herself?

She seemed surprised this was the non single at the time to really take off and appeal to her fans.

I got the vibe she wished REM got the appeal this did.

Posted by: LewisGT 27th June 2019, 11:57 AM

I knew from just the first 30 seconds of my 1st listen that Breathin was going to be my highlight from the album. Absolutely stunning song.

Posted by: Jade 27th June 2019, 05:27 PM

2. God is a woman // 9.45
lovin' it: Jade (11), Andrew., Jonjo, blacksquare, Cqmerqn, SamJudd, Cameron, Liam, Calum, digitalking, Bré, ...ready for it, Juliano, Jack, HarryEzra, Dexton, Jordan Lee, JosephAvery, HausofTove & Jay ☆ (10) / thank u, next: Darwin Turretson (7), coi (7.5)

So it is the second 'sweetener' single that snatches second place! I'm so happy that random.org chose me to write about this one, because as you can see above - it received my 11! I was the only one to award it an 11 but it also received an astonishing 19 sets of 10. I did not expect 'God is a woman' to finish quite this high, I would've guessed low top 5 before seeing the results, but evidently it is loved on BuzzJack, with its lowest score still being as high as 7! So, Ari had a tough job on her hands - following up the adored 'no tears left to cry' was always going to be difficult. But she pulled it off as this became another top 10 for her on both sides of the pond - reaching #4 in the UK and #8 in the US. The title is a risqué one for sure but one that denotes female empowerment and how the universe "is inside of us" as Ari said herself. Savan Kotecha (when originally working on the song with Rickard Göransson) originally came up with the phrase "You'll find out God is a woman" and had a male rapper in mind for the verses (with a female on the chorus) to work with this, however, they felt that the whole song had to come from a woman. This was then where Ari came in and did her thing. I'm sooo thankful that she did as this has been an ultimate career highlight for me! The song feels pretty unique with its trappy verses, slowed down chorus and short choir moment towards the end. It builds up so effectively! Although I do wish the choir had a longer part. I enjoy the liberated and powerful lyrics also. Then we've got to talk about the video! What a moment in her videography, on that front the 'sweetener' era took it to a whole new level. In the Dave Meyers directed video, Ari is in command here as the mistress of the universe. The imagery throughout is stunning as the video continually pays homage to paintings created by female artists. Also, none other than Madonna makes a vocal cameo to recite a passage from the bible. Of course there are random screaming gophers that show up out of nowhere as well. Because why not. A real triumph overall for Ariana. As ever she kills it on vocals, I'd highly recommend the performance from the MTV VMAs as that shows how much of a star she's become.

sweetener: 14/15
thank u next: 12/12

Posted by: Cameron 27th June 2019, 11:09 PM

1. no tears left to cry // 10.56
lovin' it: 365, Andrew., Jonjo, jakewild, SamJudd, Doug, Liam, Bre, ...read for it, Juliano, Jack, HarryEzra, coi, Dexton, Jordan Lee, JosephAvery, UltraME!, Jay (11) / thank u, next: LewisGT (9)

So, here we have it. The obvious winner to this rate... The incredible 'no tears left to cry'! Actually, a track so incredible that EVERYONE bar LewisGT rated it either 10 or 11! This surely has to be a first for Buzzjack? Anyway, I don't know where to start with this song and am actually honored that I have been given the chance to write the commentary for it. After the Manchester bombing, we all expected Ariana to return with an emotional ballad and with a title such as 'no tears left to cry' this track could have gone either way. However, I remember waking up bang on 4am for the premiere of the video and was instantly crying my eyes out. Oh my lord. The visuals are stunning, the vocals are incredible and the vibe of the song is exquisite. The 'pickin it up' lines easily get stuck in your head and the ad-libs are heavenly - especially the ones during 'the world just wants you to come with me' after the first 3 minutes of the song.

Let me know what you think about this track!

sweetener: 15/15
thank u next: 12/12

Posted by: Cameron 27th June 2019, 11:10 PM

Here are the results of the 'thank u, sweet' rate:

1 no tears left to cry 10.56
2 God is a woman 9.45
3 breathin 9.41
4 thank u, next 9.31
5 bad idea 9.13
6 break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored 8.68
7 7 rings 8.6
8 bloodline 8.5
9 ghostin 8.26
10 NASA 8.06
11 everytime 7.98
12 fake smile 7.9 (received 1 11)
13 goodnight n go 7.9 (received 0 11s)
14 sweetener 7.71
15 imagine 7.68
16 in my head 7
17 needy 6.9
18 get well soon 6.8
19 successful 6.71
20 borderline 6.51
21 better off 6.46 (received more 10s)
22 R.E.M 6.46 (received less 10s)
23 make up 6.45
24 raindrops (an angel cried) 6.4
25 the light is coming 5.56
26 blazed 5.51
27 pete davidson 4.73

Posted by: Jade 27th June 2019, 11:22 PM

THAT AVERAGE!!! Outrageously high. I cannot deal with that sole 9 as the lowest score but 'no tears left to cry' completely deserves this outpouring of love. It was a close second in line to my 11 as it's a truly stunning and epic song with an equally impressive video.

Thanks to everyone for following along! Really enjoyed being a part of this with my co-mods as the first activity from the current team

Posted by: coi 28th June 2019, 05:01 AM

NTLTC with an average over 10.5?! That’s insane and clearly shows that literally everyone who took part loves the song, true perfection!

It was interesting to see how the album tracks compared! I think it might be nice to revisit some of the older albums at some point.

Thanks for running this!

Posted by: HausofTove 28th June 2019, 06:34 AM

Incredible top 2. God... has so many memories attached to it for me and NTLTC is still so sensational - always a moment whenever I hear it

Posted by: Juliano 28th June 2019, 07:51 AM

Such amazing results there! NTLTC, GIAW and Breathin were all love on first listen. Their videos and live performances only escalated my love for them. Such pop perfection and insanely great top 3. Do feel the right track won also.

Posted by: JosephAvery 28th June 2019, 11:30 AM

Phenomenal average for a phenomenal song

Posted by: Jordan Lee 28th June 2019, 01:45 PM

Pleased with that winner

Posted by: Theonix 28th June 2019, 01:53 PM

Oh my at that average for No Tears! Completely deserved though - a once in a lifetime kind of song and I'm so glad it kicked off her come back so spectacularly I love God too but not as much to place it in my top 5 of the two albums, I'm surprised to see it almost as unanimously loved though

Thanks for running this! It's been great to follow